This is the purest enquiry an advisory can buy. The investor has asked for the thing you sell. The risk is in the handling, because this lead converts on the call and dies in the inbox.
What the enquiry looks like
The goal field gives it away. Rather than naming a suburb or a yield, the investor asks for a plan, a second opinion, or someone to look at their whole position.
- Goal: a plan, a review, or a second opinion, in their own words
- Budget range, often given for the whole plan rather than for one purchase
- Deposit or equity position, as stated, and sometimes both
- Timeframe, usually for the plan rather than for a purchase
- Location interest, often open, because they are asking what makes sense rather than where
What they expect the meeting to be
Some expect a sales pitch for a project, because that is what the last one was. Some expect a free property recommendation at the end. And a few are comparing advisers and will say so, which is a good sign.
What they rarely understand is that the meeting is the product. The plan, the structure, the order of purchases and the review a year later are what they pay for. The property follows from that work.
Should you charge for the first meeting?
That is your decision, and both models work. A free first meeting removes the last reason to say no and suits a firm whose plan is the paid product. A paid first meeting filters for investors who value the advice and suits a firm with more enquiries than hours.
Whichever you choose, say so in the first call, in plain words. A consultation lead who learns about a fee from an invoice was mishandled. One who hears it from you, alongside what the meeting covers, can decide on the spot.
Why it converts on the call, not in the inbox
A strategy enquiry is an invitation to talk. An email reply with a booking link declines it. The investor asked for a person, and the first call is where they find out whether that person is worth the meeting. The call is the consultation starting early.
The lead carries their stated goal, budget, equity and timeframe, so you do not open with a form. You open with a view on their position and what the meeting would cover. That is why the call needs an adviser on it, not an assistant reading a script.
What to ask before you pay for a consultation lead
Ask whether the request for a meeting is in the investor's own words or a tick box the supplier labelled strategy. Ask whether the investor said what they want to leave the meeting with. Ask whether the supplier contacts the investor again after sending it to you.
Our answers are in writing. The goal is typed by the investor. The lead goes to one advisory and is never shared or resold. We do not contact the investor after delivery and we give no advice. A wrong number, duplicate, out of market or non investor enquiry is replaced or credited when flagged within five business days. You pay one agreed price per lead, with no retainer, no lock in and no minimum term.