Leading roles

I read Nat Daniels' article calling for internet lead providers to be regulated by a trade body with interest (Mortgage Solutions, 20/02/06, p26). The Mortgage Angels managing director raised valid points but there were also assertions made that I wholeheartedly disagree with.

I fail to see how a regulatory body for lead-generation would benefit the intermediary user. With firms having such different propositions it would be impossible to compare like for like.

Instead, there is an increased need to educate intermediaries in terms of what constitutes a good lead supplier, and how to maximise internet leads. By doing this, we will be able to encourage good practice, thus stamping out rogue practice without the influence of a policing authority. Take Daniels' comment, 'It used to be the case that brokers were charged up-front for the leads they bought', Paaleads.com has supplied leads to intermediaries for nearly four years and has never operated on a 'money first, leads later' basis. Now intermediaries have a greater understanding of the consequences of pre-payment of leads, our peers are following suit - ultimately eradicating this practice.

I would, however, like to thank Daniels for re-affirming that internet lead providers can add value to their proposition by offering support serv-ices that help maximise the potential of the leads. This can only streng-then our position.

Vanessa Blount

Head

Paaleads.com