IDX Nightmare

[JeriC]

Has anyone experienced a similar customer service experience with IDX Direct out of California? I contacted them on Feb. 14th and signed up for their service. They charged my card within minutes. 3 Weeks later, they ignored my calls and still, no service was provided. I contacted their customer service by email and demanded a refund. They didn't respond back until March 7th saying they would "forward my request for refund to their billing department." Here, March 28th, still no refund. I contacted them again. They basically let me know I would get it, when I get it. Hows that for customer service?

Any suggestions for an IDX solution that actually cares about their business?

[KeysToFlorida]

I have been pleased with iHouse's IDX solution - less expensive than IDX direct and allows us lots of flexability to create custom sorts.

To see a sample of what we are doing visit our www.Ocean30.com site and select any of the Oceanfront Condos - we show the listings by condo. We are using the same IDX for multiple sites and have been pleased so far.

Dave

[leadsearchsolutions]

Just make sure you own the website and have the rights to edit what they provide you. I've worked with too many companies that can't generate good leads from search engines because they can't edit it to make it search engine friendly.

[orlandorealestate]

I have had pretty good luck with IDXCO (Dot) com. They have a lot of features are very easy to get in contact with and reasonably priced.

[EmpireApts]

I found it mych easyer to get a programmer and getting the programmer make one for you. Fully customizable, etc.

http://www.nycbrokerfree.com

My site is designed in PHP if you're not into PHP ASP, or Cold Fusion might be ok. But php is open source and more powerfull.

[jlryan]

I use the iHomefinder solution for 90% of my client's real estate websites simply because it is easier to work with than any of the other MLS / IDX providers I've worked with. They have numerous features that are easy to plug-into my existing layouts.

Here's what I like best about iHomefinder:

Easy to set-up;
Easy to plug-in to existing site layouts;
Ability to easily pull pre-sorted search results by city, zip code, price or property type;
Excellent customer service;
Very affordable - no nickel and diming you;
Awesome back-end;
Decent support lead times;
Low downtime;
Extra Features built into overall price; (Quick Search, Scrolling Listings)
Numerous ways to integrate into your website (iframes, etc...)I just love it!

[BusaRider]

Has anyone experienced a similar customer service experience with IDX Direct out of California? I contacted them on Feb. 14th and signed up for their service. They charged my card within minutes. 3 Weeks later, they ignored my calls and still, no service was provided. I contacted their customer service by email and demanded a refund. They didn't respond back until March 7th saying they would "forward my request for refund to their billing department." Here, March 28th, still no refund. I contacted them again. They basically let me know I would get it, when I get it. Hows that for customer service?

Any suggestions for an IDX solution that actually cares about their business?

Hey Jeri,

I had the same problem with IDXDirect.com, they suck! Thier customer support is nonexistent or flat out rude if you're lucky enough to get in touch with someone. I am using our REALTOR idx until I find a custom application. I don't want to end up with another IDXDirect.com.

[cmeesoon]

well I agree with the other guy ....get a programmer and do it for a one time flat fee...

I build and design RETS and IDX solutions for all of my own sites and also for my client sites ...lead time on a new MLS system that I have never done can take me as long a 3 days to map out all of the fields -but- just getting set up with the local board of Realtors as an affiliate can sometimes take more than a week.

[YourOrlando.com]

well I agree with the other guy ....get a programmer and do it for a one time flat fee...

I build and design RETS and IDX solutions for all of my own sites and also for my client sites ...lead time on a new MLS system that I have never done can take me as long a 3 days to map out all of the fields -but- just getting set up with the local board of Realtors as an affiliate can sometimes take more than a week.

I would like to know more about this custom built application. How can you be contacted?

[Honeycomb Properties]

Just make sure you own the website and have the rights to edit what they provide you. I've worked with too many companies that can't generate good leads from search engines because they can't edit it to make it search engine friendly.
I also own part of a marketing firm- Queen Bee Marketing and we specialize in Search Engine Optimization. It took us a while before we located a solution to IDX that was search engine friendly. If you want to find out how SEO friendly your website is, you should visit seo-browser and input your url. It will then show you what the search engines can read from your site.
Visit my site to view the customization options available within an SEO friendly IDX site.

[TobyMunk]

You want to make sure you get with your credit card provider and file a claim. They have the power to stop the tranaction. They will ask for some documentation and send a letter to the seller. If the IDX provider does not respond to that you will be refunded your money.

Hope this helps.

[itrends]

well I agree with the other guy ....get a programmer and do it for a one time flat fee...

I build and design RETS and IDX solutions for all of my own sites and also for my client sites ...lead time on a new MLS system that I have never done can take me as long a 3 days to map out all of the fields -but- just getting set up with the local board of Realtors as an affiliate can sometimes take more than a week.

I definitely agree with you 100% Getting a developer to build out your web site will be more cost-effective in the end and you will not have to deal with the BS some of these MLS/IDX providers give you. you can have your own site and a 'truly' search engine friendly web site if you do it yourself. Most of these IDX solutions provide some crappy javascript (or other type of 'plugin') to integrate MLS listings into yoru web site, but that is garbage. Search engines will have LOTS more pages to index if you provide them with listings that can actually be spidered.

[allnightit]

I am an IDX vendor and do not provide any sort of front end for my clients. I manage the entire site, from the automatic email alerts when new listings match, to the search engine exported pages that are sent to google.

I agree with the folks above, dime-a-dozen IDX vendors are not going to anything other than nickel and dime you to death.

In some cases programmers and web designers will partner with Brokers in their companys to get a percentage of their profits. This allows the broker to actually get their site up and the programmer to ensure future income, but the site had better perform or it's free!