The private capital sector has been experiencing unprecedented fund inflows and investment activity. Given our long-standing focus in this area, Egon Zehnder is uniquely equipped to address the growing talent-related demands. For decades, we often have been the partner most trusted by private capital firms looking to expand from their home base to new geographies — whether starting in Europe, the United States, Asia or elsewhere.
In recent years, we have seen increasing cases of foreign firms setting up shop in the United States, first-time shops hiring de novo teams, and existing firms raising new and bigger funds, deploying additional strategies (special situations, venture capital, growth equity infrastructure, and credit for instance). We have noted many limited partner organizations behaving more like general partners, developing their own investment capabilities. At the same time, the talent market has become more fluid than ever.
There are two distinct aspects to private capital talent sourcing. At the fund level, entities require top-caliber leaders across a full suite of roles: investment professionals, operating partners, senior advisers and functional leads such as human resources, investor relations, capital markets, CFOs, and COOs. At the portfolio level, C-suite and board positions across all industries are in high demand. For these highly regionalized businesses, we can draw upon our deep local and sector expertise across practices (Consumer, Health, Financial Services, Technology & Communications, Industrial, Services) — all aligned with their private capital counterparts.
These industry dynamics are aligned with Egon Zehnder’s One Firm model. Our geographic and sector breadth (including 64 offices across 36 countries) and deep expertise (our more than 600 consultants are hired almost entirely from industry, so we understand the prevailing issues) enable us to provide seamless services across countries. Although other consulting firms may also offer a single point of contact to support multi-region projects, at Egon Zehnder this structure is seamless and organic.
Despite significant financial incentives tying talent to existing shops, the rapid expansion of portfolios has fueled an enticing market for young top performers. This places the onus on private capital executive teams to manage their talent proactively and systematically, including shaping leadership successions, discovering leaders, developing leadership, advancing governance and unlocking transformation.
We welcome the opportunity to partner with you.
Question: I keep seeing ads for services claiming to protect people from home title fraud or deed theft. Is this even a prevalent problem? Is there an easy way for me to confirm that my title is clean rather than paying for a service?
Answer: In 2008, the FBI identified “house stealing” as the “latest scam on the block.” Since then, it has popped up periodically in cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York City and Philadelphia. Is it a growing problem? That’s hard to know because the FBI doesn’t break it out separately in its crime statistics. The American Land Title Association doesn’t have data on the problem, either. “I suspect that companies that offer title-monitoring service use that [the claim] as a marketing strategy,” says Jeremy Yohe, vice president of communications at the association.
What is deed theft?
The scheme works like this: Fraudsters pick out a house — often a second home, rental, vacation home or vacant house — to “steal.” Using personal information gleaned from the internet or elsewhere, they assume your identity or claim to represent you. Armed with forged signatures and fake IDs, they file paperwork with the county’s register of deeds to transfer ownership of your property to themselves or a third party. They then sell the home or borrow against it, stealing your equity. When they fail to make payments on a loan secured by your property, you could end up in foreclosure or be unable to sell, refinance or pass the home on to heirs.
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How to protect property from deed theft
A number of companies offer monitoring services, including Home Title Lock, which says it will monitor your home’s deed 24/7 to prevent title fraud. The service costs $19.95 month ($199 annually, four years for $796). But you can protect yourself — for free — by periodically checking your property record on the website of your county’s register of deeds.
Look for deeds that you or your attorney didn’t prepare or sign, or loans you didn’t take out, as well as liens of contractors, subcontractors, real estate brokers or attorneys whose services you didn’t hire, or court filings, says the Cook County (Chicago) recorder of deeds.
You may get other clues when title fraud occurs:
- You stop receiving your water bill or property tax assessment or bill
- Utility bills on a vacant property rise suddenly, or you find people living there
- You stop receiving your tenants’ rent payments and learn that they’ve been making the payments to another person and location
- You receive payment books or other information from a lender with whom you haven’t done business
- You find yourself in default on a loan or notified of foreclosure proceedings
Scam targeting homeowners in default or foreclosure
Scam artists are preying on homeowners who are struggling to make payments on their mortgages. If you are in default or foreclosure, be skeptical of telephone or in person solicitations from strangers who promise they can deliver a loan modification or stop a foreclosure.
Tips for all homeowners:
- Beware of guarantees or promises from companies or individuals that “guarantee” or “promise” that you will receive a loan modification or any other outcome with your mortgage. Legitimate organizations and individuals can only promise to work hard for you. They cannot guarantee results
- Avoid paying upfront fees. It’s almost always illegal to ask for upfront fees for a loan modification. If you’re asked to pay for services up front, be suspicious
- Never transfer ownership of your property. Never turn over your deed or transfer ownership of your home to a mortgage assistance company. A trustworthy organization or individual will not ask you to transfer your property rights to them
Municipal resources
Even better, many counties now provide a consumer notification service. Register for free, and you’ll quickly receive an e-mail or text any time a document is recorded on your property.
The New York City department of finance advises homeowners to make sure the appropriate authorities have the correct mailing address for you or the person who should receive notices about your property. In your absence from your home, have mail forwarded or ask someone you trust to pick up mail or visit your home. Visit a vacant house periodically to ensure that no one has taken up residence illegally.
If you experience or find something amiss, notify the register of deeds and local law enforcement. In New York City, for example, homeowners who think they are victims of deed fraud are urged to act quickly to report fraud to the city’s sheriff, get a certified copy of the fraudulent document from the city register’s office, report the crime to the district attorney’s office in the borough where the property is located, and consult an attorney to help confirm ownership of the property. (Legal action known as “quieting the title” may be required to resolve any questions about your ownership of the property.)
Bottom line
It’s advisable to monitor your property and assets proactively and pay even closer attention to the assets that may be targeted by current scams. There are companies that will help you monitor your property, but it’s a good idea to never rely completely on a third party to protect your assets. You can conduct a home title search by yourself. You can do this by visiting the county clerk’s office where your property is located to confirm the necessary facts about the property.
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Strengthened building surveying and energy & sustainability services
Three new recruits have joined Colliers Project & Building Consultancy team enhancing its building surveying and energy & sustainability services for clients.
George Cunningham has joined as a director in the Birmingham office as part of the mechanical & electrical services team, while Tom Clayton has re-joined the building surveying department in Manchester as an associate director. In Glasgow, David Brown has joined as an associate director within the department’s growing energy & sustainability service.
George has joined from property consultancy firm TFT, where he led the mechanical & engineering design team. He specialises in technical due diligence and refurbishment projects across a broad range of asset types including industrial, retail, education and offices across the UK and Europe.
Tom re-joins the team from The Arch Company, having previously worked in the department for nearly seven years, until 2021. He will be working across all aspects of building surveying.
David has been working in the field of energy efficiency for 17 years, specialising in energy design for new builds. This includes airport terminals, hospitals and industrial premises, as well as refurbishments of existing buildings in order to achieve enhanced EPC ratings and net zero carbon plans, working with clients such as the Scottish Government.
Robert Perry, co-head of Project & Building Consultancy, said: “We’re continuing to grow our team and are especially proud that we’re introducing this group of strong, experienced talent into our regional offices. David, Tom and George each bring with them a unique set of skills which will be beneficial not only to our clients, but also for developing the talent that we have from within, ensuring that we can provide a consistent quality service across the various disciplines within our team.”
The grade B office vacancy rate increased by 5 percentage points year-on-year to 15.5%.
A report by another property consultancy, JLL, said the grade A office space absorption rate decreased by 28% to 7,300 sq.m.
The vacancy rate stood at 17%, equivalent to 79,000 sq.m. New supply has risen sharply since 2020 while demand remained stagnant.
The Vietnam Association of Realtors said demand fell as many businesses faced difficulties, forcing them to reduce their size and close down branches.
The director of a real estate brokerage based in Nam Tu Liem District said since the end of last year his company has closed branches in other provinces and reduced the size of its headquarters in Hanoi by two-thirds.
Its payroll has dropped to around 20 from more than 100 in early 2022. Companies in the technology and other sectors have also downsized their offices.
According to property consultancy Savills Vietnam, the number of office lease deals by IT companies halved in the first half of the year.
Bui Huu Anh, director of Maison Office, an office leasing firm with operations in Hanoi and HCMC, said most prospective customers who had inquired about leasing offices at the end of last year have delayed their plans.
Hoang Nguyet Minh, senior director of commercial leasing at Savills Hanoi, said tenants are increasingly prioritizing affordable office space, and so buildings with high rents, in the US$40-50 per square meter range, saw demand fall.
Many businesses have opted to rent serviced or co-working offices for the short term to save costs.
Anh said deals to hire co-working space in the first half of the year increased by 150 percent year-on-year. “Transactions increased, but most were for offices with fewer than 10 seats, and so overall lease of space still declined. Serviced offices and co-working spaces are temporary solutions for businesses in difficult circumstances.”
More office buildings will enter the market this year with a total leasable area of 90,000 sq.m. Vacancies at existing buildings are expected to increase as a result, according to CBRE.
Knight Frank has entered the Egyptian market, as the global consultancy seeks to establish a presence in the country’s booming real estate sector.
Launching its presence through a new office in Cairo, the new office will provide Knight Frank’s local and international clients with a range of offerings, including investment advisory, property management, transactions, and real estate broking across the commercial and residential segments.
“With a population exceeding 109 million, and the country’s impressive portfolio of approximately 2 billion square feet of active real estate, Egypt stands as an alluring prospect that beckons us. It is with great pleasure that we add our Cairo office Middle East and Africa network,” said Zeinab Adel, partner at the company.
According to in-house research from Knight Frank, the Egypt real estate market currently contributes approximately 16% to the nation’s GDP and is poised for further growth. “Egypt’s magnetic blend of rich heritage, strategic geographical location, and burgeoning economy propels it to the forefront of investment destinations. The property sector presents a wealth of opportunities in both residential and commercial domains,” Adel added.
Cairo’s real estate landscape alone is worth real estate investments of over $20 billion per year, with $16 billion dedicated to the residential sector, attesting to heightened demand for housing.
Alongside building up a local roster of clients, Knight Frank’s Cairo office will serve as a gateway for its international clients seeking to invest in Egypt.
Faisal Durrani, partner and Head of Middle East Research at Knight Frank, outlined: “Egypt has always held a special place in the minds of GCC investors and we are starting to see a demand renaissance of sorts, with GCC buyers increasingly looking at the Egyptian second homes market, particularly on the north coast of the country.”
During 2021 alone, the UAE invested in 71 projects worth $5.6 billion, with the most significant being The Agtech Park in Egypt, where UAE’s Abu Dhabi Fund for Development supported the establishment of an agricultural technology park to enhance Egypt’s agricultural productivity and promote innovation in the sector.
Going forward, Middle East-based sovereign wealth funds have articulated plans to infuse up to $120 billion into the country, indicating their strong confidence in Egypt’s market growth.
The US, UK, Germany, and France are among other major investors in Egypt, with Knight Frank well represented in those countries as well. The firm has over 480 offices worldwide, including in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Egypt.
“This extension has come at the request of our clients who would like our integrated service offering to be available in Egypt’s growing and dynamic gateway market,” said James Lewis, Knight Frank’s Middle East Managing Director. “We are excited the Middle East region is expanding into North Africa and connecting further into our wider Africa network.”
Major real estate consulting rivals including CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, JLL, and Savills also have a presence in Egypt.
ompanies across dozens of industries annually spend billions on management consulting firms. Offering a range of services—improving sustainability practices, advancing marketing strategy, or simplifying supply chain— consultants help companies solve their biggest problems. But choosing from literally thousands of them can be daunting.
“There is definitely a very strong underlying market for consulting services,” says Fiona Czerniawska, chief executive of Source Global Research, a London-based company that advises consulting and professional services firms. But when it comes to choosing a firm, “there isn’t necessarily a magic formula,” she says.
To help executives assess the options, Forbes partnered with the research company Statista to create our second annual World’s Best Management Consulting Firms list.
The rankings were created after surveying both clients and senior executives at consulting firms in 40 countries, including the U.S., Germany, France, the U.K., the Netherlands, Brazil and Japan. Firms were evaluated for their performance in specific industries (such as healthcare, telecommunications and banking) and functional consulting areas (such as sales, strategy and digital transformation). Companies that received the most recommendations were ranked at three levels: five stars for “very frequently recommended,” four stars for “frequently recommended,” and three stars for “recommended.” The final list highlights 229 companies across four continents.
As with all Forbes lists, companies do not pay any fee to be eligible for the ranking.
GSA is responsible for promoting effective use of federal real property assets, as well as the disposal of real property that is no longer mission-critical to federal agencies.
With thousands of properties in the federal portfolio, disposing of underused federal property is a considerable task. GSA—while working together with partner federal agencies, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, business groups, and citizens—leaves a lasting positive impact on communities by making valuable government real estate available for numerous public purposes.
Unneeded or underutilized federal property can vary widely in type and value, and may include:
- Undeveloped land;
- Office buildings;
- Warehouses;
- Commercial and industrial facilities;
- Military holdings; and
- Single- and multi-family residences.
These former federal properties can contribute to a community’s vitality by providing benefits such as:
- Expanded employment opportunities;
- Housing for the homeless; and
- Establishment of educational centers, parks, and open spaces.
Property may be located in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Territories.
Office of Real Property Disposition Resource Center. Provides information about the handling of excess real property and information on properties being offered for sale to the general public.
Realestatesales.gov – GSA’s Real Property auction website allows the public to bid on property 24 hours a day/365 days a year.
Additional information is available specifically for:
Federal agencies disposing of real property:
Federal agencies looking for real property:
State agencies and public organizations looking for real property:
Citizens looking for real property:
The shortcut to this page is www.gsa.gov/realpropertydisposal.
What Is an As-Is Home Listing?
Selling a home can be a long process, from hiring a real estate agent to closing on a final deal. Selling a home involves red tape and detailed requirements. Most buyers want a home that’s habitable right from the start and needs little or anything in the way of repairs. But some sellers nonetheless take the as-is option.
Putting a home up for sale “as-is” lets the homeowner skirt the need to fix the place up for a potential buyer. In other words, a home that’s placed on the market as an as-is listing is being sold in its current state. No upgrades or improvements will be made by the seller before the sale. The home may need major repairs or it might simply require a style and décor update. The buyer takes responsibility for repairs and modifications when a home is listed as-is, including problems that may not be apparent at the time of sale.
The seller and real estate agent must list all the home’s known problems. Sellers are required to follow state and federal minimum disclosure standards. Local and state disclosure regulations vary. The only federal disclosure required of all home sales is the existence of lead paint and other lead hazards.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that the place is a complete wreck when a home is listed as-is. Most of the structure may be fine and the buyer will shoulder responsibility for a major problem or two. A home inspection will reveal why it’s listed as-is.
Key Takeaways
- An as-is house listing means that the seller doesn’t want to be responsible for any repairs before the final sale of the home.
- Homes sold as-is must still meet certain state and federal disclosure standards.
- An as-is listing can pertain to only certain aspects of the home, such as an old chimney or a dilapidated pool.
Examples of other hazards that must be disclosed at the state and local level include past structural problems and a history of flood or infestation damage.
Why Is an As-Is Home Listed?
A home is generally listed as-is after it’s fallen into disrepair and the homeowner wants to cut their losses. It used to be that a home would almost always be renovated and repaired before being listed for sale but buyers may be more likely to consider eating the repair and renovation costs if it means securing a home in times of high housing demand and a scarce supply of homes.
The need for repairs isn’t necessarily the only reason for selling a home as-is. Sellers will sometimes list their homes as-is because they’re in debt on the property and can’t afford to maintain it. They may not have time or the money for a contractor to finish work on a project before having to move. A homeowner might sell their property without making repairs that would otherwise boost the sale price for several compelling reasons.
The seller will ultimately indicate what’s wrong with the property and let the buyer decide if the investment is worthwhile.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Selling As-Is?
An as-is sale might only sound appealing to someone who’s looking for a “fixer-upper” to renovate and flip, but there are plenty of reasons why a prospective homebuyer might see an as-is listing as an opportunity. There are also just as many reasons to steer clear of such a listing.
Benefits of an As-Is Listing
- They add supply to a tight housing market: Home prices soared 19.3% in the year ending Nov. 30, 2021 as the pandemic unleashed a surge of buying for various reasons. Housing stock didn’t keep pace with rising demand, creating shortages. An as-is home comes with added costs for repairs and renovations, but these listings tend to result in lower prices and less competition for the home.
- They’re quicker to close: The process of buying or selling a home in the traditional way can drag on for months. The seller is often motivated to sell quickly with an as-is listing and won’t be spending time and money making repairs. Buyers are encouraged to pay in cash, eliminating time-consuming paperwork and the approvals that come with securing a mortgage.
- Loans can help cover repair costs: Depending on the loan provider and its requirements, you may be able to leverage the low mortgage rate to buy an as-is home and repair it. But not every lender may have the desire to be involved with a “fixer-upper” so be sure to consult with your prospective lender about its terms before proceeding.
Downsides of an As-Is Listing
- Necessary repairs may be costly: The bills and headaches for all repairs are yours if you choose to buy as-is. Be sure you’re willing and able to take on that time and/or expense.
- Such a listing may turn prospective buyers away: As-is sellers are typically motivated to sell quickly but the costs and time associated with repairs may deter buyers. This would lengthen the sales process. Buyers may prefer to spend a little more to have a home that’s move-in ready.
- Inspections are strongly recommended: A house inspection is often part of the traditional house-buying experience but it’s a good idea to hire one for an as-is listing as well even if it’s not required. You should list everything that’s wrong with the house if you’re the seller. Sellers can also hire an inspector or property appraiser to determine what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost, among other major factors.
Can You Be Denied a Loan For an As-Is Home?
Yes. Lenders typically require that a home be habitable to qualify for most conventional mortgages. Government-backed home loan options like FHA, USDA, or VA loans come with minimum property requirements. Defects such as worn flooring and damaged interior walls can be acceptable, but it’s important that you review a mortgage’s terms and conditions before attempting to buy an as-is home.
Do Banks Sell Homes Under the As-Is Listing?
Homes that are listed as-is are often foreclosures. A bank may be inclined to sell a property as-is to avoid the costs associated with repairs if the home has been foreclosed upon and it now owns a property that needs work.
Can a Home With Existing Code Violations Be Sold As-Is?
Code violations don’t necessarily preclude a home from entering the market. Most homes on the market are likely to have some form of local housing code violation because even simple renovations can run afoul of local regulations.
The Bottom Line
An as-is home can appeal to those who are looking for a property to flip for profit. More buyers and sellers may consider the as-is listing as demand for housing increases and the supply falls. An as-is home listing can be a benefit to both the seller and buyer with some elbow grease and good negotiation tactics.
Every ecommerce business faces times when growth plateaus. If you’re struggling with flat sales, the best solution might be to hire an ecommerce consultant.
Ecommerce consultants bring outside knowledge and experiences to your business challenges. They work with ecommerce stores of all sizes, either on specific projects or on tactics to improve day-to-day operations.
Here’s what ecommerce consultants do, how to choose the right consultant for your needs, and a list of the top ecommerce consultants.
What is an ecommerce consultant?
An ecommerce consultant is a third-party expert who understands issues facing an online store and recommends improvements to ecommerce performance.
Many ecommerce consultants draw on years of first-hand experience to advise merchants. Some offer expertise in specific industry niches, and may work on solutions themselves as contractors.
What does an ecommerce consultant do?
An ecommerce consultant can advise companies on a range of ecommerce areas including:
- Web design
- Product development
- Marketing strategy
- Logistics and operations
- Multichannel selling
- Physical retail
- New technologies
- Legal and compliance
4 ways an ecommerce consultant can help grow your business
Ecommerce consultants specialize in many areas. Here are some of the challenges you might hire an ecommerce consultant to help you overcome in your online business.
1. Optimize conversion rates
To optimize your store’s conversion rate, ecommerce consultants will suggest user experience (UX) enhancements to make it easier for customers to shop.
The goal of conversion rate optimization is to reduce friction points in customers’ purchase journey. Ecommerce UX covers the overall experience of someone visiting your store, from browsing to shopping cart to checkout.
Consultants will audit your website and identify areas with poor UX, which could frustrate customers and lead to cart abandonment.
They might recommend changes to the checkout process, such as adding a one-click checkout. They could implement a live chat feature at points where your customers could benefit from support.
2. Expand digital marketing
Customer acquisition is a popular focus for ecommerce businesses and consultants. Finding ways to access markets and audiences can be a challenge—that’s where ecommerce consultants can step in with fresh ideas and strategies to put your business in front of new customers.
Consultants can help you launch and run targeted ads, audit digital marketing channels, develop and monitor sales funnels, and find new customers by leveraging apps.
3. Choose which products to sell
Ecommerce consultants can help you look at your inventory and identify profitable products. Product development, identifying new product opportunities, and working on new product ideas are all areas where you might spend a consultant’s time.
Let’s say you launched a business selling shampoo, and sales have plateaued. So, you decide to extend your product line by adding conditioner.
An ecommerce consultant can analyze your idea, conducting market research to see if it’s worth pursuing. They might suggest safer alternative growth strategies, such as improving your current shampoo product.
An ecommerce consultant can also look at pricing strategies, finding places to boost profit margins, or identifying high price points impacting conversions. When pricing a new product, consultants can help you find a balance between profitability and affordability.
Read more: Driving traffic but no sales? Here’s how to diagnose and improve your store
4. Maximize profitability
Ecommerce consultants can also work on general improvements to the efficiency of your business to maximize profitability. A consultant can help you:
- Negotiate contracts to get better deals on inventory, shipping, and software
- Audit business processes to remove waste
- Introduce tools to automate or delegate tasks
- Create a growth roadmap
Advantages of using an ecommerce consultant
Get an unbiased outside perspective
When involved in a business day in and day out, it can be hard to think outside the box. While that tunnel vision helps you stay focused, it can lead to missed opportunities. An ecommerce consultant can bring an informed, unbiased outsider’s opinion of your operations.
Free up time for core business growth
Outsourcing work to a consultant gives you time to focus on impactful tasks. Hiring the right ecommerce consultant puts your business in good hands—and you won’t have to invest your time working on the consultant’s tasks.
Boost your sales (and save money)
For less than the cost of hiring and training an employee, ecommerce consulting services can help you realize ways to optimize your cash flow. This can encompass digital marketing solutions, social media strategies, ecommerce platform recommendations, and other critical needs for running an efficient business.
How much does an ecommerce consultant cost?
The estimated cost of an ecommerce consultant is between $25 and $300 per hour. Some consultants charge monthly retainer fees in exchange for a set number of hours or deliverables.
Consultant costs vary depending on a project’s size, scope, location, and industry. Consultants with years of experience will likely cost more than junior consultants, but may suggest solutions that create higher long-term returns.
Top 10 ecommerce consultants
1. Monumental
Launched in 2011, Monumental is a consulting firm for merchants that use Shopify. UX and UI design are its core specialties, but it also helps clients with more complex Shopify customization and integration projects. Previous Monumental clients’ niches include pets, clothing, and ebooks.
2. Bain & Company
Bain & Company is a large Boston-based consulting firm with offices worldwide. It has worked with businesses in consumer products, fashion and luxury, and grocery stores, including companies with online and physical storefronts.
Bain & Company has ecommerce expertise for B2B companies that sell to other businesses.
3. A Group Consulting
A Group Consulting offers expertise in key marketing areas, like pay-per-click advertising (PPC), search engine optimization (SEO), and a range of operational areas—even legal consulting for business registration. A Group has worked with several large media and recruitment companies in the past.
4. BearingPoint
BearingPoint is another global consulting firm with expertise across almost every business function. It has ecommerce strategy experts with experience in consumer goods and retail. Specifically, BearingPoint can help you implement a new digital strategy or omnichannel marketing initiative, manage categorization to improve UX, or adopt new IT processes.
5. Exo Digital
Exo Digital is an Australia-based consulting firm that creates immersive digital transformation experiences. Exo Digital focuses on UX and UI design, web and mobile app development, and customer experience design. It also helps clients research and validate new products and business ideas.
6. Groove Commerce
Groove Commerce helps businesses build and grow websites. It provides SEO, design, and email marketing consulting for ecommerce brands, including clothing, automotive, food, beverage, and toy retailers.
7. McKinsey & Company
McKinsey & Company is another large consulting firm with many specialties and capabilities. Its McKinsey Digital consulting services focus on everything online—from digital marketing to operations and analytics.
8. IntuitSolutions
IntuitSolutions focus on supporting ecommerce clients who use the BigCommerce ecommerce platform. It’s helped numerous automotive, pets, CBD, tech, and beverage merchants to build and optimize their websites.
9. OC&C Strategy Consultants
OC&C Strategy Consultants offers consumer goods, retail, and digital marketing expertise.
OC&C can advise ecommerce clients on business growth, branding and positioning, plus specific tasks like channel expansion, private label products, and acquisitions.
10. Irish Titan
Irish Titan has expertise in Shopify as well as other ecommerce platforms. It’s a full-service ecommerce agency that has helped merchants across tech, farming, shoes, and car maintenance design to develop and grow their online stores.
How to choose the right ecommerce consultant for your online store
Choosing the right ecommerce consultant starts with knowing your goals and budget. From there, a thoughtful vetting process will help you find the right match.
Determine your goals and budget
Ecommerce consultants specialize in various client needs, so it helps to know what you’re trying to accomplish before you search for support.
Consulting firms like those above might be a good fit if you need help across many areas of your business. But if you’re looking for specialist marketing or logistics advice, a firm or individual focusing on those aspects of ecommerce will likely be more valuable.
Alongside setting goals, think about how you’ll measure success. This will help set expectations during discovery calls, as well as during the project.
You’ll also want to have a general idea of your budget. Many large global consulting firms require minimum contract terms, so knowing how much you can invest will narrow down your list of potential consultants.
Longlist consultants
While a Google search is a legitimate way to source potential consultants, results tend to skew toward consultancies with the biggest marketing budgets. With so many agencies and individuals to choose from, you may also end up with a long list of candidates.
Better are dedicated resources, like the Shopify Experts directory, that contain vetted lists of qualified ecommerce consultants for you to browse.
Narrow down a list of consultants based on your goals and budget. Check for alignment between a consultant’s area of expertise and your business.
Shortlist consultants
Armed with a list of ecommerce consultants, you’ll want to dig deeper into each candidate’s portfolio to see their work in your niche.
Most consultants will have an Our Work page showcasing client case studies, like this one from Exo Digital:
Along with impressive work for comparable ecommerce businesses, consultants should have proud clients eager to share their experiences. Look for previous client opinions via:
- Third-party sites like Clutch and G2 for user reviews
- Consultant case studies (when read critically)
- Previous clients who can offer testimonials
Consultants should be able to demonstrate how they’ve added concrete value to their client’s operations.
Set up a discovery call
Once you’ve validated your top contenders and nixed the ones that don’t fit, you’re ready to schedule discovery calls. A discovery call allows you to have a personal conversation with the ecommerce consultant where you can describe your business and challenges and what you’re looking for. They’ll share how or why they’re a good fit.
Be prepared to ask questions during these discovery calls. You’ll want to get enough information to confidently compare and select the right consultant. Try asking questions in the following areas:
Working style
Ask the consultant about their process, how they work with clients, what types of budgets they work with, and how they like to communicate. It’s also important to ask how they track success.
Industry knowledge
Ask questions about the current state of your industry and niche to gauge the consultant’s familiarity with your business area.
Relevant experience
Ask hypothetical questions specific to your ecommerce business, or pull from your work experiences and challenges. This will tell you if the consultant really knows what they’re talking about or if they are reciting from a sales script.
Make the hire
You’ve vetted your options and chosen your top ecommerce consultant. Now it’s time to review the proposal from the consultant and cross-check that information with the contract. Note any discrepancies before you sign.
It’s also a good idea to check how long the engagement is for and if you have any fees or penalties for early termination.
Grow with the right ecommerce consultant
Ecommerce may be a competitive industry, but with the right strategy there’s room to stand out. An ecommerce consultant can help you overcome common growth challenges and issues unique to your business.
Whether you hire an established consulting firm or partner with an expert from your niche, follow this guide to find a consultant who can help your business find the next stage of growth.
Ecommerce consultant FAQ
How much does it cost to hire an ecommerce consultant?
Most ecommerce consultants cost between $25 and $300 per hour, depending upon their level of experience and track record at solving industry challenges. Some consultancies charge flat flees for specific services, such as a website audit.
Are ecommerce consultants necessary for success?
Ecommerce consultants aren’t necessary for success. But when your business stagnates, the outside perspective a consultant brings can make the difference between renewed growth and a continued plateau.
How do I become an ecommerce consultant?
You can become an ecommerce consultant by packaging your expertise and experiences into a service offering. Think about what value you have to give ecommerce brands and promote your services within a specific niche or as support for general ecommerce challenges.
When should I hire an ecommerce consultant?
There are a few situations where it makes sense to hire an ecommerce consultant:
- When you need unbiased, expert feedback on your business
- If you’re looking to expand your product offering or target a new market
- If your growth has plateaued and you’ve exhausted internal ideas
With the scenic beauty of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, the charming towns in Door County, and vibrant cities like Milwaukee, there are plenty of reasons to love living in Wisconsin. If you’ve been considering moving to Wisconsin or are hoping to relocate to a new city, you also probably have a budget you’d like to stay under as you look for a place to live. As of July, the median home sale price in Wisconsin is $344,900.
Don’t worry if that price doesn’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has rounded up a list of 10 of the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin – and they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. Let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.
#1: Racine
Median home price: $185,000
Average sale price per square foot: $132
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $840
Median household income: $44,346
Nearest major metro: Milwaukee (30 miles)
Racine, WI homes for sale
Racine, WI apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $185,000, Racine takes the number one spot on our list of affordable places to live in Wisconsin. About 30 miles away from Milwaukee, the nearest metro, Racine is home to roughly 77,800 people. Living in Racine, you can take in the views of Lake Michigan from the Racine Overlook or Racine Breakwater Lighthouse. You can also spend a beach day at Racine North Beach, and check out the shops, museums, and restaurants in downtown Racine.
#2: Milwaukee
Median home price: $206,000
Average sale price per square foot: $145
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,480
Median household income: $43,125
Milwaukee, WI homes for sale
Milwaukee, WI apartments for rent
Taking second place on our list of affordable cities to live in Wisconsin is Milwaukee. When living in this city of 577,200 people, you can spend time outside exploring Mitchell Park Domes, Lincoln Park, and Havenwoods State Forest, or enjoy the day at McKinley Beach. Make sure to check out the Milwaukee Riverwalk District, and visit museums like the Milwaukee Art Museum if you move to Milwaukee.
#3: Oshkosh
Median home price: $222,000
Average sale price per square foot: $137
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $899
Median household income: $51,282
Nearest major metro: Green Bay (50 miles)
Oshkosh, WI homes for sale
Oshkosh, WI apartments for rent
Third is Oshkosh where about 66,800 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $222,000 which is about $120K less than the median home sale price in Wisconsin. Make sure to visit Asylum Point Lighthouse overlooking Lake Winnebago, grab a meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants, and visit one of the museums like Paine Art Center and Gardens or Oshkosh Public Museum if you move to the third most affordable city.
#4: La Crosse
Median home price: $232,500
Average sale price per square foot: $155
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $849
Median household income: $43,125
Nearest major metro: Madison (140 miles)
La Crosse, WI homes for sale
La Crosse, WI apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Oshkosh is the city of La Crosse. There are several top attractions you may want to see in La Crosse. Make sure to check out Riverside Park located along the Mississippi River, visit the iconic Grandad Bluff Park offering panoramic views of La Crosse, and explore museums like the Dahl Auto Museum or the World’s Largest Six-Pack landmark.
#5: West Allis
Median home price: $245,000
Average sale price per square foot: $172
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $995
Median household income: $43,125
Nearest major metro: Milwaukee (7 miles)
West Allis, WI homes for sale
West Allis, WI apartments for rent
Another great affordable city to consider moving to is West Allis. With 60,300 residents, moving to this affordable place gives you the perks of city-life without living in a major metropolitan area. Living in West Allis, you can visit McCarty Park where you’ll find McCarty Pond, check out the events at Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, and visit the Milwaukee County Zoo just over in Milwaukee.
#6: Kenosha
Median home price: $246,500
Average sale price per square foot: $161
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,044
Median household income: $56,113
Nearest major metro: Milwaukee (40 miles)
Kenosha, WI homes for sale
Kenosha, WI apartments for rent
Another noteworthy city on our list is Kenosha, where you’ll find the home prices are about $100K less than the state’s average. Kenosha has about 99,900 residents and is a great city to consider living in this year. There are lots of activities to do in this city such as exploring the Kenosha Sand Dunes where you’ll find trails and views of Lake Michigan or spending the day at Simmons Island Beach. You can also check out one of the museums like Kenosha Public Museum, the Civil War Museum, or the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, among many other local favorites.
#7: Appleton
Median home price: $258,000
Average sale price per square foot: $142
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,325
Median household income: $61,475
Nearest major metro: Green Bay (32 miles)
Appleton, WI homes for sale
Appleton, WI apartments for rent
Coming in seventh place on our list of affordable places to live in Wisconsin is Appleton. With a population of close to 75,600, Appleton is a great area to live in that’s not nearly as big as the major metropolitan cities in Wisconsin. If you find yourself moving to this city make sure to check out museums like the Hearthstone Historic House Museum and The History Museum at the Castle, visit Sunset Park, and explore the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve.
#8: Janesville
Median home price: $259,000
Average sale price per square foot: $159
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,034
Median household income: $55,914
Nearest major metro: Madison (40 miles)
Janesville, WI homes for sale
Janesville, WI apartments for rent
If you’ve lived in Wisconsin for some time, you may know our eighth city – Janesville. About 65,600 people live in Janesville, located in southern Wisconsin about 40 miles south of Madison. Be sure to visit the Rotary Botanical Gardens with over 20-acres of paths and gardens, visit the downtown Janesville area, and hike the Ice Age Trail once living in Janesville.
#9: Green Bay
Median home price: $287,450
Average sale price per square foot: $147
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $899
Median household income: $52,214
Nearest major metro: Milwaukee (117 miles)
Green Bay, WI homes for sale
Green Bay, WI apartments for rent
With a population of about 107,400, Green Bay is a great place to consider moving to in Wisconsin. Popular things to do in Green Bay include watching a Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field, visiting outdoor spots like the Green Bay Botanical Garden, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Center, and exploring the riverfront restaurants, shops, and museums.
#10: Eau Claire
Median home price: $300,000
Average sale price per square foot: $161
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $795
Median household income: $59,705
Nearest major metro: Minneapolis (95 miles)
Eau Claire, WI homes for sale
Eau Claire, WI apartments for rent
The final city to make our list is Eau Claire. This city has a population of 69,400 and you can visit the lakeside Carson Park where you can find trails and local history museums, stroll through downtown Eau Claire, and check out the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire campus. There’s always something to check out while living in Eau Claire.
Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Wisconsin. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.