They DON'T look at the samples anyway ! They are all too busy, with too many other regular work-day duties to give a rip about committing time to actually read a sample report. I do like Roger's idea of cloning some recent good reports, then literally changing the key numbers and names describing client, subject, comps, and respective identities, etc., et al. With it goes an attached page stating that you have done just that. Or, you submit the ones with the multiple lines blacking-out all that confidential info. Either way they are NOT going to look at them ! None of your samples involve a direct transaction they are currently trying to "close". Your sample will always be on the bottom of the to-do pile ! How much more proof do you need ----think of the reports you have seen over the years which are chock-full or errors, wrong info, dis-jointed data and analysis, illogical text explanations and 1 and 1/2 train-car loads of useless addenda designed to confuse more than to protect. These were reports which at one time, on one certain day, were actually given 100% consideration toward a lender/investor decision. Clearly, they did NOT LOOK at the report when it really counted !
As an interesting test, however, try "hiding" a line of comment near the end of the sample reports which mentions that you will "Discount $100 off the first assignment" you receive if the prospective client will "photocopy this page" with that sentence circled and faxes it to you WITH that first order, within 30 days (of the date you sent the sample) ! ---I'll bet you never have to honor that $100 discount !
