6 warning signs from your current moving software

The frightening truth about moving software is that the majority is outdated. 

As a moving company owner, the software you choose can be your biggest asset—or your worst nightmare. 

Not all software solutions are created equal, and relying on outdated or inadequate technology can entangle your business in a web of problems. 

Here are 6 major red flags that indicate you might be caught in bad software, and what you should be looking for instead to keep your business thriving.

1. Hasn’t been updated since 2020

Think about how much the world has changed since 2020. If your software is stuck in a time warp, it’s not going to grow with you; it’s going to create more problems.

If your software hasn’t seen an update in years, you’re missing out on crucial features, customer-facing experiences and innovative solutions that are taking over the market like ChatGPT, AI and automations. Outdated software is a breeding ground for bugs and can become incompatible with newer devices, leading to frustrations for your team and delays in operations.

What You Need: Look for software that offers regular updates and introduces new products and features to stay ahead of industry trends and customer needs.

2. Low AI & automation capabilities

In the 2024 Moving Business Trends Report, AI was ranked the #1 trend movers want to adopt so it’s critical not to get left behind your competitors.

Moving companies can’t afford to rely on manual processes for everything from sales, scheduling to crew and customer follow ups. Software with poor AI and automation capabilities makes your team work harder, not smarter, leading to inefficiencies, missed leads, and lost revenue.

What You Need: The best moving company software solutions feature automation for sales follow-up, scheduling, task management, crew follow-ups, customer follow-ups, and groundbreaking AI tools to win jobs faster. Allow your business to operate 24/7 without constant oversight. 

3. Poor or lack of customer support

This is the biggest cause for software problems. You can’t reach their support line, they ghost your emails and it takes ages to hear back. Any moving company onboarding new software needs the support of the vendor because when things go wrong, you need reliable customer support to get you back on track. Whether it’s a bug or an urgent issue on move day, not having the help you need can disrupt your business and frustrate your team.

What You Need: Choose software with 24/7 support, ideally with multiple channels like phone, text, chat, and email, so you’re never left to fend for yourself. Top solutions often have dedicated support teams that understand the specific needs of moving companies and can offer guidance quickly.

Pro Tip: If you’re switching from another software provider, ask for data migration support.

4. Low customization and configurability 

No two moving companies operate the same way, and software that offers limited customization locks you into a rigid system that doesn’t suit your processes. Whether it’s configuring job scheduling, pricing complex moves, or automating sales follow-ups, flexibility is essential.

What You Need: Look for software that provides customizable workflows to tailor the platform to your specific needs and grow your business without being confined by limitations. Depending on whether you’re a sole local residential mover or operate a multi-branch and franchise model, you need to configure your moving software to align with your business model. You may not be able to get everything, but know what’s important for your business to be successful.

5. Hidden costs and usage fees

Don’t get stuck in a pricey trap. The problem is some software solutions lure you in with a low base price, only to reveal hidden fees and usage charges later. Whether it’s charging for additional users, text messages, integrations, or premium support, these unexpected costs can quickly add up, eating into your profit margins.

What You Need: Make sure the software you choose offers transparent pricing without hidden fees. Look for solutions that provide all-inclusive packages that grow with your business, offering unlimited users and a comprehensive feature set for one price.

6. Crews aren’t incentivized

You know quite well that if the crew doesn’t adopt the software on the field, it cannot be useful to your business. But how does your software incentivize crews to use it? And how can crew usage benefit your overall business?

Sure, easy-to-use user interface and the ability to use on a tablet or mobile is a standard. 

What You Need: Look for software that makes tipping 10x easier. Think about how it’s set up at restaurants or on Uber. If you can double your crews tips, they absolutely will use the software that much faster.

Now your crews get paid more without you spending more money and you retain them longer. 

Happy crews = happy customers

Don’t settle, period.

A web of bad software can trap your moving business in inefficiencies, hidden costs, and poor customer experiences. The best software solutions offer the tools to not only avoid these nightmares but also to thrive by integrating AI, automation, and customization into your daily operations.

Take control of your technology, and make sure it’s working for you, not against you.

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