How To Perform The Best Virtual Onsites

With contactless and virtual options becoming more popular in the age of COVID-19, many moving companies have begun offering virtual onsites (or virtual estimates). While there can be a learning curve when starting, being able to offer virtual onsites to your customers is definitely worth the hassle. Read on to learn why virtual onsites are a huge advantage for your moving company and some of the best practices. 

What Are Virtual Onsites?

A virtual onsite essentially is a visual inspection and assessment of a customer’s belongings and moving requirements remotely, using video communication technology. Instead of having a moving company representative physically visit the customer’s location, the virtual onsite allows for a virtual meeting between the customer and the moving company representative.

During a virtual onsite, the customer uses a smartphone, tablet, or computer equipped with a camera to show the moving company representative the items to be moved, the layout of the space, and any specific concerns or requirements they may have. The moving company representative guides the customer through the process, asking questions and providing instructions on what to show and how to capture the necessary information.

This virtual inspection helps the moving company assess the volume and nature of the belongings, determine the resources needed for the move (such as the size of the truck, number of movers required, and any special equipment), and provide an accurate cost estimate for the moving services. It also allows the customer to discuss any additional services, such as packing or storage, and address any specific concerns they may have.

What Are The Benefits Of Offering Virtual Onsites?

There are clear benefits to a moving company owner that will make a positive impact to company performance.  

Save time

As a small business owner, your time is very valuable. Virtual onsites save time since you don’t have to factor in traveling to locations. This makes it easier to fit into your schedule and gives you more time to focus on growing your business. 

Save money

With rising gas prices, you may be looking to conserve your fuel. Virtual onsites let you inspect the home without having to leave your office. 

Increase customer trust

It can be uncomfortable to let a stranger into your home, especially during the pandemic. Performing an estimate virtually means you avoid managing sanitation and protective gear and allow customers to maintain their privacy. 

What Are The Best Practices For Virtual Onsites?

Here are a few tips for making sure your team conducts the best possible virtual onsite for any upcoming move.

Prepare the customer

Send them an example video of a good walk-through so they know what to expect. 

Record and take notes

Be sure to get the customer’s permission in advance, and offer to send them the recording after the fact so you both have a record of the inventory shown. 

Be as helpful as possible

Remember, your customers aren’t the experts – you are. Be prepared to direct them towards objects, big or small, that they may be forgetting. 

How Can Oncue Help With Virtual Onsites?

Oncue’s moving software makes virtual onsites easier than ever. Offer a seamless video experience to your customers. and collect a room-by-room inventory for each job using our estimator tool (available by video and in person). We can also help you get your customer ready by sending them automated reminders, about onsites, move day or any other events.

In addition to using moving software, the Oncue Booking team can conduct virtual onsites for any customer by scheduling the onsite at a time convenient for the customer, leveraging our industry best practices and expertise.  Our onsites will help ensure that the customer’s estimated move time is as close as possible to what actually happens on the day of the move. 

Don’t underestimate the benefits of doing a virtual onsite! A recent Oncue study showed that for estimates conducted by Oncue between Q1 2022 and Q1 2023, actual move times on average were within 99% of what was estimated by the Oncue team.  For moves not estimated by Oncue’s team, that figure falls to 90%.  Over time, that difference can have a significant to the costs associated with the move and what’s passed on to your customers.

Get started with us today to see where we Oncue can help get the most accurate estimates for your company’s moves.