How to Market Your Moving Business

When the economy is down, more and more people find it hard to justify hiring a moving company to help them relocate. Despite the conveniences your company offers to your customers, you may be seeing an unwanted decline in business. There are several unique methods (that are inexpensive) to combat this decline. These effective marketing strategies (in the areas of product offerings and advertising) will show you how to market your moving business and increase your profits.

When the economy is down, more and more people find it hard to justify hiring a moving company to help them relocate. Despite the conveniences your company offers to your customers, you may be seeing an unwanted decline in business. There are several unique, inexpensive methods to combat this decline. These effective marketing strategies (in the areas of product offerings and advertising) will show you how to market your moving business and increase your profits.

Products and Services

Differentiate yourself from other moving companies by spicing up your product and service offerings. These few tricks will help you attract customers that were considering other companies or contemplating attempting the move themselves:

-Consider not adding an extra charge for customers who live in second and third floor units. Advertise that every unit is moved at a first floor price. Though this seemingly cuts into your profits, it is sure to attract additional customers (who were about to pay additional fees elsewhere) to your moving business.

-As a special gift to customers who book your services a week or more in advance, schedule a time with them to drop off some complimentary moving boxes and tape. Your customers will appreciate this since it can be one of the major hassles of moving. You may want to find a place that will sell you boxes at a bulk discount or you can go to your local grocery store and get free boxes when workers are unpacking new items.

-Offer lower rates for customers who book seven days or more in advance. Also consider offering a discount for clients who pre-pay a non-refundable deposit to your moving business. For example, you could take 10 to 15 percent off their total cost.

-If you don't already offer packing services, consider partnering with a packing company to give your customer the ultimate moving experience. You and the packing company you partner with can offer one special rate for the packing and moving of your customers' house or apartment.

Advertising

Creative advertising will help you distinguish yourself in your industry. With as many moving company options as there are, you need to design effective marketing strategies and materials, and get your potential customers to become aware of them. These ideas can get you noticed, quickly:

-Partner up with local apartment complexes and tell them you want to offer a special deal to any customers moving into their complex. Drop off a professional bribe (cookies or coffee) to the apartment complex manager and his/her staff and ask if you can leave some branded pens, flyers or business cards that can be on display in the front office. Ideally, you'll want to build a good relationship with the staff and ask them to mention your company to potential renters who are touring or leasing with them.

-Think about designing some marketing pieces that apartment renter's or homeowners may find useful. Business card sized magnets are practical and effective. Many apartment complexes feature sturdy metal doors that you can drop by and leave magnets on. When your potential customers see your advertising they will appreciate that it is a functional item and they will constantly be reminded of your moving company (since they will probably use the magnet on their refrigerator). Though they may not be moving immediately, your information will be handy when they do.