choosing a Moving company?
What is the number 1 reason an individual chooses a moving company and why?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dan Komm on -
In my experience it varies from customer to customer. There is certainly a segment of the market that bases the decision largely on price. So much focus on price (in addition to low barriers of entry) has resulted in countless fly-by-night companies and has given the industry a black eye. No matter how much we don't like to hear it, the general public feels like the moving industry is full of unsavory characters and companies.
The Boston moving company that I work for though, targets shipper's whose main concern is the stress of moving. Its no secret that most people find the moving process stressful. Our customers are usually those people who hold value above price and are willing to pay our rates (although they could find cheaper) because they know that we'll take care of them.
Its very short sited when our industry thinks that the lower the price, the more you'll sell. In today's environment, we need to continue focusing on improving service and making sure that customers get value that is equivalent to or greater than the money they are paying for the service.
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Permalink Reply by Dale Book on -
Dan, as much as I would like to believe we could properly service the public without having to worry about price, that's not feasible in today's economic climate.
As recent as 7 years ago my client base didn't focus solely on cost, they were more concerned about the safety of their household goods. That all changed drastically with the downturn of the real estate market. Not only are we competing with each other, we are having to jockey in a shrunken market with more rogue movers, POD style moving systems and people who are deciding to save money and do the move themselves.
Rogue movers have always been around and unfortunately always will but they are becoming more aggressive in their sales tactics. Whereas we might cut our quote to minimal profits (or even just to breakeven), we base that on our overhead. Rogue movers don't have that problem, with no massive insurance payments, state and government fees, or payroll to worry about they can cut even deeper and still come out ahead.
The other major issue that is facing us is competition from self loading (PODS) and self hauling options. This seems to be a new direction for our industry and I don't believe it's going to go away. We need to learn to adjust to this new innovation as part of our future and not just a passing fancy. There seems to be a backlash coming from communities about their unsightliness but those protests too will subside.
That being said, I would have to say the main reason anyone would want to hire a moving company is simply for convenience. They don’t want to do it themselves and would rather a professional deal with it. When a potential client is assessing moving companies their two major concerns are always going to first and foremost in their minds and that is price and quality of service (but not always in that order).
Even though a great reputation is vital to maintain the flow of new and repeat business, in today environment cost, unfortunately, has almost outweighed all other factors.
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Permalink Reply by Doug Powers on -
I have heard people talk about container moving I am curious how much repeat business they get. I can see some aplications for the big box in the driveway. I think the full service mover when you give it total thought as a consumer today is truly the best option
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