I was talking with a newsagent last week who made some business decisions based on the offer of free lease negotiation assistance. The lease advice assistance did not work out and the business has been lost.
Negotiating a lease is tough. It requires a professional fact-based approach with accurate business data at the core.
Since the landlord is in control and makes the ultimate decision, it is not possible for anyone to promise a certain outcome. The best that can be put is an offer to support the newsagent in making the pitch to the landlord. The best support is in the form of a professional proposal.
The key is for the newsagent to be involved at each step of the way, alongside the advisor, the person offering assistance.
Leaving the job to someone else entirely is a risky move as you don’t know what is being said or whether they have an agenda other than what you need for your business.
If you’ve been offered lease advice or assistance, be careful. Agree on a process that keeps you fully engaged and which has your business needs at the forefront.