RISMEDIA, November 16, 2009—While moving can be a tedious process, working with a reputable move management company can make the difference between a successful or frustrating move. Here, Erin Mitchell, director of program development, The Move Advocate discusses what you should consider when you are referring your clients to a move management company.
Erin Mitchell
Director of Program Development
The Move Advocate
www.themoveadvocate.com
Few things are scarier than moving long distance.
Ask people about their last move and you are likely to hear a few horror stories that rival some of the best Halloween films out there.
As a successful real estate professional, you can add value to your clients’ total transaction by referring them to a reliable move management company. Move management companies are able to pass on significant discounts and benefits not available to individual customers. Some even provide dedicated “move advocates” to help clients manage the logistics of their move.
Because they typically operate on a referral basis, be sure the move management companies you speak with have a policy that ensures high-quality van line providers.
The Move Advocate, an international move management company based in Scottsdale, Arizona, prescreens the van lines it recommends and manages them to strict service-level agreements.
Flip open the Yellow Pages or type “moving” into a search engine and you are deluged with all sorts of moving services and van lines. People are frequently overwhelmed with the research involved to determine which companies are reputable and whether they are going to receive the best value. The Move Advocate takes the legwork out of that process.
Move management companies differ in the level of service and number of van line and relocation partners in their network.
When you are referring your clients to a move management company, or they are looking for one on their own, consider the following:
1. How long has the move management company been in business?
2. How many van lines are in their network of providers?
3. What are the service level requirements van line partners must meet?
4. What extra benefits does the move management company provide?
5. Does the move management company charge for its services?
6. Can the company service both U.S. and international moves?
7. Is a representative available 24/7 if there is an issue?
8. What extra benefits can the move management service provide your customers?
9. What is the van line referral process?
10. How is the move management company compensated?
There are times when surprises are fun, and a little bit of scary is a good thing. Not when it comes to moving long distance. By referring your clients to a reliable move management company, you are demonstrating your commitment to their total relocation needs.
For more information, visit www.moveadvocate.com.
