ZERO for advertising. Yet...

Steven,

I know you didn't ask for a product review but I couldn't resist taking a deeper look. I like the idea but the product did not impress me.

The first problem I see is trying to selling it using the pitch of client does all the work and owner just spends 5 minutes each making $25 per minute. I don't think the market is big enough to only cater to the computer savvy users with no support ... the owner will need to do most of the computer work.

Next, I question the suggested value of the service. $125 to $250 for a 6 month on your own listing? I doubt it and your buyers who give you $1500 will be disappointed. However, I challenge you to prove it. Setup your system in a test city, follow your business plan and use the real numbers and results to pitch this opportunity. That would be meaningful.

What I like is:
1) Doing this as a regional business where the owner takes out classifed ads to give value not provided by listings on yahoo.
2) Providing signs and other marketing materials.
3) Selling this as a business opportunity.

What I would like to see in the product is a more powerful toolset with ad tracking. Realistic expectations and training and support for the owner. The entry fee would be higher (say $2995) and a hosting fee (say $100 month when established).

A real life example site can be found at:
http://littlepicketfence.com

I don't like some parts of the design of their site (ex. the text chasing cursor) but they have proven the market. Right now I had a problem pulling up the listed homes and also it looks like the listings are down. When I researched this before it looked like it would be good for about $10,000-25,000 per year to the owner ... nice part time opportunity to the right stay at home person with the right expectations.

Regards,
Rob