Do you want to start a moving company? Starting a moving company will require more than just a strong person to move boxes around. It requires a plan. Every year, several small businesses are started, but many of them are not successful. In order to make your business successful, there are many things you must do. Here are some of the highlights. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Name your company. What do you want to name your company? Do some research and make sure the name you want to give your company is not already taken. You also need to determine if your company is going to be a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLC, or Corporation.
2. Write up a business plan. The first part of a business plan should have a mission statement. The mission statement gives your company story in less than thirty seconds. In your mission statement, say who your company is, what you do, what you stand for, and why you do what you do. Check out mission statements for other moving companies in your area to get an idea of what to write. Tell the truth in the mission statement-write what you believe. Then write the executive summary. The first paragraph in the executive summary should include the name of your business, the location of your business, the product or service you sell, and the purpose for your business plan. In another paragraph, include projected sales and profits, the need for a business loan (if you need one), and other important highlights of your business that you don’t want the reader to miss. Remember, if you need to obtain financing for your business, you will need a business plan.
3. Obtain Financing. Visit a bank and meet with a loan officer. Have your business plan in hand. The bank is going to want to finance a business that is capable of making money. They want to see an owner with a plan and goals in mind.
4. Buy moving equipment. You’ll need more than your pickup truck when opening a moving company. You’ll want a vehicle that is up to the task. You will be moving other people’s valuables, and you want them to be safe and sound, and arrive at the owner’s destination in the same condition they were in when you loaded them in the truck. You will need to obtain extra equipment like moving pads, dollies, tie-downs, a ramp, and straps. You may also consider having a backup moving truck, in case the main truck ends up in the shop for repairs or maintenance.
5. Hire employees. You will need staff to help you in your moving company. You don’t want to be the only person loading and unloading other people’s valuables every day. You may not even want to do the physical loading yourself. Employ honest people because they will be dealing with other people’s valuables and you will ultimately be held responsible for any damage or loss.
6. Obtain insurance. Get an insurance policy that has a reasonable amount for damages and liability. You also need to make sure you have insurance on the vehicle itself.
7. Obtain permits. Some states require moving companies to obtain special licenses or permits in order to run their moving company. You may even have to take a test proving that you know move items from here to there. Contact your state’s business licensing office to find out the requirements for starting a small business.
8. Advertise your business. Create flyers to pass around the neighborhood and hang up at public bulletin boards. You can advertise your business on the truck itself. Include the name of your business, what your business does, your phone number, and address. Put your business name, phone number, and address in the yellow pages of the phone directory. You may also find it very helpful to start a website for your company.
9. Take care of your customers. Word of mouth is the most powerful way to secure future customers. Understand the customers needs and wants. Remember to “under promise” and “over deliver.” Leave a business card with your customer once the job is done. Do a good job, so he will refer your business to others and possibly return for more work in the future.
Tags: your business, your company, business plan, moving company, mission statement, name your