I had no problem with sellers interviewing agents.  May the best fit win.  As for buyers, they need to be educated on how the process works.  If they don't want to sign a Buyer Agency Agreement they can do whatever they want... without my help.

Two different things. Buyer can do what they want. However, if they hire an agent to represent them they should not be calling For Sale signs

Actually I don't consider them the same.  If there has been no conversation about the subject, how do they know?  A chat with a buyer client who continues who "goes rogue" in what has been discussed/decided/agreed should be an indication that the relationship should be ended if that broker/agent wants.  

I would assume there is nothing wrong with a seller to interview multiple agents. He/She wants to get the best so it only makes sense for them to interview multiple agents. It would be up to the agent to do a good job and show the client why his/her services are better. 

Also, after the client chooses my services I would set the expectations from the beginning. Mr/Ms So and So, thank you for choosing to use my services. This is what I am going to do for you in order to make sure we get you the best deal and as fast as possible. Blah Blah blah. That being said, I would also need your commitment not to look for another agent while I am working to find the best buyer for your house. 

I educate my buyers to call me and I'll make all the inquiries. If they do some of their own due dilligence, I don't really care that much, they're in contract with me so they ain't straying away!

With sellers, I prefer to be the first interview, I don't care how many they plan to interview. I used to want to be last in the 1990's, but in the late 2000's sellers often abandon the 3 interviews if you connect with them. I've told many sellers, "I'm happy to call the other two agents for you to let them know their interview is canceled, I've been hired." And I've done it many times. Many Sellers hate multiple interviews, they're too busy or too ADD.

What does the contract say?  

What is the agreement between the parties? 

If there isn't a contract or agreement then they can call and interview to their heart's delight. 

If both the buyer and seller are "potential" and haven't signed any agreement with an agent, then it's all fine. They can contact whoever they want.

If the buyer has signed a buyer-agreement and is a client, he shouldn't be calling listing agents. His agent would be making those calls on his behalf.

Not sure your Q is clear, why would we not tolerate people calling about our signs, that is why they are there.

However we do not jump up and rush out to meet them by the sign, they must come into the office to fill out the paperwork before they get the tour.

I have no issue with sellers interviewing multiple agents. I am interviewing them, too! As far as buyers, if they do not want to commit that's fine but they then have to deal with any consequences.

Why it's important to educate your buyer-clients and give them the right tools and information to walk around and meet other agents in their quest for a property.

The seller is (I assume), doing it prior to formalizing a relationship (perfectly fine) and in my example, the buyer was doing it afterwards (and copping an attitude = not fine).

In my listing agreements, there is a mutual 7-day kick out clause. So in the event my seller was dissatisfied and wanted to terminate the agreement, they could. They wouldn't have to do anything behind my back.

 What does a client really know about interviewing an agent? They only know what we/Google tell them. Methinks personality rules the day

I agree with Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 . I have had Buyers who called the agent on signs and also gone to open houses with out me... it always ends up being a mess and a headache I'd rather not deal with Greg Cremia .

I don't consider a buyer calling from signs as someone interviewing agents. They are just trying to see homes. I have no problem competing for a listing and prefer to have a prospective seller really be comfortable with their final choice because they have looked at various options.

Different? I see no similarity at all between the activities that you have described.

Smart home sellers will be careful with the selection of a listing agent.

I do not care about buyers calling on signs as long as I have a signed buyer agent agreement.

Weird question without a definitive answer.

The difference is the agent owns one, (buyer) and wants to own the other (seller).

Possession is 90% of the law. Once ownership is established, agents become extremely territorial. Remember that Disney movie where the Sea Gulls were saying, "Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine."

Most sellers interview more than one agents.  In my area, it's very common that seller hires because of the commission reduction given to the seller. 

I'm sure the two team members would rather be the only agents interviewing for the listing....I like it when they are up against one or two other agents....it keeps them on top of their game.... I'm sure they are always in that mindset, but I like it tested out on occasion....

I agree with both Michael Jacobs and Nina Hollander. A

The seller is making a choice on representation. The buyer is without representation.

So you are saying that both are conducting interviews?

Simply put, the formr is trying to game the system, the latter is doing his due diligence.

I love interviewing against other agents, I do bring more to the table.  Don't mind buyers calling off my signs either.

Both are :(

I don't like it. ;0

I think Sellers are free to interview as many agents as they want.  Do you buy a car from only one dealer or shop around.

As long as I have a valid Buyer Agency Agreement I’m fine . A lot of Listing are a competition to win

If you're worried that a seller wants to interview more than one agent, that says more about your skillset/confidence than it does the seller.

I think it depends upon the MO of the buyer - in my opinion, the seller is actually interviewing an agent and in most cases, the buyer calling on signs is often trying to AVOID working with any agent other than the seller's agent in order to save money!

A buyer MAY be interviewing agents by sign-calling but, that's not typically their reason - at least not here in Charlotte.