Exclusivity

Whether we are in the trading business or mere brokerage as in the real estate, there will be situations where some exclusive rights are necessary. Sure, markets are being 'opened' up and even for cars, we have parallel importers ; but that came after donkey years of having one sole distributor for a brand. Perhaps this is what globalisation is all about - "who you know, matters".
I came headlong into this minor glitch over the weekend.
My colleague was trailing this prospect, who apparently was an old friend of the developer. That prospect, gave his booking deposit directly to the developer at an 'old friends' price too. No one updated the marketing agents.
To say, the owner has a right to sell to anyone he deems to be 'his friend' is correct - but to sell it at way below what we are trying to sell to 'others' may somewhat be unfair, as all sales are lodged in public records and there will be questions.
The issue here is not our exclusivity to commission - it's exclusivity in our marketing strategy that's being compromised. We all know that such behaviour exists - buyers will change agents like changing underwear because they are not bounded by any contract. Tenants also do the same. Owners and landlords these days are following close by - because the market is doing great and the feel good sentiment is there.
Perhaps it's not about exclusivity - but more about selfishness and greed - but hey, isn't that what makes up the world these days? People forget that there is such a thing as sincerity and honesty, but I suppose as long as other people are loosing money and time, that's fine - it must be the new school of thought, because I don't remember sitting through this class.