COVID-19 and Its Impact on the Mover Marketing

This month, COVID-19 is top of mind for all of us, both personally and professionally. With what seems to be daily changes and restrictions that are impacting businesses, we are all having to evaluate how to function during the outbreak.  

At First Movers Advantage, we are closely monitoring the situation. Be assured that we are prepared to continue business as usual. Since 2003, we have set up our systems so that all employees are able to work remotely, which means we are staffed and ready to continue service.   

We have prepared a quick article “Recommended Tools for Working Remote During COVID-19” which is a helpful resource for you to set up a remote working environment for your employees. 

While we are here to support you with your marketing, we are most concerned and focused on the safety of everyone. We hope you, your friends and families are able to stay healthy in the coming months.

At this point, we are not sure how COVID-19 will impact the real estate market. Usually in the spring, we see an increase in leads, and as of Monday, March 16th, we saw a fairly typical amount of leads nationwide.

The Federal Reserve recently dropped interest rates. In the past, low-interest rates have kept the real estate market active as homeowners seize the opportunity to purchase homes at the lower rates. In addition, since closings typically take 30 to 60 days, and there hasn’t been any word that banks are suspending scheduled closings, we’re optimistic that things will improve in time and there will continue to be homeowners in need of moving services.

We are here to help! If you are a current customer, contact us to adjust your list criteria to make sure you are contacting enough homeowners. And if you aren’t a customer, we are here to help you start a new direct mail campaign for your business. Sign up today.

Efforts to Secure Help for Businesses

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Programs
Some states have applied for Economic Loan assistance with the SBA. See if your State is eligible here. Please visit their site on how to apply for these types of loans.

AMSA Seeks Request for Relief from DoD 
The Department of Defense (DoD) recently implemented a travel ban for personnel and military families which will have a large impact on the moving industry. AMSA is developing a request for a relief fund for movers from the US government. If you are an AMSA Member, your business had DoD shipments in 2019, and your revenue will be impacted by lack of shipments in spring and summer 2020, please submit this form on the AMSA website to help them build evidence to present to lawmakers.

IRS - Coronavirus Tax Relief Website
The IRS has set up a page to help businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available.  Visit their page here.

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