Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Choice represent any vendors?
No. Choice exclusively represents multi-family owners, managers and developers. Choice is respectful of establishing a positive long-term partnership with all service providers. This includes making sure that the client’s contractual marketing commitments are achieved, but the direct agency relationship is between Choice and the client.

Q: Our properties already have some vendor contracts in place that include revenue sharing. Why do we need Choice’s services?
Choice is only compensated when it brings incremental value to the property. Clients have the option of which properties and which service categories Choice will represent. Choice mostly represents services for which our clients do not have revenue share contracts, vendor contacts and/or knowledge or if there are opportunities to improve upon the existing vendor contract(s).

Q: How is Choice compensated?
Choice shares in the incremental monies generated for client properties. Choice, therefore, has a vested interest in maximizing the business opportunities for all parties involved (client properties, service provider(s), residents and Choice).

Q: Can Choice help us if we only focus on new construction and development?
Absolutely. Choice has a major focus on meeting the client needs in new development for both apartments and condominiums especially in the area of telecommunications. Choice has facilitated vendor services agreements for over 7,000 new development units.

Q: Will using Choice save me time?
Yes. Choice not only generates incremental monies for your properties, Choice wants to be your “ancillary services department”. Choice manages the overall vendor negotiating and implementation process for its clients, saving YOU very valuable time which will improve your productivity. We take care of the day-to-day details.

Q: Who makes the final decisions for committing to vendor programs?
Choice’s clients make the final decisions. Choice is a facilitator in the process and cannot move ahead without client approvals. “Vendor Proposal Summaries” are prepared by Choice (including revenue share projections) so our clients can make quick, informed decisions.

Q: What size clients does Choice typically represent?
Choice’s primary client is a midsize multi-family owner, manager or developer with 1,000 to 20,000 units. Outsourcing ancillary income programs to Choice is well received by this size client portfolio since most clients do not have the staffing, vendor contacts, industry knowledge, volume and overall expertise that Choice provides.

Q: Where does Choice represent multi-family properties?
Choice’s coverage is national. Currently, Choice represents 100,000 units on 800 properties in 29 states.

Q: In what service categories does Choice specialize?
Choice currently focuses on the following service categories: local telephone, cable television, satellite services, internet, long distance, utilities, wireless telephone, beverage vending, renters insurance, appliance rentals, metered laundry and internet-based resident connection services.

Q: Can Choice simplify the move-in process for our residents?
Yes. One way is through a unique and customizable by property online service, ChoiceMoveIn.com, allowing residents to sign up for utilities, telecommunications and other services all in one internet location. This saves your residents hours of time calling dozens of different service providers. For more information, click here. In addition, Choice will provide each leasing office with marketing materials for their service providers under contract, so they can be included in application and move-in packets. Choice also has display unit options that will allow a leasing office to keep all marketing brochures in a neat professional manner so residents can access them easily.

Q: Does Choice oversee the implementation of vendor programs?
Yes. Choice is involved in both the contract negotiating and the implementation process. Choice is looking for a long-term relationship that maximizes revenue opportunities for all parties involved. That includes ongoing vendor management, oversight of property level activities, revenue share verification and reporting plus periodic business reviews with client management to identify and execute business-building plans.

Q: How do we find out what opportunities our properties have?
Before Choice represents your properties, we request that each of your properties complete a simple survey. We input the survey results in our database. We then prepare a comprehensive analysis including our revenue projections and recommendations. You can then make a more educated decision on Choice’s services. This is done with no obligation and no cost to you.

Q: What success rate has Choice achieved in generating revenue share contracts?
Choice has an excellent rate of success. For example, before Choice’s representation in the area of telecommunications, only 17% of our clients’ units had revenue sharing agreements in place. Choice has achieved an overall 75% success rate to date with a projected 87% success rate based on additional active contracts currently in process.

Q: Will residents pay more for services in order to pay properties a revenue share?
No. Choice makes sure your residents pay the same or better rates compared to those offered to the general public. Additional costs are not added.

Q: Does Choice work with the vendors servicing our specific properties?
Choice has contacts with a comprehensive list of national and regional service providers across the country as well as the necessary network to reach out to vendors in new geographic areas. For a partial list of those vendors, click here.

Q: Does Choice accept any undisclosed monies from vendors of which Choice's clients are unaware?
No. Choice fully discloses complete vendor programs to its clients. Choice is only compensated by our clients. Choice’s company policy also prohibits accepting gifts or favors from service providers except those of modest value.

Q: Does Choice monitor vendor contract renewal dates?
Yes. Before Choice represents a portfolio we assist you in surveying your properties so we can build a database of your current vendor contracts. Choice then updates the database as new contracts are signed and prepares vendor contract termination reports.

Q: Is the agency agreement between Choice and my properties an exclusive agreement?
Yes. Choice's clients commit that Choice will exclusively represent specific properties for specific service categories during the term of the Choice agency agreement.

Q: How does Choice keep clients informed of Choice's progress for their specific portfolio?
Choice has an extensive database of information about the properties we represent. Choice tracks revenue and penetration activity by vendor and by property each quarter. From this information Choice prepares and presents a comprehensive "Ancillary Services Business Review" for each client on a periodic basis. Reviews can be on a micro basis by property or rolled up by client district, region or portfolio.