Why would anyone in "sales" not want to use Craigslist? I have found 4 great jobs on it. Used it for 5 years on a weekly basis. I use it to sell and buy items. I always take someone with me for meetings, but if you look at the odds, it would probably show the odds of getting assaulted by someone from a Craiglist ad are probably lower than getting hit by a train.

I think a one-on-one meeting then a group training class on how to handle ALL inquiries and show apartments safely would be your best bet in preparation for the ads to start. Once they get those inquiries and leases, they'll calm down.

It's the fear of the unknown. Use psychology on the them. Fear spreads fear.

Well, I'm using these ideas and will move forward. One thing I've realized is that previously I've worked in city markets where there is somewhat regular turnover in leasing agents and even prop mgrs. I haven't previously managed a group of staffs where all of them have been there years and years--many of them 7-10 years, even some up to 15.

I wholeheartedly agree with Jules on the "over-sizing" of the Craigslist media stories. An Craigslist ad for a place of business is a whole different thing than an ad for doing something dangerous with a stranger who invited you to their bedroom!

I wrote an article on this subject

www.multifamilyinsiders.com/multifamily-...asing-agents-at-risk

I recently discovered a product that all my Leasing Team members now have called the Guardian. WE saw it at the Brainstorming trade show last year. It's a personal gps/alarm/alert/monitored device kind of thing they can attach to their keys...like a "help, I've fallen and I can't get up" device for Leasing Pros. My team appreciated our leasing them...Not cheap but what's personal safety worth?
That said, SERIOUSLY? They're AFRAID TO POST CL ADS? :ohmy:

I agree with Ann. While I have heard of realtors and property managers becoming victims of crimes while showing, it's quite rare, and no excuse to not use CL. You should certainly implement reasponable safety procedures to protect them, conduct safety meetings to teach them how to prevent crime and how to decrease the changes of being targeted, and then force them to use craigslist. It's by far the best source of leads most of us have. You're crippling yourself by not using it.

Wow. I manage a large property in what is considered the "unsavory" part of town, and there are 3 girls in my office (myself included). This really sounds like an excuse. Last month we had 34 leads and 12 applications come from Craigslist, and not one of them were problems (or felons). We have the same rule as not showing after dusk. However, my leasing agents keep pepper spray on their key rings at all times; not necessarily for just shows, but while they are out walking the property as well.