Are you passionate about starting a moving company and want some advice? Click here for 8 tips to help you hit the ground running.
Approximately 35 million Americans move each year. The relocation industry in the US brings in $25 billion annually.
So if you are thinking about starting a moving company, read on. We’ll share the top tips on how to start a moving business that succeeds.
Create a Business Plan
If you want to start a moving business, having a moving company business plan is vital.
Even if you plan to create a modest, small company, a business plan will help you focus on the key points that will help you run a successful company.
A well-drafted business plan will also help you foresee and prepare for problems. And you’ll be able to figure out how to set yourself apart from your competitors.
Because there are so many moving companies out there, your business plan can help you outline what services you can offer that will help you compete with the rest. While you’re brainstorming, maybe you can come up with something that makes you unique from all the others.
Get Your Permits
Sure, there are more glamorous and exciting aspects of starting a moving company.
But to be a legal business, you’ll need the right permits. The requirements are different in every state.
You can find more information by visiting The US Department of Transportation website. Or you can get in touch with your local state regulatory authority.
Buy Liability and Cargo Insurance
Owning a moving company comes with its unique set of risks and responsibilities.
You can protect yourself from serious losses by having the right type and amount of insurance.
You’ll need vehicle insurance to insure your moving van. And you’ll need cargo insurance to cover the value of the goods you transport.
Most states have rules about how the minimum about of liability insurance you have to have. If your state doesn’t, talk to your insurance provider about reasonable insurance coverage for damages and liability.
Find a Business Mentor
One of the best-kept secrets on how to start a successful moving company is to get a mentor.
As an entrepreneur, quality mentoring can make a huge difference in the success of your business. With entrepreneurship on the rise, there are increasingly more free business resources you can connect with.
Reach out to a local business association to see what tools they offer new entrepreneurs.
Having a network of supportive contacts can make a big difference in helping you in the early days when you face a lot of doubt and uncertainty.
Create a Brand that Stands Out
The great thing about a moving business is that you get to advertise all day long as you work for paying clients.
Each time a pair of eyes lands on your moving truck, you’ve advertised for your business.
One of the keys to turning exposure into clients is to brand your moving company in a unique and memorable way.
The best brands have a great name. You want to think of a name and slogan that will tell people exactly what you do. And you want them to know why they should hire you.
A great logo is another must-have. If you’re not a graphic designer, don’t try to make your own.
There are so many affordable options for logo creation such as Fiverr and Upwork. Then, once you have your killer logo, put it everywhere. On your trucks, on your employees’ t-shirts, on your receipts, flyers and social media accounts.
Which brings us to our next tip.
You Need an Incredible Website
There are so many ways that you can market your business. But a solid, professional website is still a vital component of your marketing strategy.
Google computes 3.5 billion searches per day. The majority of those are about products and services people are looking for.
In other words, your website can become the key to landing your clients. A strong online presence doesn’t happen by chance.
Connect with an online marketing company to discuss developing the right web design.
Get Some Affiliations
Starting a moving business that succeeds is hard work. But there are ways to work smart without working so hard to land each job.
One of these ways is to create some affiliations. Contact real estate companies, brokers, local banks, and lead providers to create partnerships.
When these connections talk to people who are moving, they can pass along your card and get you some clients.
It’s worth investing in these affiliate relationships in order to fill up your moving schedule.
Create Compelling (and Useful) Content
By owning a moving company, you’ll have to hit the ground running to help you find prospects.
We’ve talked about the importance of affiliates. But why are they going to refer their clients to you over your competition?
You need to set yourself apart from the competition. One way you can do that is to create company folders and moving kits.
These useful documents are resources that your affiliates can hand out to their clients. It can include a packing checklist, a to-do list, a list of your services, a business card and so on.
Also, when you go give people in-home estimates, it’s a useful resource to leave with them.
Focus on the Customer Experience
It’s impossible to have a successful moving business without customers. So no matter how small the job, treat each customer as a VIP.
Remember, a happy customer is likely to tell their friends. And those referrals are easy new customers that just fall into your lap. In fact,
People are four times more likely to buy when referred by a friend.
By making sure your customers have good things to say about you, you are setting yourself up for referrals.
Bottom Line on Starting a Moving Company
Thanks for reading. As you can see, starting a moving company takes tenacity, dedication, and hard work.
But if you follow these tips, you will set yourself up for success.
Next, check out these 4 tips on how to balance work and family.
