5 Things clients do to sabatage their move
1st off, 99% of my clients are great people. They are charming, above average in looks and intelligence, wonderful conversationalist. That being said, some go out of their way to make their move a very difficult day.
- Number one would have to be those that did not finish getting ready. If you hired your mover to just move you, then you need to have everything packed by the time they arrive. If you run out of steam, (it happens), call them so they can try and get a packing crew out to save the day. You should never think, ‘the mover will handle it” . most of us do not show up with an extra 50 boxes to pack the kitchen and dining room. We have to have you out by your closing and you just changed that.
- Number 2 are those that have scheduled the closings at 9am and 5 pm. Now we have to race to get you out by 9 (won’t happen) and then charge you waiting time because the men must sit in the new driveway for 7 hours. It means I may have another customer screaming at me, because the crew is stuck on your job and not helping them move. (One crew will often move 2 small-ish houses a day.)
- Number 3 is when the you did not sell the items you told me were getting rid of. We do not have the magic truck that expands to handle any size house. I will send a second truck if you need it, but I need notice to make that happen. If you surprise us, we have have to leave items or make a second trip. By the way, I’m not talking about when I mess up and figure a smaller truck is OK. When I mess up, we handle it.
- Number 4. You forgot to mention you built a wall 5 years ago, so the sofa that was delivered 6 years ago now can’t get out. I am very clever, as are most movers, in getting things in and out. But… you may need a carpenter or at least a chain saw now. Not my fault, please do not get upset with me. The other side of this is when I tell you, ” sorry, that is too large to fit” you insist, I try , you have a scratched wall or dresser.
- Number 5 is when the customer insists on moving even though, the street is being paved, a hurricane, northeaster, snow storm is raging, or the new house is being carpeted, painted as we move in.
I get so frustrated when any of these things happen, it is so unfair to your mover and the other people moving. If you give us a heads up, we can go to crisis mode, make calls, move mountains and successfully move you.
Faith can move mountains, for eveything else there is BD Movers (tm)
Rogue Movers, NJWMA and the BBB
The New Jersey Warehouse and Movers Association has just posted a few videos to Youtube. (it ain’t just kids anymore) I can not tell you how pleased I am that they are being so proactive about this issue. ———Disclaimer: I serve on the board of directors for the NJWMA
Our industry has a problem with unlicensed movers, (have I mentioned why you want a licensed mover? have you read my first 13 posts?) Other states such as Maryland have also developed videos to inform our consumers of the problem. Bravo!
Speaking of the NJWMA, they also have program for “Circle of Excellence” movers. Although all of the member movers are great, these few companies have held themselves to even higher standards. I applaud all of them.
The BBB recently changed the way they grade companies. It now is a letter grade from F to A+ , based on pass customer service and few other factors. This should make it easier for the consumer to compare movers to each other.
Happy Easter!
Faith can mountains, for everything else there is BD Movers!
Patti’s Prom Project
On another note. BD Movers has been supporting Patti’s Prom Project this past month. I help in collecting used gowns and dresses and they are then donated to a young women that would otherwise not have one. If you are in Ocean County, call us and I will arrange to pick up the dress. The event takes place on the 28th of March, here in Forked River, NJ. Robin Bahr has been a promoter of the event and has brought much energy to the project. If you do not know Robin, she is a great realtor in Ocean County. If you had to choose a realtor, she most definitely would be on your short list. Pattie Romano has also been a great help to the effort, you may know her from her radio show on WOBM. Laura Giannotta is also one of the dynamos involved, she is very involved in our community and a great realtor as well. I am sure there are others involved, but these realtors have been my contacts. Today I heard they have over 1000 prom dresses! My company is donating a Limo to the grand prize winner. ( Thanks to a Barter arrangement, paybacks are …)
I look forward to seeing all my readership there! 
Faith can move mountains, for everything else there is BD Movers. ™
Moving and Realtors
I have to say that hiring a realtor in Ocean County is a no-brainer. It is overwhelming the things you need to accomplish by yourself . Not all realtors are created equal, (not all movers are either), but the best are truly like family by the time you sell the house and move. My friends that sell homes work ungodly hours. They make themselves available for you at all hours. They handle the multitude of professions involved (lawyers, appraisers.title companies, home inspectors, BD Movers, etc) . They coordinate all this so the paperwork and the “closing” all happen as it should.
On a bad day, I may feel that movers are the most maligned profession, but realtors must be a close second. Its not fair. Psychologist have told me that moving and loss of a spouse/child are the most stressful events in a persons life. Everyday we (movers and realtors) serve this population. The stress will express itself somewhere.
So, please clients, do your homework. Your sister-inlaw that sells homes part-time will not do as good a job as a full time realtor. If you see a bunch a letters after their name, if means they have contiuned to learn and get better. When you drive into a neighboorhood and see one realtors name listed on all the “for sale” signs, it is because they know the market and they are experts for the area. A good realtor will get you the best possible deal on your home (statistics back me up) and make life easier. Like I said, a no brainer.
Ocean county greats
I love it when someone complements my business, here are a few I heard great things about.
- Marion Romano is a realtor in Ocean County, mromano@vandykrealestate.com, her clients rave about her. I have not used Marion with any of my home sales but if she is the realtor for one of my customers I can count on a smooth closing and no delays for my crews. ( I know of other realtors, but let’s give only one a “shout out” at a time)
- Lou Castro of SOS Computers, lou@soscomputerservices.net, has me as a raving fanatic customer. I use him, my family and friends, and I refer my clients to him. The guy is great.
- Kathy Natoli owns Aquarius Mortgage, kathy.aquarius@comcast.net. She is helping me with my refinance. Hey lower rates everybody! If I had a complaint it would be she never sleeps and sends me updates on my loan daily (it seems) . She will kill you with information and competence.
- Last one…. Start Fresh Cleaners are a great new company in my area. Sarah is running it. It’s so new you’ll have to call my office for her phone number. I referred her to client the other day, she called and set up an appointment right away. A very professional start!
I would welcome any comment on other great companies/businesses in our area. Most of my work is referral and I appreciate having great people to refer!
