What to know when starting a van removals business
Are you considering venturing into the world of entrepreneurship with a van removal business? Starting a van removal business can be a rewarding venture, offering you an opportunity to earn money with great flexibility, autonomy, and the joy of providing essential services to your community.
In this post, we have put together a list of things you want to keep in mind when starting your van business, including the equipment you will need and how to get your business registered.
Should you start a van removal business?
Yes. Home removal is currently a rapidly growing area of business, and it could be a good field to start a business in. However, it’s also important to know what is involved in setting up the business and what it takes to keep it running. You should study the competition in your area to see what they currently offer.
While you could offer the same services, you want to find and fill any gaps in the market. If you can’t offer all the services you want while starting, consider starting small with just a van and doing small moves and removals by yourself. Once the money starts coming in, you can gradually offer more services and expand into complete home removals and commercial removals.
With this in mind, the following are the major steps to starting a van removals business.
Market research and planning
Before diving in, conduct thorough market research to understand the demand for removals services in your target area. Identify your target market, competitors, and pricing strategies. Develop a solid business plan outlining your goals, services offered, pricing structure, marketing strategies, and financial projections. A well-thought-out plan will serve as your roadmap for success according to ManVan.
Legalities and business registration
Make sure your business complies with all legal requirements and regulations. Register your business with the local authorities and choose a suitable business structure, such as a sole trader or limited company. Obtain any necessary licences or permits required for operating a removals business, including waste carrier licences if you’ll be handling and disposing of items.
Insurance and liability coverage
Protect yourself and your business with appropriate insurance coverage. Consider obtaining public liability insurance, which covers you in case of damage to clients’ property or injury to third parties. Additionally, invest in goods in transit insurance to safeguard the belongings you’ll be transporting in your van.
You will also need to account for vehicle insurance which is a must for all vehicles on the road. You may also need professional indemnity insurance, which covers any personal injury or damage to items during the move.
Invest in reliable equipment
Your van is the lifeline of your business, so invest in a reliable vehicle that meets your needs. Consider factors such as size, fuel efficiency, and loading capacity when choosing a van. Equip your van with the necessary tools and equipment for safe and efficient removals, including trolleys, blankets, straps, and protective covers.
If you don’t plan on owning the vans, you could always lease them. Leasing could be a much more cost-effective option in some cases, depending on the kind of job you take and the location.
Aside from the van, you will also need equipment such as dollies for moving huge objects, protective gloves, tie-down straps, and protective removal blankets for inside the van.
Build your brand and online presence
Establish a strong brand identity that reflects the professionalism and reliability of your business. Design a memorable logo and create professional branding materials, including business cards, flyers, and vehicle signage. Build an online presence through a professional website and an active presence on social media platforms. Use these channels to showcase your services, share customer testimonials, and engage with your audience.
If all this seems complicated for your small business, consider setting aside some money to hire a company to handle your marketing needs. In most cases, marketing is best left to the experts.
Offer a range of services
Stand out from the competition by offering a comprehensive range of removals services tailored to your customers’ needs. This may include house removals, office relocations, furniture removals, and waste clearance. Consider niche services such as piano removals or antique transportation to attract specific clientele.
Hire and train reliable staff
As your business grows, you will certainly need to hire additional staff to assist with removals and logistics. Hire reliable and trustworthy employees who share your commitment to customer satisfaction and professionalism. Provide thorough training to ensure they understand your business processes, safety protocols, and customer service standards.
Find someone who can reliably drive the vehicles. Keep in mind that there are times when you will have multiple removals going on at the same time. For such cases, you will need an extra driver. But be careful not to expand too quickly or you’ll end up with staff you can’t pay.
Get word out there
Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote your van removals business and attract customers. Utilise a mix of online and offline marketing tactics, including search engine optimisation (SEO), pay-per-click advertising, local directories, and targeted leaflet distribution. Network with real estate agents, property managers, and other local businesses to generate referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Final thoughts
Starting a business is always a big milestone and when it’s something like a van removal business, you can start small. The first year is often the hardest, so plan to try out different things and avoid going too much into debt. Eventually, your business will get off the ground and you will have built the skills and experience to do greater things. Good luck.