Linda Ballentine, CEO and founder of Crowning Touch Senior Moving Services, decided to get ahead of the curve by specializing in helping seniors move, which often involves significant downsizing. Based in Roanoke, VA, Crowning Touch services include a floor plan of the new home, assistance in selecting what will and will not fit, packing, cleaning the old residence, unpacking, and helping the client settle into his or her new home. Crowning Touch also offers to buy everything that's left over, including the trash. What used to go to auctions and consignment shops is now taken care of, she says. This way, they don't fret over how to get rid of what's left.
Family members are e-mailed during the move so the whole experience is one of inclusion.
Moving costs are about double that of a traditional move. Ballentine plans to be in 30 cities from New York State to Florida within two years. For franchisors, websites are most often used for franchisee recruitment. Finding qualified potential franchisees remains one of the most costly elements of growing a franchise system and carefully constructed website questionnaires can help eliminate the so-called tire kickers. The franchisee has pre-screened contractors and suggests three to the customer.