Yet another reason to be sure your cell number is programmed into their phones! 

I think many times people believe they are hiring a brokerage and the agent is not of their concern.

How frustrating!

At the very first meeting with a new client, when I do the agency disclosure, I discuss what that paper means. And then I look them right in the eye, and I say, "this means that we are a team." I even point at them/me/us. I never even thought of specifically telling them they can't just call the office and work with anyone. But I can see this happening. People can be fickle.

I've never encountered this, Paul. I'm a bit gob-smacked. Then again, there's never ANY number on my business cards, signs, marketing material, website, etc. besides my cell phone. The odds of a client of mine calling my office (or even knowing where it's located) are very, very slim.

Why would they call the office instead of calling you directly?

Constant reminders will help.

Oh God, I remember those days and I'm so glad I don't work in an office with others anymore. You just have to provide them with one phone number and make it your direct line.

Sounds like a BROKEN BROKER situation.

Don't they (office staff or who ever answers the phone) ASK if the caller is working with an agent?

Hmm, we all do.

Now if their are lots of Pauls in the orgainzation, the solutions is up to you.  Make them understand that 'any ole Paul won't do" and as others have said get your number into their cell. The easiest way is to have a QR code with your contact information on the back of your business card. Have them scan it in and you are done.

Very difficult with some people.

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®,CRS, I explain very clearly that they should ask for me specifically and no one else. I also use an exclusive buyer agreement contract.

All my material has my direct number and email address only. When they come in I thank them for working with me and let them know to contact me directly with any questions or concerns. 

   Ouch.

That's a conversation you have with them at the beginning. 

I'm The Only One Who Answers My Cell Phone: Problem Solved.

In our case, I do not know of another 'Allie' at our office, though not knowing everyone there, 'Roger' is certainly a common name (we work as a Team in a large office) Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®,CRS,.  Fortunately our clients have our business cards and we have already chatted over the phone before our office meeting, and in some cases we have met at a home, so they definitely know what we look like as well as our name.  I would think the client would realize they were at the wrong office, and signing an agreement with the wrong realtor . . .  hmmm . . .  I'm sorry this has happened to you with 2 clients.  

Maybe some misunderstanding from the client about the difference between agents and the brokerage.... I meet every new buyer at the office at the first meeting, discuss how things work, sign the BBA agreement, and get my complete contact info....

Because they want answers now & you aren't there so they'll speak to anyone which causes tremendous problems. It's how people are now.

It happens more with those who "just call" it happens less these days with my cell phone n anything. It happened more when there was "up time"which we do not do any more. The receptionist is trained to ask if they are working with anyone  and ask more question when unknown

Twll them that the simplest solution is always the right one, and to involve someone else just adds complications, especially since they are not directly involved in the details.

Ugh. The only number I have given buyers and sellers is my cell...my mobile office.

Sometimes, try as you do, you can't fix stupid and it can cost you!

This gives insight on how the public thinks regarding our world...

I say it at least 10x a week.... People just don't get it.  Most people think that anyone behind the logo is on their team too & you just happen to be their front line contact.  After all, you get paid for the time you already spent with them so no big deal (I've had people think this!!).  

once a buyer has your business card, why would they not ask for you.... I've never heard of that happening....  

I assume you had a buyers agency agreement signed.  Shame on the other agent,.  Give him 25%  and you keep the rest.  It falls on the other agent not asking the right questions etc.

It is all about building the realtionship from the beginning, getting them to own you and consider you their agent as part of their team. Exchange contact details, keep in touch and make sure they ask for you by name. The number of people who come through Open Houses and don't the name of their agent is amazing....

I was working for a Brokerage once where there was another Gloria.. the receptionist always asked "which Gloria?" to ensure the message got to the right agent.  But, I always enure they have my cell number to reach me directly.

I give everyone my direct cell phone number. I don’t even have an “office” phone.

I explain agency - how they are represented - and the importance of working with me and only me, as well as keeping details of their home search and purchase confidential ... not having discussions with friends, co-workers, family, or posting anything on FB or other social media. That said, I still have clients - once in a blue moon, "sign in" to the one open house they attended that I was not with them ... and then the agent is contacting them.  At which time I say, that is why I request that you sign in with my name and phone number.  I do not have a magic answer. Some folks just cannot connect the dots. 

Paul 

Our clients just knew.  Sorry to hear this is happening to you.  A

I've not had that problem.  We have that conversation when we have that "agency" discussion. 

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®,CRS, Make sure they understand the BBA and the agency relationship you have with your client. Better education in your office. It seems they aren't asking if the caller is working with an agent including your managing broker.

Surprising ???!!!

Very interesting question and answers.

I haven't had this happen to me, but it sucks to have that happen to you.

I like Debe Maxwell, CRS answer! So true!!

An explanation is needed at the first scheduled meeting.

I am sure to explain, no question is silly, call/text or email me! 

I think they get it, they just don't care...

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®,CRS, - this is discussed at our first meeting! 

Some people just don't get it.

That's why I only give out my number... of course my office number goes to my broker's phone so either way I'll get the call.

I deal with this with all my agents.  It is required to ask every caller if they have looked at any houses with any agent in any office before they take them on as a client

You have to break it down into small pieces because most buyers do not understand. Make sure they can call, text or email you too.

Sorry to hear that happened Paul! 

In Oregon the Exclusive Buyer's Service Agreement names the agent as well as the brokerage.

Good question.