With growing backlog, BDA looks to hire MBA grads to sell its flats

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is looking to hire young MBA graduates to ensure effective marketing of its flats.

Despite good quality of BDA flats in terms of carpet area and built-up space, when compared to private apartment complexes, people seem to have no interest in buying BDA flats.

To improve the situation, the authority has initiated across-the-table sales concept like private builders, by hiring young talented MBA graduates to ensure effective marketing and push sales. BDA officials will soon visit various colleges, hunting for those interested in sales and hire them on contract basis till all flats are sold.

BDA is aiming to construct 6,000 flats across the city, but it has been struggling to sell 2,800 flats for the last one year for which it called for applications twice. The BDA received a mere 839 applications for one, two and three BHK flats in Allur, Kommaghatta, Kanminike and Vollagerahalli.

BDA commissioner Rakesh Singh said: “Normally, BDA sells properties by inviting applications and the whole process takes nine to 11 months. But to sell flats fast, we introduced the quick sale scheme. Applications are pouring in. But I have realised that the BDA staff are not used to interacting with customers directly. They do not have good presentation skills. They cannot relate with customers and sell a product as per customers’ demand. Thus, we need to outsource this work and bring in young talent,” he said.

“We will contact a few colleges and tell them our requirement. We are looking for those who can work even on Sundays and for a six-month stint. They will get experience and we will get service. Normally, if the same work is outsourced to any agency, their working will be different. They will go all out for the sales as they have a limited time-frame contract. We are keen on personal relations as BDA’s customers are middle and lower middle income groups. Thus, freshers are ideal for across-the-table sales,” he said.