Posts Tagged "London"


Could Klerky Be a Game-Changer for Inventory Clerks?

By Chris Callear – Director of Membership, AIIC
Powered by AI (and a lot of coffee)

I’ve been mulling over different ways recently that we at the AIIC can boost your business as a professional inventory clerk. There are so many routes we could explore – diversifying into similar roles, going the extra mile for clients, branching into EPC inspections, floor plans, and other added services. And I’ll definitely touch on those in the future.
But something new popped up on my screen recently that I had to find out more about. It’s called Klerky – and after a really insightful Zoom call with Richard and Mitch, the brains behind it (and also behind Inventory Hive), I thought this was worth a proper deep dive.
They’re lovely chaps – grounded, switched on, and full of smart ideas for making your working life easier and more profitable.
So, what is Klerky? Could it be useful for you? Here’s what I found out.


What Is Klerky?

Klerky is a new online platform that connects inventory clerks with letting agents and landlords who need reports done – fast.

Think of it as a kind of Uber for inventory clerks. Agents post the job, clerks respond with a quote, and everything – from messaging to report delivery to invoicing – is handled in one place.

The platform is open to all clerks, but it comes with a strong emphasis on professionalism, accountability, and standards. And because it’s independent of any one reporting software, it’s flexible – you can continue using whichever tools you prefer to create your reports.


What Problem Does It Solve?

Let’s be honest – most of us still rely on emails, WhatsApp messages, or last-minute phone calls to organise jobs. That works… until it doesn’t. Things get missed, wires get crossed, and there’s no central log of what was agreed.

Klerky solves that by putting the entire job lifecycle in one simple dashboard – for both the clerk and the agent.

From the agent’s point of view, they get:

  • Quick access to vetted clerks
  • An easy-to-use quote system
  • Full visibility of the job status
  • A digital record of the report and invoice
  • One-click revision requests if needed

From our point of view as clerks, we get:

  • New job opportunities
  • A place to manage our bookings
  • Clear audit trails of what’s been said
  • Prompt invoicing
  • A ratings system that helps good clerks stand out

How Does It Work?

It’s all pretty straightforward. Here’s a rough outline:

  1. An agent posts a job (e.g. check-in inventory for 123 High Street on Friday).
  2. You get notified, and can submit a quote through Klerky.
  3. The agent reviews quotes and picks the clerk they want.
  4. You get the green light, do the job, and upload the report.
  5. If all’s well, the agent approves it and pays you – all tracked through the platform.
  6. Both sides can leave a review after the job, which builds up your reputation.

A quick note on pricing:
Inventory clerks are treated as ‘suppliers’ on the Klerky platform. There’s no subscription fee – you only pay a small booking fee per job.

Once registered and onboarded, you can invite your existing agents to the platform and start streamlining admin straight away.

  • Early adopters can lock in a preferential 2.5% booking fee on any new business that lands before 30 June 2025.
  • From 1 July onwards, new clients introduced by Klerky will be subject to a fixed 5% booking fee (which won’t increase in future).
  • Existing clients that you bring onto the platform yourself will always remain at the lower 2.5% rate, no matter when they join.

That modest fee gives you access to everything – booking tools, status tracking, messaging, and automated invoicing with just a few clicks.


Is It Replacing Inventory Hive?

Not at all. Klerky is designed to sit alongside your existing tools. So if you already use Inventory Hive (or any other report software), you can keep using it. Klerky just acts as the booking and communication layer – the place where jobs are found, booked, discussed, delivered, and billed.

You’re not being forced into any specific format or system, which is a huge plus.


Where Is It Available?

Klerky officially launched in April 2025 and started out in Greater Manchester. But it’s already being rolled out nationwide, and clerks from all over the UK are signing up. So wherever you’re based, there’s a good chance you can get involved.


One Last Thought… Platform Growth Matters

This isn’t just something I’ve looked into personally — it’s also been discussed at board level here at the AIIC.

In fact, Paul Roberts, a fellow AIIC director, made an excellent point during our conversations: for Klerky to really thrive, it needs strong uptake from both clerks and agents alike. That’s what will make it a reliable, active marketplace where jobs are posted regularly and clerks are available to pick them up.

Paul also highlighted the types of users who stand to benefit the most:

  • Independent landlords who struggle to find trusted clerks on their own
  • Picky landlords who like their letting agent, but not the clerk they use
  • Smaller inventory companies who want more reach but don’t have the time or budget to market themselves

It’s a helpful reminder that this platform’s success depends on momentum — and that early adopters stand to benefit the most if it takes off.


Final Thought – Is This a First Mover Opportunity?

Are you an independent clerk or a business owner looking for more work, more structure, and less back-and-forth chasing?

Then honestly, what have you got to lose?

Klerky is free to join, lets you set your own prices, and could be the easiest way to get in front of serious clients who are actively booking inspections.

It’s early days, but that also means this could be the ideal first-mover advantage for clerks who sign up now. Don’t miss the boat — platforms like this tend to grow quickly once they hit a tipping point.

You can check it out for yourself here:
Website: https://www.klerky.com
How it works: https://youtu.be/lCD1WW4M9lA?si=8hmf-7INhASKCm1_

Demo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPAlkgFJuh8
FAQs: https://www.klerky.com/become-a-supplier

Let me know your thoughts or feel free to message if you’ve signed up and want to share your experience.

Chris Callear
Director of Membership – AIIC
Powered by AI (and a lot of coffee)


Inventory Clerk to Operations Manager: Alex Williams

Editor’s Note:

At AIIC, we believe every Inventory Clerk has a story worth sharing.
In our new Voices from the Field series, we’re spotlighting the real people shaping our industry — those who bring professionalism, passion, and pride to their work every day.
First up is Alex Williams, Operations Manager at Bright Inventories, who shares his journey from trainee clerk to running the operations of a thriving business — and why, even now, he’s never lost touch with the work on the ground.


Alex Williams, Operations Manager, Bright Inventories, Dorset

To be honest, I didn’t even know I wanted to become an inventory clerk.

While I was at college, I knew I had an interest in property but couldn’t quite decide how to progress with it. Then the opportunity fell into my lap — I started working with a local company, Bright Inventories.

After my very first training session, my interest in the role really grew. I became keen to learn more about how a property should be presented and what specifications it needs to meet for tenants to live in it safely and comfortably.

I was lucky to be trained by the company director, who had a huge amount of experience in inventories and had built the business from the ground up. There was a lot to take in, but with time, my confidence grew, and I was able to work entirely on my own.

We cover the whole of Dorset, which meant travelling around some of the best countryside in the country. I loved working independently — even if it could be a little ‘challenging’ at times!

As I progressed, the opportunity came up to become the Assistant Manager. It felt like a massive step for me — I wanted to contribute more to the company, and a managerial role gave me the perfect chance to expand my skills. It also involved working more closely with letting agents, answering their queries instead of just collecting keys.

I genuinely enjoy every part of the job — from inspecting a wide range of properties to meeting and catching up with the letting agents and building strong working relationships. I also enjoy the administrative side: liaising with agents, arranging inspections, and taking pride in sending out well-presented, informative reports.

I think my enjoyment and commitment are reflected in the 11 years I’ve spent with the company. Over the years, my role has changed and grown, and I’ve enjoyed learning more about how the business operates and adapting to new challenges.

Like most inventory companies, we’ve seen a lot of changes and expect to see more. These days, I spend a larger part of my time in front of a PC rather than out in the field, but that makes the days I get to work in a beautiful Dorset village even more valuable.

Having a young family, this job gives me the flexibility to organise my hours around childcare and family life — although there’s always the day when an agent ‘finds’ an inventory they forgot to book, or someone calls in sick, and I have to jump back into the field! It definitely keeps things interesting.

In 2023, I became the Operations Manager. My role now involves dealing with all administrative aspects of the business, but I still get out clerking when needed — something I still love doing. Becoming Operations Manager was a massive achievement for me, and it shows what’s possible in this line of work. Inventory clerking isn’t just one job — there are many different roles within it, and it’s a career I’m proud of and plan to continue for many years to come.


Interested in working with Alex and Bright Inventories?

If you’re looking for a professional, reliable inventory service in Dorset, you can find out more here:
👉 www.brightinventories.co.uk


AIIC R&D: Mastering Marketing for Inventory Clerks

🎧 Prefer to listen? Hear what Notebook LM’s podcast feature has to say.
🔊 (Apologies in advance for the American accent!)

🕒 Reading time: 8–10 mins
📌 Written by Chris Callear
Director of Membership, AIIC – Powered by AI

Mastering Marketing for Inventory Clerks

Understanding the Landscape: Why Marketing Matters

For many inventory clerks, marketing can feel like an expensive gamble. Some invest in advertising with little return, while others rely on word-of-mouth but struggle to grow beyond a handful of clients. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach—but there are proven strategies that work.

This guide breaks down marketing into clear, actionable steps, covering everything from high-ROI referral methods to cutting-edge AI-driven marketing tools. It is designed for sole traders looking to grow on a budget and larger businesses scaling operations across multiple regions.

Each section includes:

  • What works and what doesn’t based on industry data.
  • Cost vs. return on investment (ROI) for different approaches.
  • Benchmarks and case studies from successful property service businesses.

By the end, you’ll have a practical roadmap for marketing your inventory business efficiently—without wasting time or money.


1. Referral Marketing & Networking: The Most Reliable Growth Strategy

Best for: Sole traders & established businesses
Cost: Free (or minimal investment in networking)
ROI: Extremely high—referral leads convert 3-5× better than cold leads

Why It Works:
Word-of-mouth has always been the strongest driver of new business for service-based industries. 82% of small business owners say referrals are their primary source of new clients. Successful inventory clerks often build their businesses by establishing trusted relationships with letting agents, landlords, and property managers.

How to Get More Referrals:

  • Letting Agents & Property Managers: These are your primary referral sources. Focus on delivering reliable, high-quality reports to build long-term relationships. Many inventory clerks get over 60% of their business from agents.
  • Networking in Property Communities: Attend local property events, join landlord associations, and participate in Facebook or LinkedIn groups where landlords and agents discuss industry issues.
  • Client Referral Programs: Offer a discount on future services or a small incentive for clients who refer new landlords or agents to your business.
  • Follow-Up & Relationship Building: A simple check-in email with existing clients can lead to repeat business and referrals.

Key Takeaway: Referrals require no advertising spend and bring in higher-quality leads that are more likely to convert and stay loyal.


2. SEO & Google Business: The Foundation of Online Visibility

Best for: All business sizes
Cost: Free (unless investing in SEO services)
ROI: SEO-generated leads have a 14.6% close rate compared to 1.7% for cold outreach

Why It Works:
68% of all online experiences start with a search engine. When landlords or agents need an inventory service, they are likely to Google it first. If your business does not appear in search results, you are losing potential clients to competitors.

How to Rank Higher in Search Results:

  • Google Business Profile: Set up and optimize your listing with accurate service details, reviews, and photos. Businesses with a complete profile receive 70% more leads.
  • Local SEO: Use location-based keywords like “Inventory Clerk Birmingham” or “Check-In Reports Manchester” on your website.
  • Website Speed & Mobile Optimization: Over 60% of web traffic is mobile. A slow-loading website will lose potential customers before they even contact you.

Key Takeaway: SEO takes time but delivers consistent leads without ongoing ad spend. Optimizing Google Business and local SEO can generate free inbound leads every month.


3. Content Marketing & Social Media: Building Long-Term Trust

Best for: Low-cost brand building & authority positioning
Cost: Free to low-cost
ROI: Businesses that blog receive 67% more leads than those that don’t

Why It Works:
People trust businesses that educate them. If you provide valuable insights for landlords and agents, they will see you as a trusted expert and be more likely to hire you.

Effective Content Strategies:

  • LinkedIn & Facebook Groups: Engage with property professionals by sharing insights, answering common questions, and networking.
  • Blogging & Guides: Write about landlord pain points (“How to Avoid Deposit Disputes” or “The Importance of an Independent Inventory”). This not only helps with SEO but positions you as a thought leader.
  • Short-Form Video Content: Instagram and TikTok can be used to showcase behind-the-scenes inventory work, industry updates, or quick property tips.

Key Takeaway: Quality content builds credibility and attracts inbound leads without hard selling. A single well-written guide or case study can generate business for years.


4. Paid Advertising: A Tool, Not a Shortcut

Best for: Larger businesses or those looking for rapid growth
Cost: £50-£500+ per month
ROI: Highly variable—depends on targeting and budget control

Why It Works:
Paid ads can generate immediate leads, but they are not always cost-effective. Many businesses spend thousands on Google Ads without seeing a return because they do not optimize their campaigns correctly.

Best Paid Advertising Channels:

  • Google Ads (Search Ads): Highly effective for capturing high-intent searches (e.g., “best inventory clerk in London”).
  • Facebook & Instagram Ads: Target landlords & property managers with localized ads.
  • LinkedIn Ads: Best for connecting with letting agents & larger property companies.

Key Takeaway: Paid ads should only be used when profitable. Always test small budgets and analyze cost per lead before scaling up.


5. AI & Automation: The Future of Marketing Efficiency

Best for: All business sizes looking to save time
Cost: Free to mid-range (£10-£100/month for tools)
ROI: AI-driven businesses grow 2× faster than non-AI competitors

How AI Can Help Inventory Clerks:

  • AI Chatbots: Automate responses to client inquiries, saving time and ensuring you never miss a lead.
  • AI Copywriting (ChatGPT, Jasper): Generate blog posts, emails, and ad copy in seconds.
  • Predictive Analytics: AI tools analyze client behavior and help target marketing campaigns more effectively.

Key Takeaway: AI tools reduce workload and improve targeting, allowing you to focus on client service rather than repetitive marketing tasks.


Real-World Benchmarking: What Works for AIIC Members?

  • Smart Inventory Service (London) used SEO and Google Ads to generate £10,000 in new business per month, expanding from 3 to 8 employees.
  • Referral-Based Success: Many sole traders report that after securing a few letting agents as clients, their business snowballed via word-of-mouth.
  • Social Proof Wins: Inventory businesses with Google & TrustPilot reviews consistently attract more clients.

Key Takeaway: The most successful businesses leverage a mix of digital marketing, referrals, and AI tools to scale efficiently.


Final Thoughts: The Best Marketing Mix for You

  • Sole Traders: Prioritize referrals, SEO, and content marketing before spending on ads.
  • Larger Businesses: Use SEO, PPC, social media, and AI automation for maximum growth.

What marketing strategies have worked best for you? Drop a comment below.

Written by Chris Callear
Director of Membership, AIIC – Powered by AI