I can't believe anyone would even think of making the comparison. VisualTour is nothing more than a glorified "flip album"! Why would you pay that company to display your snapshots? There's TONS of software that do just that and you don't have to pay per use.
I can't speak for other IPIX photographers but I GUARANTEE that I can shoot within 24 hours of any request. As for waiting on me, don't worry about that. 3 out of 4 shoots I go on MY time is wasted by late agents or homeowners who haven't prepared for me.
I have also shot with MGI-VT software and have happily concluded that NONE came close to delivering the quality image or accessibility due to agreements with the major listing sites. As for opening up those sites to other providers; don't count on it. The best sites there are are owned by Realtor.com/Homestore.com who now own the rights to IPIX realty VT's.
The difference in what I do and what you do is the quality of the photos. I have yet to see any self-serve realtor match the quality of my product.
BTW- When I approach the homeowner as opposed to the realtor my results are ALWAYS more successful because they understand the value a true,VT provides. Inherently, realtors are tight-fisted consumers, understandably. But everyone knows you have to spend money to make money.
For a site that lists with VTs from $19,000-$1,000,000+ go here- www.beverlyhanks.com
She outsources!