RELO Roundtable…a gathering place

During a recent Twitter #movechat, I posted a link to a comprehensive little tool that can be used by anyone shopping for quality moving services.

The next day there were several requests for permission to use it in the in-box. A few came from industry; some from potential customers. 

With this new Moving Cost Estimate Comparison Tool, users can record uniform service results supplied by prospective vendors to make more informed purchasing decisions before hiring a local or long distance household goods carrier, move broker, or third party move manager.

Click on the link below to view a larger version.

Today 85% of those considering a relocation use the power and “always on, always open” convenience of the web to look for product or service information.

Unfortunately, most naive buyers don’t know what quality metrics they should be requesting or industry service standards they should be using to determine the best value for their relocation dollar when selecting a vendor. Many are invariably frustrated because of the lack of easy to locate, pertinent facts.

In this type of environment, moving simply becomes a commodity…and the online marketplace becomes an unsafe media outlet where gullible consumers become easy prey to the aggressive Web vultures who pitch low, low prices while still promising great professional service.

The Moving Cost Estimate Comparison Tool was developed after several visitors who were moving for the first time professionally asked how to define “value” and measure a company's 'quality' when researching or buying moving products or services. The form helps take the sales pressure off of price by focusing the customer on the actual performance results of the companies being considered.

The chart uses uniform, measurable industry metrics to determine vendor quality – instead of loosely defined company standards, vague carrier awards, or subjective 'feel good' feedback ratings. Although not all sales people, companies or carriers use the same 'claims' terminology or statistics, they'll generally know what information they're being asked to provide. Otherwise it's pretty self-explanatory.

The tool can be used for local, intrastate, interstate; or international moves. A few users will only fill in some of the blanks. Others with more complicated relocations that involve some type of storage, longer distances, or overseas/cross-border transport may use the entire form.

There are no right or wrong answers; only good and not-so-good values. The best carrier option for one customer could be entirely different for another client with exactly the same shipment characteristics or service parameters. Each usage will be unique based on the users personal preferences, job requirements, scope of defined services; and, of course, tolerance for stress. 

The importance of price and performance both take on a different level of importance once all of the variables are considered!

The Moving Cost Estimate Comparison Tool is a work-in-progress. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for its usage.

Related Articles:

Moving Cost Estimate Comparison Tool – RELO Roundtable

Three things a virtual mover might not tell you – RELO Roundtable

How does the moving industry measure quality? – RELO Roundtable

Selecting a Household Goods Carrier for a Long Distance Move – RELO Roundtable

A Case for Disclosure – RELO Roundtable

How to Find a Reputable Mover: A Professional Guide – RELO Roundtable

How to Choose an International Mover – RELO Roundtable

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