I rang to view a property with Butters John Bee (review covers two of the Cheshire/Staffordshire branches), having got an evaluation, with photographs ready for our instruction to put own property on market with other Sales Agent. Was told an agent would get back to me. I had to ring again and was told the person was in meetings. I also contacted via email form to view another property but not to be contacted during certain hours due to an important meeting. A different agent contacted me during this meeting and made me feel belittled, told me the property was due to sell that evening and would allow me no visit to either property. He did not listen to me and talked over me. Trying to end the call due to my meeting, I found his behaviour insulting and upsetting. I was told that houses were being snapped up as soon as they are advertised, yet then went on to say the market is slowing. I was told that one property which we were hoping to put an offer in on had been having visitors for the past week and half, therefore we were too late to visit as the likelihood is that someone will have already offered. I asked if I could view anyway and this was met with a no. Whilst I understand our house has not yet been bought, we had the funds and our house was just awaiting our instruction to go live. The following day, the initial agent left a voicemail to ask what time I was attending the property. I tried to ring back and spoke to the receptionist who passed my message on. I had originally booked the afternoon off and receiving the bad news from the agent, made alternative plans. Both myself and partner rang several times that day and the phone did not answer. My partner was told I had incorrectly completed the form and so my number was unknown, despite having registered with them and previously being ring by themselves. I finally got through and the individual had left for the day, but was told they would ring me back the following day. I again cleared my afternoon for the visit. I explained my surprise that I was now allowed to view both properties and was told that no offer was ever put in. I was also told that only two viewing days were occurring at this property, not consistent with the agent's story. I believe this was just a selling technique which alongside the poor service has put me off using or recommending Butters John Bee. I have never been contacted again and sadly have missed out on putting in an offer at this home.

I only gave one star because it won't let you leave 0 star.

Butters John Bee have show me nothing but incompetence and a total lack of customer care. They clearly do not communicate across their departments and hardly ever ring back (once in 10 calls is the truth - I have evidence).

Very very very disappointed and do not recommend that you use this company if you wish to rent out your property through an agent

I am appaulled at the oversell the Sandbach branch made to us as to their level of 'high service'! We had our house on the market with them for over a year and had only 2 viewings (another 3/4 were mysteriously cancelled at the last minute, were they ever made?? or just an attempt to feign that they were securing interest). In same period we had the house on with another agent, who acted as joint agent, in contrast they were extremely proactive and we had over 20 viewings in the same timeframe. The branch seems to be staffed by people who want an easy time, not to mention hold you to ransom for their 'brochure production' fees, so when you finally do give up on them they have a hold over you and demand £230 otherwise they will take legal action. Be warned, don't go there!!

here's a copy of a letter I sent to the BBC regarding the services of Butters John Bee estate agents...

I would like to express my dissatisfaction with a prominent local estate agency in Stoke on Trent.
I want to share my experiences with the BBC as I feel many other residents of Stoke on Trent may have had similar poor experiences which you may or may not be aware of.

On the 20th August 2008 I was served an eviction order from the county bailiffs as the landlord of my rented property had failed to keep payments. I had 14 days to relocate and my original tenancy contract with BJB lettings was not due to end for another two months, this was obviously a completely unplanned surprise both financially and emotionally.

I expected Butters John Bee to assist me in this matter as the eviction was not my fault. Unfortunately I found BJB to be unsympathetic to my position and they explained they were equally hard done by in the situation! which I failed to agree with! On the day I was served the eviction notice I went to BJB and gave them a copy, it was 7 days before I received a reply! only 7 days left until I had to leave. They informed me that they would be unable to help in the situation and if I wanted to rent another property I would need to follow the regular three week application process and pay a hefty deposit in advance.

So as a result, my family has had to move into my father in laws house in Poland. This was our only option with such short notice and no other family in the U.K. To make matters worse BJB are now refusing to return my deposit as I did not pay rent in the weeks after my eviction! Incredible! I literally have no words to describe how I feel towards BJB. They have let myself and my family down.

I hope you will share this story with others who have had similar experiences with this company.

Kind Regards,

LM
A disgruntled ex-tenant of the BJB letting agency, now residing in Poland

In short, Useless, Thieving and probably illegal, STAY AWAY!