As there is a demand for any kind of service that is aimed at assisting seniors, your elderly moving service will also see some competition. The best way to combat this is to put several things in place that will ensure your business stands out from the rest. I like to call them insider secrets and if you use these secrets early on, you will reduce the risk of having to compete for customers in the future.
In fact, if you implement these insider secrets properly, your business is almost sure to grow fast and become the top in its field regardless of what community you service.
1 – The Name Game
The first impression from potential clients is critical. The first thing they will likely learn about your business will be the name. While it is tempting to use a simple, funny name, it can work against you if the name you choose becomes silly or inappropriate over time. Simple, memorable and specific are the things to try to incorporate into your business name.
Essentially you will want a name that identifies exactly who you are, what you are doing and where you are doing it. Once you come up with a name, be sure to check that it is not already being used or trademarked already before you start using it.
2 – Other Services
Although I can tell you that once you start working with customers with your elderly moving service that you will be busy, there are ways to keep busy. I’m talking about looking at possible additional services to offer customers that would fit along with the primary purpose of your business. You could look at these additional services as add-ons to existing business, a completely different line of business for a completely different customer base or a whole new business to run separately from the elderly moving service.
Only you will be able to identify what your customers can use along with your service and that is how you would be able to determine whether or not to specialize or diversify. Either way, the opportunities will present themselves and you just need to be ready to try to fit them into what you are already doing.
For example, if your customer has not chosen a mover to do the actual move, you can recommend one and pocket a typical 10% referral fee. If they will be moving to a continuing care facility, you can recommend one or two that you’ve pre-screened and agreed on a similar referral fee with the management. These fees can be rather large – as much as a month’s rent, which is typically thousands of dollars!
3 – Spread The Word
I am a huge fan of advertising and promotion. There is no way of knowing the clients who would not know about your service if you did not do either, but it is a proven fact that customers learn about services/products through exposure to advertising and promotion. Although I say I’m big on these things, for a start-up the costs of advertising and promotion can be scary which is why I lean on sources that cost little or nothing to use.
If you have business cards printed, use those first. You can post them in high traffic locations to start. Write up a news release and/or information sheet explaining your services and distribute them to local newspapers and places frequented by seniors, such as the local senior center. Advertise on free online and printed classified advertising locations like Craigslist.org and talk up your service at any opportunity.
4 – Packages
Another great way to increase the revenue from existing clients or to attract those interested in your service but have yet to commit is to bundle services. For example, look at the various services you will be offering through your elderly relocation business. Are there parts of the program that can be combined and offered at a slightly reduced rate?
If you can put together a few small mini-packages, you will be able to offer more at a lower price which will actually bring you business that may not have happened if the items had to be purchased separately. It’s a common practice in the food industry and it works there so it will also work for you.
5 – High Visibility
My final insider tip is related to advertising and promotion but has a great deal to do with your business image. If you have a newer, reliable vehicle you are using for the majority of your calls on potential clients, it should have some identification on it related to your business. For a modest budget, you could go with magnetic door signs with a logo, business name and contact information. Just do an online search for “magnetic signs” to find affordable sources for these.
Think of it as a giant business card on wheels. It will prove to be one of your best forms of promotion as it will work for you all-day and all-night everyday of the year. Be sure to park it outside of a garage or carport so it can be seen and make sure it has your cell phone number or website listed so potential customers can reach you. You’ll thank me later.
There you have five insider secrets that will assist in making your elderly moving service grow fast and become well-known in your community and surrounding region. As I have indicated, you are in a business that has a growing demand but you still need to get a quick start on establishing your initial customer base. By using my insider tips, you will be able to launch your business with confidence and know that you will be successful as well.
When you’re ready to begin, be sure to grab a copy of my start-up guide, How To Start A Profitable Senior Relocation Service. 