Hi Katie,
We rolled out a spreadsheet format, though ultimately we haven’t had much take up from the real estate agents. Effectively we contacted approximately 80 different real estate agents that manage at least 20 properties each in our LGA to explain the process. We initially had around 10 agencies opt in, which they receive a spread sheet with the properties they manage and the amount due for that instalment. They are supposed to enter the amount they are paying in the sheet. They send it back and make the payment to our bank account and the spread sheet imports in for receipting.
Issues we had is that they put other charges (sundry debtor) charges which meant the sheet didn’t balance and transfer payments from rates to debtors. The take up has steadily declined over the past 12 months and we now only have about 3 that use it each quarter.
The other issue we now have is they have our bank account details, so the estate agents pay to our bank account and don’t send a remittance or complete the spread sheet and return it which causes issues for our banking team.
We haven’t got Bpay batch off the ground yet but most of our real estates pay either Bpay or cheque.
Happy to talk further if required.
.
