Resort managers need vacations too

Published: 16 September 2007.

Do you ever wish you knew someone whom you could trust to run your business for a week or two while you went skiing or cruising?

Life is not always ‘beer and skittles’ and wouldn’t it be nice to have a list of relief managers on your fridge you can call during that unexpected emergency? Many Management Right purchasers and small business owners are essentially locked-in for three to five years, twenty-four/seven. This can feel like solitary confinement. However, it does not have to be this way. There are a number of competent and trustworthy people available, who, with just a few weeks’ notice, can look after your business for short periods of time.

Many relief managers have had wide experience in operating both permanent and holiday complexes, as well as having other general business knowledge. Some will be happy to take over for just a day while you try to reduce the handicap, while others prefer a longer engagement. One option for engaging relief managers is for them to move into your home and run the office (Which in many cases is connected to the home - then you could persuade them to feed the cat as well!) Alternatively a relief manager may be engaged to attend to the office only, on a daily basis. And while there is a conglomeration of Management Rights on the Gold Coast, some relief managers will travel almost anywhere.

The Department of Fair Trading advises that a relief manager may run the business for up to 30 days without the formalities of license changes. The only requirement is that the Body Corporate must approve the Relief Manager.

Rates are by negotiation but some relief managers do publish a guide to their fees. Would you think it was reasonable to pay someone about $30.00 per hour to do your job for a short period?

One relief manager who has worked in holiday and permanent complexes is Bill Atkinson (mobile 0418753300). Bill lives in Surfers and has been involved in establishing many small businesses and will travel anywhere.

You can find a listing of Relief Managers by clicking on this link:

http://www.thepropertymanager.com.au/content/cms/Relief+Managers/100040/

Reply from: Denis Hale

7:30am Thursday, 02 August 2007

Another highly recommended couple are Charmaine and Winton Taylor on 0419535220. The live in Brisbane but will travel widely for the right position. They have references and are conversant with Console and REI-Master. Quick learners and excellent people skills. Winton does all the R&M whilst Charmaine is masterful in the office. Clean living, non smokers and a couple who are care about people and their property. If you need more information please Denis Hale 0419-728-464 at anytime.

Reply from: Keith Bennell

2:53pm Saturday, 22 September 2007

I read this article with interest. I am from Victoria and was quoted on accomodation and accepted the quote and paid the deposit. I found out after i paid the deposit that the managers were away on holidays but they had relief managers. The managers got back from holidays and withdrew the quote as the relief manager quoted incorrectly and put the price up by $445 for 2 weeks accomodation. The relief manager put the dates into the computer and the price he quoted me came from that. I would of thought if the managers put someon in to relieve them then the quotes they give should stand. We booked our flights after the aoomodation was confirmed and now we will lose the price of the flights as we cant afford the extra money.

Reply from: Roger

5:15pm Saturday, 22 September 2007

Hey Keith, thats pretty poor form - but unfortunatly I don't think there's much you can do - according to the trade practices act:

"A trader is within their rights to refuse to sell any goods that may have been marked at an incorrect price. The displayed goods are purely an offer and are a point of negotiation for sale....""...If a trader repeatedly advertises goods at a lower price and then indicates that it is a mistake each time, a complaint can be lodged with the Office of Fair Trading as this type of action may be a breach of fair trading laws. "

Reply from: nick

5:24pm Saturday, 22 September 2007

Have you tried negotiating this through with the full-timer? Seems like an honest mistake perhaps if you explain the situation you can appeal to his sympathy? Its amazing what a polite, compelling argument can do sometimes.

Hmm, not sure if TPA differentiate "incorrectly priced" items from incorrect quotes. Perhaps give department of fair trading a quick call about it? They even have mediators there that can try and resolve the issue on your behalf.

Hope it works out for you.

Reply from: Browyn Peter

4:22pm Monday, 28 April 2008

Another highly recommended very experienced Relief Mananagement couple are Michael and Heather Steiner. Michael has a full Real Estate licence and Heather her Sales Licence. They will travel widely for the right position. They have references and police check and are conversant with Hirum, Rms, Console etc. Honest and reliable and quick learners and have excellent people skills. Clean living, non smokers and a couple who are care about your business and property. If you need more information please contact them for further details. Mobile 0408 880625