DEPRO (depreciation specialist) - FYI

[beachside]

I phoned Depro yesterday to run a few scenarios past them and mentioned that I was from Somersoft, and that Burnie had come out to a SIG last year to give a presentation.

As Burnie is no longer with the company I spoke with Daniel who wanted to pass on their new contact details to members and confirmation of the discount price offered to us. He also attached an updated form to fill in when requesting a depreciation schedule, but I'm not aware of how I can put this on line or link it. (They could always fax one to you if needed.)

Below is the email I received from Daniel:

Further to our discussion, please find attached our new form of instruction for property investors.
Our new contact details are as follows.

Sydney
2A Bay Street

Double Bay NSW 2028

Telephone: 02 9328 3390

Facsimile: 02 9328 3590

Email: Syd@deppro.com

www.deppro.com

ABN 68 070 490

Just to confirm, any clients referred by Somersoft Forum will receive a $110 discount from our usual Sydney price of $550.

Should you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact me on 0401 648 228.

Yours in depreciation

Daniel Cole
Sales Manager

[dtraeger2k]

Hey,

nicely done beachside ;)

[Jacque]

I wonder why it is that they only charge $440 for Qld reports? Be interesting to know the rationale behind the price difference....

[Rixter]

I wonder why it is that they only charge $440 for Qld reports? Be interesting to know the rationale behind the price difference....

$440 in Perth also.

[Mary]

Hey,

nicely done beachside ;)


Diddo... nice piece of sly advertising ;)

[beachside]

Deppro did not ask to advertise. Daniel asked for a contact at Somersoft to pass on their latest details and confirm our discount price. At first I thought of referring him to Sim or Peter, but decided the best and easiest thing to do would be to put up details in a post to give everyone the info without anything else needing to be done.

Deppro have previously given their time to come along to a SIG to talk about depreciation, so under the circumstances I would not have felt taken advantage of even if they had asked me to put an "advertisement" on the forum.

The info was FYI, regardless of which depreciation company everyone chooses to use - and the posts on this forum have a range of opinions on the companies. And to set the record straight, I have never used Deppro other than to make an enquiry, nor do I have any connection with them.

[hrhpablo]

Thought I'd weigh in on this thread as I have my own view from personal experience.

I made the mistake of focussing solely on price and tried Deppro for a property of mine in Sydney's west. It was a big mistake. The guy who came out was a charming chap, don't get me wrong, but he knew practically nothing about property depreciation. I was expecting a QS.

In particular I was shocked to find in conversation with my Deppro inspector that the guy got this job by answering an ad in the paper and had spent a scant 4 weeks going to jobs with another inspector before being "qualified" to inspect my property. I was shocked that he did not even have a tape measure (he paced rooms out), had no idea about basic questions relating to construction and materials (he had to ask me what the air conditioning control and the alarm panel were when looking right at them) and could not explain anything about the process to me, simply advising that the "real work" was done by someone in Queensland.

Obviously I've now found an alternative I'm much more comfortable with. I'm not interested in plumping that alternative here (that's not the point), but as a long time reader of this forum, I would suggest you proceed with caution, based on my Sydney experience. If you're looking for a provider, I'd review recent posts regarding Deppro. I would also suggest doing a search for a QS on the AIQS website - have a look for Deppro while you're there?!

Cheers,

[austini]

Hi,

I used Deppro to provide a Qty Survey report on one of our rental properties in Brisbane about 6 months ago.

They sent one of the general admin office ladies out to inspect the property. I asked her numerous questions and got replies along the lines that I would need to contact the office to speak to one of the quantity surveyors relating to any technical queries. She was basically only there to count the number of lights and other items in the house.

As for pricing it was $440 WithOut any discount. Maybe in Sydney they send an actual qty surveyor out to inspect the property rather than an office person:rolleyes:

So I doubt if I would use them again.

Cheers - Gordon

[hrhpablo]

I noticed the first post in this thread referred to not being able to send their form online. This was something that really irritated me because my fiance had to wait for a couple of weeks just to get the process started. The whole thing took about 8 weeks from start to finish - in my book way too long.

Anyway no, they didn't use a Quantity Surveyor to inspect my property in Sydney. It was a guy with no formal training. He was at Uni doing something completely unrelated and this was a part-time gig out of an ad in the paper.

I'd say that's why they're so cheap. And that's why I won't use them again.
:cool:

[beachside]

I guess we all learn from our mistakes. I innocently put up the post to pass on info to those who may want to use it, just trying to help.

It is interesting that when seeking info or advice on this forum it is sometimes hard to get a reply - or one that addresses the point. But when posting info that requires no reply, you get sarcastic or critical replies.

It is good to get feedback on companies, but maybe a separate thread might be a better way to do it, not slanging someone who has given their time previously or offered a discount to us. It is hardly the way to attract people or benefits. Is it any wonder that people have withdrawn their offer to give presentations at meetings or advised they will not participate in the forum any more!!!!!

BTW
I noticed the first post in this thread referred to not being able to send their form online. This was something that really irritated me because ........
First post reads: "....but I'm not aware of how I can put this on line....." I refers to me, not Deppro!!!!!

[austini]

Hey BS,

Please, calm down. We're not having a go at you. You had good intentions with your post and that is appreciated. I have been an active member here for years and the same has happened to me at times but I don't take it personally.

A major benefit of this forum is that we can all share our experiences. From memory you said you hadn't actually used Deppro's services. However many of us have and hence are only posting our genuine experiences. And they are actual experiences from using their services not just because we decided to be negative for the hell of it. I for example based my views on having used a number of different qty surveyors previously. Deppro wasn't by any means the worst I had used to date but they certainly weren't the best either.

It has been pointed out by a few people now that the discounted price that was given to you is no different to the standard non-discounted price that some of us have been paying in other states. And previous qty surveyors I had used sent a qualified person to inspect the site. Deppro didn't in my case. Hence none of my questions could be answered which was frustrating.

If you hadn't used a particular service provider before wouldn't you also like to hear from people who had actually used the company's services whether the feedback is good or bad. I certainly would.

So if anyone has had good experiences with Deppro please post them. It may just have been the case that us few who have posted so far were exceptions.

Cheers - Gordon

[capitalist]

So if anyone has had good experiences with Deppro please post them. It may just have been the case that us few who have posted so far were exceptions.
Cheers - Gordon

Nope, sorry i can't post any good experiences with DEPPRO - all of them have been bad and i won't use them again or recommend them to others.

Use depreciator (http://www.depreciator.com.au) if you want a professional service... Scott posts a lot of good info here and at PI; and also offers discounts for forum members. Do a search for depreciator and you'll find a lot of good posts by him.

[Bill Olsen]

Fellow members,

I think you have been unfairly harsh on DEPPRO, as in my opinion, they have been extremely professional, timely and helpful. I have three investment properties, two in NSW and one in QLD and commissioned a depreciation schedule for each from DEPPRO. I have to admit that I choose DEPPRO purely on price, but it turned out to be a great decision because I definitely got value for money. Not only did I save $150 per schedule but DEPPRO also claimed $2000 in legitimate tax entitlements that another provider failed to identify in their assessment. Like any other large organisation, I am sure that some will have good experiences and others bad, however, from my experience, I would not hesitate in recommending the services of DEPPRO for those looking for a specialised QS

[hrhpablo]

Hmmm. First post Bill and it's a glowing endorsement of Deppro? Now, that's a tad transparent.

I don't know whether anybody has been unduly 'harsh'. Three people have responded with feedback relating to Deppro's service and methodology and all have said similar things.

From my perspective, in event of an audit I would much prefer my schedule was put together following an inspection by a Quantity Surveyor. Surely this is 'best practice'? I bet the AIQS and the ATO think it is. That's why I won't use Deppro again.

[Rixter]

Fellow members,

I think you have been unfairly harsh on DEPPRO, as in my opinion, they have been extremely professional, timely and helpful. I have three investment properties, two in NSW and one in QLD and commissioned a depreciation schedule for each from DEPPRO. I have to admit that I choose DEPPRO purely on price, but it turned out to be a great decision because I definitely got value for money. Not only did I save $150 per schedule but DEPPRO also claimed $2000 in legitimate tax entitlements that another provider failed to identify in their assessment. Like any other large organisation, I am sure that some will have good experiences and others bad, however, from my experience, I would not hesitate in recommending the services of DEPPRO for those looking for a specialised QS

Ditto Bill. I have quite a few IPs spread across Australia form coast to coast and on all of them have commissioned Paul Benion & James Hannah from Deppro back as far a when they were know as HTW in the earlier years.

All their reports have been done speadiently & accurately, averaging more than tenfold their fee back in deductions in the first year alone , on every IP. They stand by their reports and the ATO recognises them as benchmark in industry standards, so they must be doing something right - OH plus they both write a column in the API mag. :)

[pbennion]

Hi, this is Paul Bennion from Deppro. From time to time I visit this site to see what nice things are being said about us. I notice this time, that not all of you are being that nice. Firstly, I can assure you all that I respect this forumn and neither myself or any of my staff enter comments into this forum to promote our company. Secondly to answer a common concern of your readers, from a PI point of view, my inspectors have been instructed not to give advise of a technical nature. A company not holding any PI may be a lot looser with advise. For all technical queries, advise, concerns or complaints please give me a ring and we can have a chat. I am very approachable and hapy to talk through any query.

Regards,
Paul

[hrhpablo]

Just wandered back into this thread.

Rixter, I wonder how recent your experiences are and where they are? It was April 2004, the day I sadly sat and waited for my Deppro inspector (who was an hour late because he didn't realise my property was past Blacktown in Sydney's West).

I don't know about other locations, but are you saying you had a different experience since April 2004 in Sydney? That the guy who turned up (on time) to inspect your property was a QS, hadn't answered an ad in the paper and didn't have a scant 4 weeks training, knew all about depreciation, knew what an air conditioning and alarm panel looked like and could competently answer any questions you had?

Also, where does the ATO recognise Deppro as benchmark in industry standards? I'd be interested to read that.

With respect, I suspect much of your post is either inaccurate or out of date. I personally can't understand how anyone could justify what I experienced. It's not what I thought I was paying for and from my subsequent experiences with a different provider, it falls far short of what the industry should accept.

[pbennion]

Did you ever complain to Deppro about this, or do you save up all of your complaints for this forum?? Were you unhappy with the report?? Because we would have refunded your money if that were the case.

Regards,
Paul
Deppro

[hrhpablo]

Hi Paul and thanks for the question. From some of the other feedback I've read, you're a top bloke.

Do I have a bad view of your company? Yep, I sure do. I had a 2nd rate experience and I share it. Others have shared their positive and negative views and kudos to them for doing so.

To answer your question, nope, I didn't complain to Deppro about this. I thought I'd ask some questions from others as I was quite new to it all at that time. The more questions I asked, the more shocked people were at what I explained had happened. In the end, I didn't complain because I realised that by going for the cheapest price I could find, I was getting what I deserved. Still, I didn't realise skimping on the inspection was part of the cost saving. You have to admit, if the inspecting guy who turns up happily admits he answered an ad in a paper where "presentation" was everything and industry knowledge is irrelevant and if he doesn't know the first thing about how my house is built, I have a right to be concerned. Well you might not, I guess, but I do.

Did I want a refund? No. My fiance was uncomfortable with getting into a dispute on this as she started the research on this initially, so I found another provider for future properties and we moved on. But I must admit, if I understood this is what I would receive at the start of the process, I wouldn't have booked my job with Deppro in the first place. And I would respectfully suggest that using people like the one who inspected my property is not what I expected from your website and advertising and was, quite frankly, just poor form.

[Rixter]

Just wandered back into this thread.

Rixter, I wonder how recent your experiences are and where they are? It was April 2004, the day I sadly sat and waited for my Deppro inspector (who was an hour late because he didn't realise my property was past Blacktown in Sydney's West).

I don't know about other locations, but are you saying you had a different experience since April 2004 in Sydney? That the guy who turned up (on time) to inspect your property was a QS, hadn't answered an ad in the paper and didn't have a scant 4 weeks training, knew all about depreciation, knew what an air conditioning and alarm panel looked like and could competently answer any questions you had?

Also, where does the ATO recognise Deppro as benchmark in industry standards? I'd be interested to read that.

With respect, I suspect much of your post is either inaccurate or out of date. I personally can't understand how anyone could justify what I experienced. It's not what I thought I was paying for and from my subsequent experiences with a different provider, it falls far short of what the industry should accept.

My last job commissioned to Deppro was last year in Brisbane & I am currently commissioning Paul again right now on another property purchased in Upper Mount Gravatt, so I'd say my experiences are accurate & up to date :) As Paul rightfully suggests I also would have approached him if I wasnt happy in the first instance - but then again we're all different I suppose.

In relation to the ATO benchmark standard comments, I read it in an API article and also qualified it personally with the ATO themselves as part of my due diligense processes.

Hope I shed some light for you.
Cheers

P.S. Now since Pauls here - if I only I could negotiate a discount for being a loyal long time repeat client ;) :D

[austini]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your responses.

To be honest the Deppro schedule itself seemed quite ok. But the property we had Deppro do the schedule for wasn't that old and I was able to supply most of the cost detail & related dates to your company. So it should have been a pretty straight forward case of plug in the numbers and let the software do the work.

However I have another more recently purchased investment property which is over 16 years old having had a few extensions and a pool etc installed by the original owners over time. Unfortunately when we purchased the property the owners weren't able to supply much historical detail about these changes to the property. We are about to arrange a qty survey of this property.

But what would concern me if I used Deppro again for this latest purchase is that I would end up with someone who was basicially only trained to count and note down depreciable items. Having had a number of depreciation schedules done in the past I was quite taken back by how little the person seemed to know. Even many of my most basic questions were unable to be answered.

For example, if there had been a number of extensions/renovations and a pool etc installed and some of the major components replaced over time which I didn't have any original documentation on then how would a person which appeared to have very minimal training have recorded this information to get the best result? In this case I would feel much more confident if a qualified qty surveyor actually attended site to appraise items with little or no historical records which might require professional judgement.

But if I can be convinced that Deppro will send a competent employee to site who can address the types of issues I described above then I would then be more than happy to consider them as a possibility for future work.

I genuinely look forward to your response.

Cheers - Gordon

[depreciator]

Gee, I've been following this thread for the last couple of days and appropriately biting my tongue. But Gordon, I hate to see your question hanging there.

A property that has been renovated progressively by previous owners is indeed a tricky one. And yes, I'd say an inspection by a qualified person would be mandatory. Paul may offer to do this himself. You would need to find out as much as you can about what has been done and when. You obviously won't need to know costs (that's what the QS does), but the scope of work and dates would be critical. The council may be of some assistance, as could neighbours and previous owners. You will be responsible for this information. I think this is also one of those jobs where it would be particularly useful for the owner (you) to be on site during the inspection. If Paul can't help you out, we can or you could try BMT or Washington brown.

Rixter,
Forget the discount! I'd be hassling Paul for a free schedule and perhaps a lunch. Your comment about the ATO was interesting. I can't see them endorsing a provider of any service? That comment in API would have been authored by whoever wrote the article, and James Hannah (ex Deppro) used to write a fair few articles.

Beachside,
I do quite a few talks to small and large groups and I quite enjoy it. A fortnight ago I was in Burwood (Sydney) on a Wednesday night talking to 10 clients of a local accountant. Last Wednesday night I did something with Margaret Lomas. And tomorrow night it's another group in the city. I'm based in Sydney, but I get to Melbourne and Brisbane a bit. Please feel free to get in touch.

To add to Paul's last comment, I think whenever anyone has a problem with a provider of any product or service, they should try and resolve it satisfactorily with the provider before 'going public'. I had a situation last year where a client of ours pilloried us on the PI forum. They got things completely wrong. A phone call to me first would have saved them looking silly. And I have heard that Paul is an amiable bloke.

[austini]

Hi Scott,

Thanks for you reply.

I was very pleased to see your views in realtion to the concerns raised in my previous post. I just couldn't see how a sensible inspection could be carried out in these types of situations unless a qualified person inspected the site and preferably with the owner present.

I'm pleased to see you have someone who services the Sunshine coast area and will contact him for a quote etc.

Regards - Gordon

[depreciator]

And I'm sure Paul would agree that your job is more complicated than most.

About one in every hundred jobs is a tricky one and requires special attention and often alot of 'post delivery' discussion.

[Rixter]

Rixter,
Forget the discount! I'd be hassling Paul for a free schedule and perhaps a lunch. Your comment about the ATO was interesting. I can't see them endorsing a provider of any service? That comment in API would have been authored by whoever wrote the article, and James Hannah (ex Deppro) used to write a fair few articles.


Well Depreciator you know what you need to do to get my business! ;) You dont need to see them endorsing Deppro either - I asked them outright instead :D

[Tim]

Beachside,

I agree with Gordon, I think your post was placed up in good will and in the spirit of the forum.

Don't take the "negative" comments personally (they are not negative towards you), because I think even if people are quick to jump on things with either positive or negative comments then at least a lot of good discussion has ensued.

Cheers,

SpongeBob