Survive and Thrive

On the theme of ‘Survive and Thrive,’ at Solaris we believe that experience has been a major factor in its success. When starting and building a successful business of any type, the value of experience is often overlooked. However, in the international moving and storage business, it’s particularly important. Here’s why:

Technical Knowledge

International moving is by nature a technical business. It can take years to build up the knowledge needed to sell and deliver services successfully in what is, essentially, a niche business. Volume calculations (and conversions), packing processes and shipping documentation (to name only a few elements involved with an international move) all require detailed and technical knowledge.

Sales Expertise

Selling international moving services requires a deep understanding of the moving product and knowledge of multiple shipping routes and destination countries. Customers just know when an international move is being sold by someone who doesn’t really understand the ‘door to door’ international moving process. If a customer’s questions can’t be answered, you’ll lose credibility. If customers don’t believe in the knowledge and technical expertise of the person selling the move, they will look elsewhere.

Shipping and Administration

Shipping is a component where margins can be achieved or lost depending on whether they arrive in the right port at the right time. Knowing which shipping lines service which destinations and how to work with a call center (not always staffed with experienced operators) can help secure a vessel booking, on the right vessel at the right time. This alone can help book a move for a customer with specific requirements or who is moving quickly. Using the correct (correctly completed) documentation, delivered in an appropriate format is also essential to ensure timely and cost-efficient release of shipments at the destination.

Supply Chain

The choice of overseas agent is a really important factor in booking an international move. Your preferred partner can help you with information and competitive pricing which, in turn, can help secure a move. Good agent relationships also encourage two-way business and repeat business over the long term. Understanding your partners’ markets is also important in order to send them suitable shipments and customers with requirements in line with their capabilities.

Finance and Pricing

Competitive pricing is essential in order to secure a margin. Consideration of appropriate third-party pricing, agent quotes and currency exchange rates are just a few factors involved in putting a competitive quote together. Additionally, successful management of a company’s accounts and cashflow is key to running a sustainable business. If you don’t pay your supply chain in a timely manner, you won’t get the level of support you need.

We believe these elements are foundational to building a successful international moving businessthat will ‘survive and thrive’. Experience allows teams to quickly book business and optimize services, thus generating new customers and a cycle of opportunity through satisfied customers. Experience is the key to lasting success.