Answers
General Questions
top
Why should I use a virtual tour for my listings?
It is said that over 80% of people begin their home search online today. Your customers are busier than ever and don't have time to look at many houses. A virtual tour gives a prospective buyer a "taste" of the home and "whets their appetite" to go see it in person. People also like website interaction. A virtual tour gives them the ability to play around with a listing and familiarize themselves with it before calling to view it.
What is the difference between Vid2r and a Virtual Tour?
Currently Virtual Tours use only still photographs to produce a "tour" of a property. These still images can be panoramas stitched together, which is what you usually see when you can see a 360° view of a property. Other types of virtual tours pan back and forth or up and down over a large still photograph. Some companies claim to have video virtual tours, but all they are showing you is a slideshow of photographs.
Vid2r is currently the only company that offers a full featured virtual tour player with REAL video. This means that we come to the property with video cameras and actually shoot and edit a motion picture for you, complete with narration and music. With video, the possibilities are endless:
Introduce yourself and host the tour of the property where you point out key features of the home. We can interview the current homeowners or residents of the community, capture sounds from the surrounding environment, show children at play to portray a family feel, and much more. Use your imagination!
Why should I choose video over a 360 panorama?
The possibilities with video are endless! Not only can we add an audio narrative that goes along with the tour, we can do interviews, and use motion and sound to get a feel for the community or environment. Think about telling a story of the home: it's history, anecdotes about the neighborhood, unique features of this particular home that make it special. Whatever comes to mind, we can produce the vision behind it!
For more reasons to switch to Vid2r for your virtual tour needs, read The Vid2r Advantage.
What is streaming video?
Streaming video is one of the hottest forms of marketing on the internet today. Streaming video lets the viewer begin watching it without downloading the entire file first. This allows for faster viewability.
Why are the majority of your videos less than 3 minutes long?
It is a known fact that attention span drops off after about 2 minutes. Today's buyer just doesn't have the time to watch full length movies on every home. Vid2r believes the purpose of a virtual tour is not to replace a live showing, but rather to give buyers a taste of the home's best features to entice them want to schedule a live tour of the house.
To what websites do you distribute Vid2r?
The list of websites we send your videos and/or listings to is constantly changing. Check the Vid2r Marketing page to see a current list of websites.
What does it mean that Vid2r is a full service company?
There are some Virtual Tour companies that make you take your own photos then use their software to stitch together a panoramic tour. At Vid2r, we take a different approach. We know how busy real estate agents are. That's why for a low price, we do everything for you:
- we shoot the property with video AND still cameras
- We provide you with the edited video AND digitally optimized photographs for use in print and other online marketing
- We create printable flyers for the listing
- We build out the player for you, input the listing details, photos and video
- We host the Vid2r for you
- We send you the link to the Vid2r so all you have to do is place the link on your own website(s)
- We add your Vid2r to your local MLS (this may vary from region to region)
- We upload your Vid2r to Realtor.com ($20 fee unless you are a Showcase lister)
- We upload your videos to YouTube, Google Video, Yahoo! Video, Wellcome Mat, and more
The only thing you are responsible for is providing us with your headshot, company logo, and property information (via the Property Information Form) This tells us what listing details to include in the Vid2r.
What is Vid2r's turn around time?
Under normal circumstances, we can schedule a shoot of the property within a few days of your order. Once the property has been filmed and photographed, you can expect your completed Vid2r in approximately 5 business days. In order to have this done in the proper turn around time, we need your completed property information email returned to us within a day of shooting. Delays in returning this to us can expect further delays in completing your Vid2r.
What is your coverage area?
Vid2r's main concern is quality, not quantity. For that reason, we are expanding one market at a time so we can be sure to ensure quality control. Currently, we are offering services in the Colorado Front Range and Summit County and will be expanding to the San Diego, CA area in May, 2008. To inquire when Vid2r will be coming to your area, please contact us online or call 877.Vid2r.55.
Can I use the photographs you take in my other websites and marketing?
Definitely! We email you web size photographs no later than the morning after your shoot. These are perfect for your MLS listing and website. We will then provide you with access to download the full sized photographs for your print materials. Because Vid2r is still fairly new, we would greatly appreciate any credit you would like to extend to us, but it is not necessary.
Can I use the video you make in my other websites and marketing?
You may certainly use the video for your other marketing. For copyright purposes, we must include the Vid2r logo on the video.
On your Premier and Executive packages, what is Agent Representation?
Agent representation is where you host the video tour! Introduce yourself to prospective clients, walk them through the home and point out the home's highlights.
We regret to inform you that Metrolist will not allow any agent branding on their tours, so if you plan to have your Vid2r linked from Metrolist, you will have to purchase a separate player for this purpose. We offer Metrolist compatible Vid2rs for an additional $89. (For clients who have already purchased a Premium tour).
What is a podcast?
According to Apple, "Podcasts are like radio or TV shows that are downloaded over the Internet. Visitors can download an individual podcast episode or subscribe to a podcast series. When visitors subscribe to a podcast, the latest episode is downloaded to iTunes on their computer, as well as the next time iTunes checks for new episodes. Once the episodes are in iTunes, visitors will be able to [watch them on their computers or] load them in their video iPod."
Ordering, Process & Billing Questions
top
What do I need to do to order a Vid2r?
All you need to do is call us today at 877.Vid2r.55, or fill out an information form and tell us what your needs are and we'll work with you to find the best solution for your marketing purposes. We have several packages and run specials all the time so be sure to call today.
Now that I've purchased a Vid2r, what is the process?
Please click here to learn more about the Vid2r Process.
How do you accept payment?
At the time, we only accept payment by check or cash. We are in the process of developing an online ordering system that accepts credit cards, so please be patient.
When is payment due?
Payment is due at the time of filming.
Can I invoice?
Normally we do not invoice, however exceptions can be made depending on the situation. Call us to inquire: 877.Vid2r.55.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you have to reschedule or cancel your filming appointment, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance.
What is your refund policy?
Vid2r is unable offer refunds. We will make every effort to reconcile any issues you may have with your Vid2r. Please do not hesitate to contact us should a problem arise. 877.Vid2r.55.
Where do I submit feedback on my Vid2r?
We value and appreciate all feedback on Vid2r packages and/or service. Fill out our online feedback form. You may remain anonymous if you wish.
Why do you charge to list Vid2rs on Realtor.com?
Realtor.com charges virtual tour providers a $20 fee to link to tours on their website and partner websites. Agents with an active "Showcase Listing" with Realtor.com at time of posting, are not subject to this fee.
What do I do with my completed Vid2r?
top
How do I place my Vid2r on my website?
When your vid2r is finished, we send you a link so that you may add this link to your personal or company website(s). If you wish to add popup code to your website, please let us know and we will be happy to provide you with this. You or your web administrator will need to place this into your website code.
How do I place my Vid2r on Realtor.com?
You will not have access to directly place your Vid2r on Realtor.com. Only an approved Virtual Tour vendor can do this. Vid2r is happy to place any of your Vid2r's on Realtor.com with a $20 fee imposed by Realtor.com.
How do I place my Vid2r on Metrolist?
You will not have access to directly place your Vid2r on Metrolist. Only an approved Virtual Tour vendor can do this. Vid2r is happy to place any of your Vid2r's on Metrolist. This includes both www.mymls.com and www.recolorado.com.
How do I place my Vid2r on Ires?
Vid2r cannot place your Vid2r on IRES. You will need to link to it through your IRES account, using the link to your tour that we provided for you.
What do I do to get my Vid2r on a CD or DVD?
Your Vid2r files are available upon request so that you may burn them to a CD or DVD. We can also do this for you for a fee. Please contact us at 720.436.9354 to discuss your options.
About the Vid2r Player
top
The video doesn't play. How do I make it play?
Click the green arrow below the video. If that does not work, please contact us immediately as there may be a problem with your Vid2r: 877.Vid2r.55.
How do I view still images without the Slideshow?
If you would like to view still images at your own pace, use the scroll bar on the right side of the player. Hover your mouse over the up or down arrows to scroll. When you see an image you'd like to see, click on it and it will open up in the center window pane.
I found an error in my listing. How do I get this fixed?
If you find an error or typo in your Vid2r, please contact us immediately to have it resolved. We will have it fixed in less than 24 hours. Email or call us today: 877.Vid2r.55.
How do I get a floorplan in my listing?
Vid2r does not currently offer floor plan services, so you will need to provide us with one for it to be included in the player.
I clicked on the Map link and nothing happened. What do I do?
The map link will not open within the Vid2r player, but rather in a separate browser window. Check your tabs to make sure it didn't open in a new tab. If you do not see the new browser window with the map open, please contact us immediately to have it resolved. We will have it fixed in less than 24 hours. Email or call us today: 877.Vid2r.55.
I clicked on the Schools link and nothing happened. What do I do?
The schools link will not open within the Vid2r player, but rather in a separate browser window. Check your tabs to make sure it didn't open in a new tab. If you do not see the new browser window with the schools website open, please contact us immediately to have it resolved. We will have it fixed in less than 24 hours. Email or call us today: 877.Vid2r.55.
Will you have an area tour of my area?
We are constantly creating and adding new area tours for your use. If we do not have one available for your area, you may request that we create one by emailing or calling us at 877.Vid2r.55 today!
The flyer looks blurry. What's wrong?
Quite often, the PDF flyer will open up in Adobe Acrobat zoomed in. Check your toolbar and make sure the view is set to 100%.
I want to change the colors of my Vid2r. Is this possible?
Yes, this feature is available upon request for no additional charge.
Can I change the buttons on my Vid2r?
Other than customizing the player with your listing information and colors, at this time, the Vid2r player comes as is.
Do I need Flash to view the player?
Yes, you will need to have the Flash Player installed on your computer to view Vid2rs. The Flash Player usually comes installed in the latest browsers. If you do not have it installed on your computer, you may download the latest Flash Player here.
How do I get Flash?
If you do not have the the Flash Player installed in your browser, you may download the latest Flash Player here.
What if my clients don't have Flash on their computers?
Send your clients to this website to download the latest Flash Player. If they are unwilling to install the Flash Player, they will not be able to view the tour. Vid2r was created for a new generation of web users, which make up the majority of your potential client base.
