David:
I am David Wessel from Mülheim an der Ruhr, also a native of Mülheim, grew up here, and work here as a real estate agent. I have been working in this field for over 10 years—generally as a certified real estate agent and certified real estate appraiser. I have been based here in Mülheim ever since, and now I have my own company, which I started at the beginning of the year.
Lennart:
Okay. Now, it's August, so that means it's been eight months since the beginning of the year...
David:
Exactly.
Lennart:
Okay. Yes. Cool. Are you on your own, self-employed, or how are you set up?
David:
Exactly. I'm currently working alone. At first, I considered whether I might do it with a partner, but since the beginning is always a bit difficult and you want to keep costs down a bit, I'm doing it alone—with my dog, Cookie, as my feel-good manager. But she's more there for the feel-good factor, to support me. But for now, I'm doing it alone.
Starting point at WESSEL Immobilien
Lennart:
When you started the company, was that the first time you dealt with the topic of websites, or had you already had some contact with it before—perhaps with your old employer's website or something?
David:
Well, at my old company, there was no reference point for the website. We would occasionally exchange ideas with the employees responsible if we had any suggestions. But for the most part, someone at the old company was assigned to it, or the managing director took care of it. That's why there weren't any direct points of reference. I always noticed things like, "Okay, this and that doesn't work very quickly" or "that took a little longer" or "that worked a little awkwardly." And that's why, when I founded the company and, of course, a month or two before that, when I was looking into the topic in general, it was my first time dealing with website creation.
Why Ynfinite?
David:
Sure, as a teenager back in the early days of the internet, you probably made your first website, but this time it was supposed to be something more professional, a digital business card. I looked into two or three companies and, of course, asked a few other colleagues in the field with whom I get along well which providers they work with.
Lennart:
So a colleague basically brought us to your attention?
David:
Exactly. I have a good relationship with him, and he actually works with another provider, but he had a very nice conversation with you and was generally very impressed with your company. He said, "If I were to switch, I would definitely switch to you." And you weren't even on my radar before. Then I took a look at everything. Right at the beginning, I have to say, I thought I would do everything myself using a modular system. I think that idea was thrown out the window after two weeks.
Then I took a close look at two providers. The recommendation came from a colleague here in Mülheim an der Ruhr.
Service & decision-making process
Lennart:
You said that at your old company, you were sometimes frustrated by certain issues that weren't going so well. What were they?
David:
It either took a very long time when new advertising measures or changes to the website had to be made. For example, if an image needed to be changed, that worked quite well. But you couldn't do it all yourself; you always had to contact the provider and let them know. There were also many calls between the managing director and the provider, which sometimes took a long time or was a bit of a hassle.
Lennart:
And in the decision-making process, what was the deciding factor for you?
David:
The fact that you said: Once you place the order, the website will actually be ready within two to three weeks. I had been busy setting up the company in November, had the notary appointment, and then it was early December. You said, "We can do it in two or three weeks." The other provider said, "It'll probably be February or March." Then it was clear to me – that wasn't right.
The SEO integration really convinced me; it's just really crucial these days.
From onboarding to going live
David:
Overall, it was really well structured. I had video calls and everything was explained to me. I received emails with links to the videos, the individual steps were explained – also in text form – and visually with YouTube videos. Especially with all the iFrames – I wasn't familiar with those at all – it was great. If I had any questions, I just sent a quick email or called Reinhold, and a solution was found quickly.
The connection to my CRM (Propstack) worked wonderfully. There were one or two queries, but everything went smoothly.
Lennart:
Was there anything that surprised you in a particularly positive or negative way in the first few weeks after going live?
David:
Positive: For example, I received a partner banner with logos – this was visually harmonized afterwards. I didn't even notice it, it was suddenly better. Negative: Cookie consent via Instagram on mobile phones sometimes doesn't work immediately. That was the only negative thing I noticed.
Ongoing operation & everyday life
David:
I hardly have to do anything in my everyday life. I customized the site for a week or two, and then it just ran itself. Recently, I had to look up my password because I hadn't logged in for so long. I only entered one Google review manually, which was super quick.
The connection to Propstack runs automatically. New properties are immediately displayed on the website – that's the most important thing for me in everyday life. The newest ones are also displayed more prominently – I like that.
Lennart:
By the way, Google reviews can also be integrated automatically via an API key.
David:
Brilliant!
Measurable success
Lennart:
Do you have any measurable successes?
David:
It's still difficult at the beginning because I'm new to Mülheim. But I've already had one customer through the site who bought an apartment in Duisburg—we went to the notary at the end of May. I even get inquiries from Hamburg, even though I'm from the Ruhr area.
Recommendation
Lennart:
Would you recommend us to others?
David:
Definitely. I've already recommended you—a former colleague of mine also chose you. Sure, I always hope for a bit of exclusivity in my area, but I was also recommended – so I pass it on. Especially at trade fairs or in conversations with colleagues outside my area – I would definitely recommend you.
Individualization & the future
David:
What I particularly liked: You said straight away that if I saw something I liked, I should let you know and you would incorporate it. I saw the logo video and partner banner at another customer's site and wanted the same thing, and you made it possible.
Future plans: I want to refresh the site towards the end of the year – e.g. with sample tours, 360° tours. Maybe I can integrate my own tours. I'll have to take another look at what's possible.
Value for money
David:
I thought the value for money was great. I had tried a modular system before, but realized it was too much effort. Your site was almost finished—I just had to change the text. And because I'm a Propstack customer, I even got a discount—which I thought was great.
I opted for the starter package – simply to keep an eye on the costs at the beginning. But everything was totally fair.
Lennart:
Our pricing policy is completely transparent. When we give discounts, we give them to everyone – not just individuals. We listen carefully, ask about CRM, for example, and if there's a partnership, we make a deal. Fair for everyone.
David:
I thought it was really fair. I didn't even know you were working with Propstack. I was pleasantly surprised by the discount.
Lennart:
Thank you, David, for your time, your candid comments, and for providing so much insight. I'm delighted that you're happy with your site and wish you every success!
