THUMBS-UP: While real estate agent Vincent Koh once received a nasty SMS about his car, most of the time, he gets compliments. -- PHOTO: COURTESY OF VINCENT KOH

REAL estate agent Vincent Koh's mode of transport is a car that's really easy to get 'sold' on, and not just because it is a Mercedes.

Even from a distance, there is no missing his name, his contact number and his agency's guarantee 'to sell your house above valuation price'. The white, green and beige typefaces stand out on the body of the three-year-old $110,000 black Mercedes E200.

The 36-year-old spent less than $1,000 on the promotional work and laps up the attention it gets. He's been in the real estate business for 12 years and admits to using every available marketing tool to promote his work.

Mr Koh, who is vice-president of the resale division of HSR International Realtors, has used flyers, advertisements and online marketing in the past. But driving a car that could easily pass for a walking advertisement on wheels 'is very effective', he says.

'I can't remember the exact number of calls I've received so far, but whenever I'm on the road, people notice me and my car.'

While he admits a lot of people and even clients have found him through his car, this is only the first point of contact. 'I have to be serious about my work. At the end of the day, in my business, like most others, it is the results that count.'

He says his wife Celest, 36, and his three children aged nine, three and two 'consider the car special. I think they are also very proud when they see me behind the wheel'.

But doesn't the invasion of privacy bother him? 'Not really. I've got some compliments from people, though once someone sent a nasty SMS telling me how ugly my car is.'

He adds: 'It gives me a lot of exposure. It is one of the best marketing tools - I will use it as long as I am in the business.'

Deepika Shetty