Does Group Health Insurance Make Sense for My Business?

Like most Americans today, healthcare reform is at the forefront of the minds of virtually all business owners, managers, and employees. While planning ahead is always a good move, many of the components of President Obama’s proposed legislation will not take effect until at least 2013. In the meantime, we still face the age-old question: “Does group health insurance make sense for my business?”

Obvious factors such as cost of premiums, tax benefits, and overall health of staff are common to all businesses. Instead, let’s explore the question using conditions specific to the relocation industry: injury risk, high turnover rate, and low wages.

Injury Risk

Movers are obviously subject to rigorous physical activity which can put them at higher levels of risk for injury. It might make sense to help keep employees as healthy as possible by offering medical benefits, which may also keep workman’s compensation claims to a minimum. However, many hourly laborers continue to work with known injuries to avoid missing any wages for time off tending to them.

High Turnover Rate

Most group insurance plans require a 90-day employment period before new hires become eligible. This helps avoid unnecessary paperwork and administrative costs for the employer. Unfortunately, there tends to be a high turnover rate amongst relocation professionals, so a relatively high percentage of workers never become eligible for benefits in the first place.

Low Wages

Of course some employees will inevitably stay with you for longer terms, rendering them eligible to participate in a group insurance plan. In general, employees with healthcare benefits tend to be happier with their employment and of course in better shape to perform their jobs. Although according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, workers with lower wages may prefer to keep more of their paychecks over contributing to group insurance premiums. Tack on deductibles and co-pays, and suddenly healthcare coverage doesn’t look so attractive to a low-wage, hourly employee.

So, should you provide group health insurance benefits or not? We’re willing to bet that for most relocation firms, it just doesn’t make sense financially. However, we want to hear from you! Are you currently providing medical benefits? Why or why not? Share your thoughts and discuss in the comments below.

Thinking outside the Business Vertical

Recently I participated at a conference organized by a large national association operating in a market that was not immediately in our business vertical. We generated great leads which we hope will turn into a continuous flow of business.

The best outcome of this show was realizing the potential new markets outside our immediate ‘business vertical’ that need exploring. I call it ‘Thinking outside the Business Vertical’.

One could argue to concentrate on your core markets, and to some extent I agree. However, what if your core markets are over crowded by competitors? What if your core markets are saturated with similar products and you cannot generate any new sales from these markets? Can you explore new market verticals? Can you afford not to be searching for other verticals?

Is Co-opetition For Everyone?

Co-opetition - A relationship between two companies involving competition in some segments and cooperation in others

According to Wikipedia, "Coopetition or Co-opetition is a neologism coined to describe cooperative competition. Co-opetition occurs when companies work together for parts of their business where they do not believe they have competitive advantage, and where they believe they can share common costs. For instance, the cooperation between Peugeot and Toyota on shared components for a new city car for Europe in 2005. In this case, companies will save money on shared costs, while remaining fiercely competitive in other areas. FVor co-opetition to work, companies need to very clearly define where they are working together, and where they are competing."

We see Co-opetition in almost every market business segment. Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Apple and others, compete fiercely in some areas, but cooperate very closely in others (see article).

In the van lines world we see co-opetition between agents of the same van line. But does it exsist between agents of competing van lines? Is co-opetition possible between independently owned moving companies? Self Storage companies? Mobile Storage companies?

One area we see potential co-opetition between companies is in the Mobile Storage and Packing/Loading/Unloading services, in which the mobile storage company may complete for business with the moving company, but use the movers to provide loading and unloading services to its customers.

The Gold You Find In Your Spam/Junk Folder

Our Spam and Junk folders save us from email messages that could harm our computers and servers and are also a waste of our time if we stop to read them. In most cases, messages caught by our spam filters are really unwanted and illegitimate messages.

However, no spam/junk filter is perfect and in some cases the rules also capture relevant and important messages we should be reading. Many times you will find in your junk folder a response from a prospect for whom you quoted a price, a request for a quote from a potential customer or a suggestion for a new deal from a colleague.

The only solution is to check your junk folder on a regular basis, daily or weekly, go through your messages and look for any legitimate ones and act accordingly. We know it takes valuable time and realize it is a tedious process altogether, but hey, we never said that finding gold would be a an easy task…

Can You Handle The Bad News?

If your job responsibility requires you to speak with customers from time to time, you may have come across customers who complained about your service, an employee who they didn’t like or agree with or about a promise made to them that wasn’t kept. If your company operates a blog or uses a survey, you must have read some negative comments about your company, services or employees. How do you handle these? Can you handle the bad news?

As an owner of our agency I have come across negative comments addressed by customers verbally or via our surveys or blogs. I must admit that as hard as I am trying not to take these comments personally, it always triggers the question: What did I do wrong? However, I always with no fail make sure to look into the issue and respond back to the customer personally when possible.

How are you handling these negative comments?

What is Your Survival Strategy?

Like so many industries today, the C.O.D. market has suffered greatly as a result of the recession. Service-based industries may bear far more of the brunt, as consumers look to save money with do-it-yourself solutions. Many potential customers of yours are now considering mobile self-storage or rental trucks instead of enlisting your services.

There are success stories to be heard though. Some agents have taken steps to become government contractors for military and other federal moves. Others have added new services, such as offering the very mobile self-storage solutions that previously threatened their business.

What are you doing to combat this shift in consumer trends? Share your success and learning experiences in the comments below.

Five ways to take the stress out of moving

While moving to a new home can be an exciting time, it's no secret that relocating can also be a very stressful life event.

Here are five ways to make your move as stress-free as possible.

1. Move highly sentimental items and small items of extreme value yourself. It can relieve a huge amount of stress to know that these items are safe and sound at all times. Family heirlooms and unique artwork are good examples of items to move yourself. Basically, if it's irreplaceable and it fits in your car, move it yourself. For larger items such as art collections or grand pianos, hire specialty movers.
   



2. Choose movers whom you are comfortable with. Do your due diligence on moving companies before hiring one. Always get multiple quotes and base your decision not only on the estimate, but also on the level of professionalism the company presents. Ask for referrals, and try and talk with people who have used the company before. On move day, get to know the crew members, and maybe offer them a cold drink. Getting on the movers' good side will ensure that they take extra special care of your things, thus relieving a ton of stress on your end.
   



3. Ask questions. Wondering how the movers are going to protect that flat-screen T.V.? Just ask! So much of our stress comes from the unknown. If you're concerned about how specific items will be handled, your crew's leader would be happy to explain the process.
   



4. Let the pros do the packing. Are you worried that you just won't have the time to pack up all your things before moving day? For many, a great deal of stress can be relieved by knowing a professional team will have all the packing done on time. This kind of relief can be worth the extra cost
   



5. Insure your move! Remember, your movers are human and accidents can happen. Movers typically offer minimum liability coverage (often $0.30 or $0.60 per pound) which still leaves you at a loss in the case of an unfortunate accident. Choosing a third-party insurer for full coverage is a good way to achieve full peace-of-mind. Read more reasons why moving insurance is a must.
   

Inexpensive Home Decorating Tips

Moving can be an expensive process. Paying movers, purchasing new furniture and appliances, and storage fees are just some of the costs associated with moving. Decorating a new home can also be expensive. Instead of breaking the bank, liven up your home on a budget with the following inexpensive decorating ideas:

• Cover up flaws instead of repairing or correcting them. For instance, place a rug over a marred floor or use a tapestry to cover a rough wall. This can be less inexpensive than finishing walls and floors.


• Add some greenery. Plants will quickly liven a room. Many plants are long lasting, easy to take care of, and a cheap fix to decorate your home.


• Replace old lamp shades. Lamp shades come in a variety of textures and colors. An even cheaper way to replace a lamp shade is to buy a plain lamp shade and decorate it yourself.


• Repaint old cabinets instead of purchasing new ones. A new coat of paint will freshen the look of your old cabinets. Go to your local paint supply or home improvement store for tips on how to paint cabinet surfaces.


• Make your own wall art. Use stencil patterns, decals, and borders to cheaply create wall art.


• Add fabric to a room. Combining different styles and patterns of fabric for window treatments and accessories can be a fun and cheap way to decorate a room.


• Paint! Painting old furniture, walls, and accessories can create dramatic changes to your home at low price.

Decorating your new home doesn't need to be expensive. Look online for cheap ideas and don't be scared to decorate yourself. Get creative and you can decorate your home cheaply and easily.

Deadline Approaching for First-Time Home Buyers Credit

Thinking about purchasing your first home? The federal government is offering up an $8,000 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes this tax credit for purchases made on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. For purposes of the tax credit, the date of purchase is when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner. A tax credit is different from a tax deduction. This tax credit is an actual reduction in the taxes the homeowner owes. In addition, the tax credit may be claimed even if the homeowner owes little or no federal income tax.

To see if you qualify, click here, and you can read more information at the IRS website.

Treat Your Movers Right

If you have hired movers to do the heavy lifting for you, then you will want to reward them for their hard work, assuming that they did the job well. Tipping is customary for good service, so you should add that into your moving budget. Here are some suggestions for tipping your movers:

• Refresh and refuel: If it's a hot day, make sure you have plenty of cold drinks on hand for your movers, as well as coffee and snacks. If your move takes up most of the day, you should provide lunch such as pizza or another quick bite to keep your movers in a good mood.


• If there are just one or two movers helping you, be generous with your tip since they will probably be working hard. Take into account the weather, stairs, heavy items, etc. A $40 tip for one mover or $60 (to split by two) is considered appropriate.


• If you have several movers handling your move, a $20 per mover tip is the norm. Hand over all of the tip money to the lead mover so that he can divide it at the end of the move.

When it Rains, It Pours: Moving in Bad Weather

Moving is usually a hassle even when the sun is shining, so if you find a dark cloud over your home on moving day, you may feel extra stressed. Whether you are dealing with pouring rain, high winds, sleet, snow, or other forms of messy weather, unless it's a hurricane or a tornado, chances are moving in a storm is worth the effort. Here are some tips for moving during bad weather:

• If rain is in the forecast, cover furniture (such as items made from fabric, wood, and other untreated materials) with plastic sheets or tarps. This will ensure that your furniture is protected from moisture and dirt.


• Make a walkway out of your old home and into your new home by taping down either rugs or cardboard. Do not put plastic sheeting on the floor as this is very slippery when wet.


• Make your movers comfortable. If there is heavy rain, offer your movers clean towels to dry off. If the weather is especially cold, try to have the heat on in your new home. Hot drinks such as coffee and tea are a nice gesture too.


• Avoid getting cardboard boxes wet, as water disintegrates the cardboard. Carry boxes from the bottom and watch out for unexpected tears.

Smaller Houses on the Rise

For the first time in 15 years, the median square footage of new homes shrunk this year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, homes built in the first three months of this year were 7 percent smaller than in the same period last year. Could this be a sign that America's affinity for McMansions is on the decline? Perhaps due to a desire to be more eco-friendly and reduce carbon footprints, or simply because the recession is causing homeowners to cut costs, this trend could result in a shift in attitude of quality over quantity. This means more homeowners may find themselves making better use of the space that they do have, such as converting basements into entertainment rooms and attics into home offices. Smaller homes also have lower energy costs and are selling quicker in the current housing market. Is a smaller home the right fit for you? Here are some things to look for if you are in the market for a smaller home:

• A flexible, open floor plan--combining the kitchen, living room, and family room into one great room is a growing trend.


• Lots of windows will boost your mood and make the house feel bigger.


• High ceilings--adding just an extra foot will make a standard 8-foot ceiling feel taller.


• Outdoor living space--making use of patios, porches, and other exterior spaces will give you more room to gather or escape.


• Smart storage--clutter looks worse in smaller homes, so be sure to have clever built-ins and other ways of organizing and hiding your stuff.

Are You Ready for Your First Place? Costs to Consider

As spring graduates (hopefully) secure employment, one of the next major steps on the road to adulthood is to acquire a place of one's own. Are you ready to handle the responsibilities of renting an apartment or house, or should you stay in Mom and Dad's basement for a few more months? Here are some costs to consider before you sign a lease:

• Move-in deposit: Most landlords require first and last month's rent (and/or a security deposit), and if you found the place through a broker, a broker's fee (usually equal to one month's rent) will probably apply as well. This means you may need at least three times the rent just to move in. To be safe, you will also want to have three months' rent in your savings in case you lose your job or in case of any sort of emergency.


• Hook-up fees: If you have never had an account with a utility company before, they may require initial fees for setting up your service. Ask whether or not the apartments you are considering include utilities with the rent or not, as this can be a cost-saver for apartments in colder climates.


• Parking: If you are planning on bringing a car with you, you will want to ask if parking is free or not. In dense cities, parking rules may apply, and in some cases, you may need to pay for a parking permit.


• The bare necessities: Even if you are moving into a furnished apartment, there will be many items you will need to make your house a home. Pots and pans, dishes, flatware, appliances, shelving, fixtures, towels, bedding, garbage cans--the list goes on and on. If you can't afford to buy new, utilize friends and family who may have perfectly useful items collecting dust in storage, check out free listings on sites such as Craigslist.org, or shop at second-hand stores and flea markets for bargain deals.

Tips for Moving Your Child to a New School

If you have moved your family to a new location this summer, chances are you also have the double duty of introducing your child to a new school. The transition can put stress on your child's temperament, but with some understanding and careful planning, you can encourage your child to embrace the change. Here are some tips:

• Practice the route to school: Children will be reassured to know the exact trip that they will be taking by schoolbus, car, or on foot ahead of time. Point out attractions along the way to help your child get familiar with the area.


• Visit the school before the first day: Most schools are open during the late summer for teacher preparation, so call the school in advance to see if a visit is possible. Be sure to check out the areas that your kids will be most interested in, such as classrooms, the gym, cafeteria, and playground/sports fields.


• If possible, introduce your child to his/her new teacher: Even a simple hello will help your child feel more comfortable about starting a new school.


• Meet other school-aged children in the neighborhood: Encouraging your kids to meet new peers at places such as the local park or community center will increase their chances of making friends that will also be attending their new school. Talk to other parents about getting the neighborhood kids together at your home or the local play area.

To Pack or Not to Pack? Here Are Some Answers

If you have chosen to hire a moving company to handle your move, there are some things that are typically not allowed to be loaded onto a moving company's truck. Here are a few categories of items that are usually not good to go:

• Irreplacable items: If you are moving jewelry, family heirlooms, or valuable documents, you will want to keep these things on your person during your move. If you are not sure, ask your moving insurance provider if any of these items can be covered in transit.


• Perishables: Most moving companies will not permit food and other perishables onto the truck, so you'll probably want eat or give away whatever's sitting in your freezer.


• Flammables: Hazardous materials, gasoline, and lighter fluid are probably not okay to put on the moving truck. If you aren't sure, pack questionable items such as paint, aerosol cans, or ammunition in a separate box and be prepared to take the box with you if the movers refuse to pack it.


• Living things: Plants, animals, and people are usually not allowed to go into the moving truck.


• Essentials: Anything you might need during your personal move such as your cellphone, wallet, medication, eyeglasses, or keys should not be loaded onto the moving truck. This might seem obvious but with so many of your belongings going into boxes, you'll want to make sure you don't lose anything important.

A Checklist for the Week Before You Move

The week before your moving day is likely going to be a very stressful week. Organize your priorities and create a checklist to make your move as smooth as possible:

• If you are doing the packing yourself (as opposed to a moving company) label boxes according to which room they will go to in your new home. Also, mark boxes such as "fragile," "load last," or "do not load."


• If you have hired a moving company, call and confirm the dates of your move. Make sure you have notified them of any extraordinary items, such as heavy appliances or a piano.


• Ensure you have money to cover the cost of your move, including cash tips for the movers.


• Back up your computer files and gather all of your software start-up discs. Be sure that your computer and electronic equipment is not exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture during your move.


• Properly dispose of hazardous waste such as paint, oil, and pesticides.


• Make sure your utility companies have been notified of your move, as well as your doctors, pharmacists, banks, schools, friends and family.


• Make sure your subsciptions (newspapers, magazines) have been notified of your move.


• Return any items you have borrowed from friends and neighbors.


• If you have children, prepare them for moving day by engaging them in the process. If possible, let them have a going-away party with their friends.


• Try to either eat or give away food in your fridge and freezer.


• Pack valuables that may not be covered by moving insurance such as jewlery and heirlooms separately. You will want to carry these items with you on moving day.


• Thoroughly clean areas that have been cleared.

You Don't Know What You've Got 'Til You Move It

Once you start packing, you'll probably realize that your belongings have somehow multiplied like rabbits. You might be wondering how you will fit all of your stuff onto the moving truck on moving day. Hopefully you've found arrangements for the things you no longer need, such as selling them at a yard sale or online, donating items to charities and friends, or simply throwing them away. Even if you have a huge garage or attic awaiting you at your new home, you will probably want to purge many items that you don't use anymore because the more things you move, the more expensive your move will be. If you are still stuck with too many things you can't bear to part with, you may want to consider renting a storage space. Whichever solution you choose, starting the packing process earlier than later is going to help you organize your belongings for the easiest move possible.

Is Your Move Tax Deductible?

If you are moving because of a job opportunity, you may be able to get some help from Uncle Sam in recovering your moving expenses. There are strict time and distance requirements and you will need to fill out the 1040 long form, but if you think you apply, hang onto all of your receipts and seek an accountant during next year's tax season. Here's a rundown of the requirements:

• Your move must have occured within one year of your start date at your new job, unless you have a valid reason for moving more than a year after you started your new job.


• The location of your new job must be at least 50 miles farther from your previous home than your last workplace was. So if you lived three miles from your old job, your new job must be at least 53 miles from your old home.


• You need to have worked full-time for at least 39 weeks within a year after moving to your new location. The worked weeks don't have to be consecutive or even with the same employer, but if you are self-employed, you need to have worked full-time for 78 weeks during the first 24 months after your move.

If you are confused about whether or not your move is tax-deductible, see this flow chart here, or read more at http://www.irs.gov/publications/p521/index.html.

Make Sure Your New Neighborhood is Safe

By day, your new neighborhood may seem quaint and charming, but have you checked it out at night? Be sure you will be comfortable walking around your new area after dark by doing a little detective work. If possible, go to your prospective neighborhood at night and see how many people are out on the streets. Is it bustling, or is it eerily quiet? What sort of people are in the area at night? If you are not able to see your new neighborhood before moving, enter your zipcode a search engine such as SpotCrime.com to view crime statistics for that area. Before you sign your lease or pay your broker's fee, do your research and make sure you will be able to rest easy in your new home. Other useful websites on crime include:

http://www.familywatchdog.us/

www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/registry.htm

http://www.nsopr.gov/

Uprooting: Tips for Moving Plants

When planning your move, your houseplants and garden plants are probably the least of your concerns, but depending on how far you are relocating, you may want to take some of your greenery with you. Since plants are delicate living things and require special care when moving, you will want to plan ahead to make sure your plants survive the trip. Keep in mind that moving insurance typically does not cover plants because they are perishables. Also, many moving companies will not move plants for long distances, especially overseas. Contact your moving company at least a couple weeks before your move to find out if they'll take your plants. If you are planning on moving your plants yourself, here are some tips:

• If you are moving internationally, you may not be able to bring certain plants, such as fruit trees. Contact customs in advance of your move.


• Decide which plants you will want to move, and get them in peak condition prior to moving day. Keep them watered, remove pests, and prune them.


• Plants in breakable pots, such as clay, should be re-potted in plastic pots. Pack the breakable pots separately, wrapped in packing paper or bubble wrap.


• One or two nights before your move, water your plants normally. Be careful not to overwater them--if they are too moist, fungus can grow during the move.


• Line sturdy boxes with plastic to move your plants in. Pack plants in snugly--but not too tightly--and fill gaps with packing paper to prevent shifting.


• Punch holes in the sides of your plant boxes for them to breathe and mark them "plants," with instructions to pack them last.


• Dig up any garden plants you want to move on moving day, and protect the root ball by wrapping it in plastic. Alternatively, if you must leave your plants behind, you can bring cuttings in small plastic bags with wet paper towels.


• Tall plants should be bagged or wrapped in plastic. Just make sure you poke some holes in the plastic to let your plants breathe.


• If possible, the best way to move plants is in the back seat of a car or van. This will give you some peace of mind knowing that you can keep an eye on them. If you have to spend a night in a hotel, make sure to check the weather. Cold temperatures can damage fragile plants, so to be safe, move them indoors with you.


• Try to unpack your plants as soon as you arrive at your new home. Remove the plastic immediately, water them, and try to gradually expose them to sunlight.