Before you start shopping around, ask yourself, “What is it that I need?” Most service industry companies have a whole lot of different options, some of which you won’t necessarily require. The more services provided, the more costly your expenses will be. Step one is really simple. Just sit down with a pen and a pad and figure out exactly what you need. Shopping around for anything is more effective if you get started early, so don’t procrastinate. Once you have a good idea of what you actually need from the service provider you’ll hire, start researching companies that offer what you seek. Research can be done online; it can also be done by having a conversation with people who have hired out for similar services. Have a friend who had an excellent experience with such a company? Odds are you’ll have a good experience too, but you should still shop around so that you know you’re making the best choice. Keep in mind; reputation is extremely important, as is experience.
Eventually you’ll be on the phone with multiple service providers having different versions of the same conversation with each of them. “Hello my name is so-and-so and I need this that and the other on such-and-such date…” Make sure that you have your preliminary notes handy, and be sure to take notes as well. You should have a basic idea of what you need already, but the voice on the other end of the phone is a terrific source of insight, so take advantage, and compare with other companies what you’ll discuss. Remember; some of the quotes that you receive may seem to-good-to-be-true… trust your instincts on this. For example: In the moving industry (as with many service-labor industries) there are local movers who pay bottom dollar for temporary or day-worker labor. The low cost to such companies does result in extra-low rates for you, but it all balances out in the end. Nashville movers who hire day-laborers provide a service which is void of skill, speed, and efficiency, thus defeating the purpose of low tempting rates. Greatness is achieved through experience not through cutting corners. You get what you pay for, so make a truly educated decision when the time comes to pick your service provider. Happy shopping, everybody! Good luck!