Did you know that the Covid-19 pandemic has been a considerable driver of relocations in the U.S. in 2020-2021? With more people working remotely, families moved to properties with a home office space and bigger yards for kids as schools and daycare centers shut down.
Additionally, many people opted to move away from cities both for their peace of mind when working from home and for better mortgage values. Remote working is likely to continue well after the pandemic subsides, which means that a relocation business is more viable than ever.
One way to dive into the billion-dollar relocation industry is through franchising a moving company. About 70.6% of all relocations are residential, and there is increasing demand for reputable moving companies in virtually every U.S. state.
Franchise ownership offers a unique opportunity for success, but due diligence is crucial, just like every other business. Here are the top 5 questions to ask yourself before you venture into a moving company franchise.
Do You Have A Passion For The Relocation Industry?
Think of a franchise agreement like a marriage; it should hold your interest over the long term and offer more benefits than other types of businesses.
When you choose a franchise in an industry that you love, you will enjoy the entire duration of the franchise agreement, which can often span 10, even 15 years.
Do You Understand How A Franchise Is Different From Starting Your Own Business?
There are many benefits of venturing into a franchise, including a well-established, reputable brand association, better financing opportunities, and reasonable startup costs.
However, franchises also come with terms and conditions that you must adhere to. Starting your own business can offer more freedom in making decisions, but it also means building your brand from scratch and no support. Weigh your options before choosing either of these types of ventures.
How Much Training And Support Will You Receive?
Your personal relocation experience may not be enough to make you great at running a moving company. Choose a moving company franchise that will offer all the training and resources you need. Direct, one-on-one, ongoing support from your franchisor is essential to your success.
Remember that you, the moving company franchisee, are paying for that knowledge to help you build a profitable business.
How Long Is The Franchise Agreement Term?
On average, franchise agreements last between 5 and 10 years, although some can last 20 years. The duration of the deal provides room to help all parties recoup their investment. A shorter-term agreement may allow the franchisor to change their terms upon renewal. This often means increased royalty payments, change of territory, or even new competition rules.
In case of a longer agreement, find out the termination terms if you wish to pull out before the contract ends.
How Soon Can You Start Making A Profit After Signing The Agreement?
A franchise can hit the ground running thanks to all the systems and processes already in place. You will dedicate most of your time introducing your brand to your community, cultivating a positive image, and attracting new customers.
Plan your financial projections realistically because it might take the first few years to bring in a good profit.
Choose Sterling Interstate for Your Moving Business
Use these questions and more to make informed decisions about your franchise options. Once your heart settles on starting a moving company, Sterling Interstate has the right opportunity for you. Compared to other moving franchises, you need a much lower initial investment, plus dedicated coaching from the CEO of Sterling Interstate to guide you to success. Our franchise team is also available 24/7 for phone, email, and in-person support right from the start.
This is your chance to start a profitable local and long-distance moving company in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, or Texas. We want you to thrive in this venture with us, so schedule a call with us today.
