Are you thinking of starting up a removals company? Good idea. If you play your cards right, this can be a lucrative business. There will always be a need for these services, and you could enjoy a life of financial success due to this work.
4 Tips for Starting a National Removals Business
However, you’re going to need some pointers before you offer any services.
To help you out, we’ve compiled 4 expert tips for beginning your brand-new removals business.
1. Decide on Your Services & Service Range
“Removals business” covers much ground — from commercial removals to a single man and van situation. Determining the services you can offer will help you target the correct audience, finance the correct vehicle, and hire the right people.
Don’t go overboard and offer services you can’t deliver.
If you’re only one person with one vehicle, you shouldn’t advertise commercial removal services. Commercial services typically involve relocating a large space, like shops or offices.
If you want to stay local, don’t advertise that you can move all across the continent. Be transparent about your range of services to attract the right clients.
Promise only what you can deliver to build customer trust — one of the most crucial elements for any new business.
2. Determine Your Budget
For your budget, you need to consider all future expenses. The top money sucks include:
- Your vehicle and all associated expenses: Whether you have a van, truck, or lorry, you’ll need the means to transport your removals. Talk to an expert for the best financing options. Also, factor maintenance and repair costs into your budget.
- Equipment: You’ll need to purchase, rent, or finance certain tools to make your jobs easier. Ramps help with loading and unloading, straps keep your cargo in place, and a dolly will assist in moving heavy items.
- Materials: Packing is a great (and easy) service to offer, but prepare to purchase packaging materials yourself. Examples include tape, cardboard boxes, and stretch wrap.
- Promotion: Your business needs an online presence to succeed. If you’re not versed in advertising, then it’s in your best interest to hire professional marketers to make sure you get on the map.
3. Get Registered, Certified & Insured
If you’re a sole trader, you must apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN). In this case, liability for debts falls on you, and the Australian government taxes you individually. The process is the same for a partnership, but the costs are split.
If you register as a company, your business is a separate entity. Therefore, you’re not responsible for business debt and aren’t taxed on personal income.
Australia also requires certification to show you’re legally running your business. For example, if you only intend to operate nationally, only your vehicle requires registration.
And no matter how you operate, it’s crucial to have insurance. No one will hire you otherwise!
4. Research Your Competition
Your competitors are also your best resource. You can get a feel for local pricing and determine what’s best for your budget. This way, you cover start-up expenses while competing.
You can also see what customers say about the competition, which helps you learn what tends to work and what doesn’t. Client insight is invaluable and gives you a chance to adjust your business based on client needs before performing your first job.
Final Thoughts
Beginning a successful removals company means ensuring you can deliver on your promises (no pun intended), stick with a reasonable budget, and handle the legal aspects. In addition, you need to be an effective communicator and keen on research to guarantee success among your competitors.
The good news is the removalist industry shows no signs of stopping. So keep our tips in mind, and you’re well on your way to success!
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