Throughout the year, Home Office employees will visit a franchise location to get an understanding of how the operation works, and how every department, from IT, to Marketing, to HR, impacts our family of local businesses.
This past week, one of our new Home Office employees Johanna, visited our TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, Mississauga location. She quickly learned that the business can be fascinating, difficult, and challenging, all at the same time.
Andy Howe, Vice President-Training Development & Quality Control, explained that this business is a lot more complex than one may perceive. A normal day goes from 7:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. However, it is far from normal on a daily. The many hinges in the industry can make it hectic, stressful, but rewarding when the job is done at the end of the day. These hinges are always made easier when customers are aware of the details that can make or break your move.
So here are some tips that will help you and your movers secure a smooth and stress-free move day:
- Most moving companies, including TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, provide cost estimates based on the time it will take to move you. When you provide the number of rooms, furniture that is present, any stops on the way to your new home, etc., the company uses that information to estimate the time it will take, and so the cost of your move. Therefore, ensure that you include every room and every piece of furniture needed to be moved, including wall art, mini stools, etc. People often forget a garage or shed full of belongings. Unexpected additional items can not only increase the cost of the move, they can require an additional truck that may not be available if it was not planned for. Accurate information when you fill out the estimate form will avoid cost confusion when receiving a final invoice, and will help ensure a smooth, stress-free move day.
- If certain items are more fragile/valuable compared to others, inform the movers of those items. We try to be as careful as possible with everything, but we appreciate a heads up when things may require that extra bit of TLC. This will make the move less stressful for you as well.
- Give your movers a 5-10 minute window on arrival time. Often if movers are late it is due to weather or traffic. If they take longer than this, please call the location to express your concerns. Our movers will try to call you first if they know they are running behind. If you haven’t heard from them though, please call our office and because we track our trucks with GPS, we can get you a quick update on when you can expect them.
- Ensure that all fragile items are packed properly in the boxes to avoid breakage and mishaps. If you feel like you might require help packing your items, inform the franchise, so we can pack for you!
The common thread with all of these tips is good communication. Most concerns can be easily put to rest with good communication from both the moving company and the customer.
In contrast to the challenges, Mr. Howe explains the rewarding perks in this business that make it all worth it. Things like the life skills you acquire from performing a challenging job and interacting with people during one of their most stressful life events, and making it a good experience for them. You learn patience, responsibility, and time management.
It is truly incredible to take a look behind the scenes on a day to day basis at a franchise. It is clear that we are a hard working company with individuals who strive for perfection and good quality work. They really live our Core Value: Be your best and have fun.
Moving is hard. But when there is great communication, our customers will tell you that getting their belongings from their old home to their new one, was the easiest part. Rain, shine, or snow, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is here for you. Because we really are the Movers Who Care®.