Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Although many people think we’ve only been around a few years, we quietly started building Virginia Varsity Transfer move by move in 1988. Upon college graduation in 1991, we became full-time and started marketing the company more aggressively.
Q: How did Virginia Varsity Transfer get started?
A: With a proposal. In the fall of 1987, two of us were offered the chance to move a family to Florida in exchange for our expenses, a little money and the use of a car. It was a great experience and word of this adventure landed us our next job, which is where we heard of the “preppie” movers concept. On May 25, 1988, we got our business license and we were on our way.
Q: So you went to Virginia Tech or UVA?
A: Yes and no. The founders went to Radford University and Virginia Western. Many of our staff members have attended Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, but we’re not exclusively aligned with either school. The Virginia in our name was selected to be a broad-based identity of our home state. After that, we picked the “V” in our logo because we liked it, not to resemble the logo of Tech or UVA.
Q: Do you really hire college students for your staff?
A: Absolutely. As much as possible, we employ college students as our staff. Everyone is in the “varsity” mold: clean-cut, athletic and courteous. We make it a practice to hire this specific type of individual because we know our customers prefer these young men in their homes and they are more suited to the rigors of our profession.
Q: Do you have to empty chests and dressers?
A: Typically, no. Medium and smaller chests/dressers can remain full. Extra large or heavy bedroom furniture should be emptied, as should all armoires/wardrobes, long-legged high boys, pieces that are particularly fragile and antiques.
Q: What makes VVT different or better?
A: Our staff is our main difference. With younger, clean-cut student-athlete-type movers, our company provides professional, conscientious moving crews. We carefully screen and train new Varsity crew members, so your moving experience lives up to what thousands of customers have come to expect.
Q: What else makes you different?
A: Our commitment to our customers. Since our founding, we have done moving a different way. Customer service-oriented and quality focused; we have helped raise the bar of what Valley customers expect from a moving company. Our commitment to quality and integrity earned us the Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics from the Better Business Bureau of Western Virginia. In addition, we have been voted Roanoke’s Best Moving Company (by readers of the Roanoker magazine) every year since 1996.
Q: Aren’t all moving companies basically the same?
A: Not if you’ve heard moving horror stories or had a bad experience yourself. Many shady companies now advertise on the internet, often with disastrous results for their customers. The moving industry largely has a poor reputation due to overcharging, poor service and scary, indifferent people. Virginia Varsity was founded on the concept of giving the public a reputable, quality moving service performed by clean-cut, student athlete movers. People feel comfortable working with our staff and have come to expect fair pricing and excellent customer service.
Q: Why shouldn’t I go with a cheaper company?
A: There are many ways to look at price. First, many of the so-called cheaper companies are known for really low prices, only to have the actual bill come in much higher. Second, there are usually reasons a company is cheaper- they might not have the professionally trained staff, quality equipment and trucks, and the reputation or demand of Virginia Varsity. In the end, if your furniture is badly damaged, the experience is unpleasant, and/or reliability is an issue, have you really saved? After all, there are cheaper doctors, lifeboats, and parachutes, but it doesn’t necessarily make them better.
Q: Do I have to empty my chests & dressers? (The moving industry’s #1 question)
A: It depends. Yes, if it’s especially large or heavy, a wardrobe/armoire (w/ 2 front doors), has weak or small feet, or if it’s especially fragile or valuable. Otherwise, just remove non-clothes and, please, do not add to them.
Q: What are your rates?
A: Many factors determine our rates and estimate-
The size/number of rooms of your home, access/driveways (on both ends), distance between locations, additional stops, how densely furnished your home is, how many boxes are likely, if there are challenging pieces to prepare, disassemble or remove from the home. Once this information is determined, we will provide a recommendation on crew size & pricing.
Q: Can’t you give an estimate over the phone? You know, just a ballpark.
A: Quoting a move- unless it’s very small- requires considerable information to be accurate (see question above). Providing a list of items seems like it should be enough for an estimate, but almost without exception, there is an honest oversight in quantities. (Were the ironing board, metal shelf, patio set and speakers listed, not to mention boxes which are almost always more than expected?)
The listed main things may be the most noteworthy, but the cumulative boxes & non-furniture often make up 1/3 or more of the actual volume. Beyond the total volume, access, challenges, distance and other factors are very important in providing an accurate estimate for you.
Q: Since we’re only moving a short distance, won’t this really reduce the cost?
A: It will definitely help the cost vs. moving across town, but having the locations close is somewhat overrated. More important, is being very organized, having a clear plan and being ready on moving day.
Q: What’s the best way to reduce my moving costs?
A: Many ways, including packing yourself, move all pictures, lamps/mirrors, electronics (except non-flat panel TVs) and clothing. If you still have time & energy, take the boxes and even the smaller furniture. Above all, be organized, be moving ready and know your situation.
Q: Do you use day laborers?
A: Never, ever. Our policy since 1988 is to not ever use temporary, day laborers.
|
