| Case Study: Are You Tired of Bad News? | ||
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Get any number of human resource and relocation professionals together and you will likely hear stories that start with, “I’ve been in this business a long time and I thought I’d seen it, heard it all, until…”
In an effort to bring you the lighter side of these challenging times, we asked our industry colleagues to share their stories (see below). This month’s “Essential Knowledge,” is all about “Essential Humor”…. and maybe a few policy tips.
The Dangerous Side of Relocation
“I’ve been in this business a long time and I thought I’d seen it, heard it all, until we relocated a witness for the [Shall Remain Nameless Agency]. We were handling the second leg of the relocation for a key witness and had moved his stuff into storage in San Diego. A few weeks later we were moving his stuff to the new destination under the assumed name.
Not far out of San Diego, a black Cadillac pulled up next to our van line driver with two passengers brandishing weapons, sticking menacingly out of the window. They told our driver to pull over to the side of the road and blasted the trailer with shotguns. The thugs told our driver to get out of the truck and start running down the road, and to tell “Johnny” (AKA the witness) that he would not be forgotten and the score would be settled. The trailer was set ablaze and the Cadillac sped off. Our driver was able to run back and disconnect his tractor from the trailer and save that, but Johnny's goods and all the other people’s shipments on that load ended up in ashes.”
VISION Program Tip: Carefully consider the benefits of full replacement value coverage on the shipment of household goods.
Transporting Unique and Special Items
“I’ve been in this business a long time and I thought I’d seen it, heard it all, until we were asked to ship four pet mice…favorite pets of the children. The client approved the expenses for shipping, preparing a Vet health certification, and quarantine…all to the tune of $1000! The mice were shipped and arrived in good shape (though their heart rate had to be up a bit). Then the children proceeded to feed the mice to their newly acquired pet boa constrictor!”
VISION Program Tip: Offer a miscellaneous allowance to cover expenses like pet relocation, and resist making exceptions.
The Importance of Communication
“I’ve been in this business a long time and I thought I’d seen it, heard it all, until I was evaluating a property for a Broker’s Market Analysis. I arrived at the transferee’s home and was greeted by a bouncy, loving Labrador. As I walked up the path to the front door, the dog ran next to me all the way and jumped up on me affectionately. We walked up to the front door and knocked. The lady of the house opened the door and invited me inside. The dog followed.
After the introductions and pre-tour discussion, the lady of the house left me to view the home, make notes and take pictures…the dog followed me everywhere. As I walked around the living room, I tried to navigate a large glass coffee table while the dog continued to jump with excitement. I fell right onto the coffee table, severely cutting my arm and leg and making enough racket to bring the lady of the house into the living room. She saw me sitting on a pile of broken glass with the dog jumping all over me.
She was shocked. ‘We must get you to a doctor quickly.’ Then she added, ‘What do you want to do with your dog?’ "
VISION Program Tip: Engage transferees in the marketing process to ensure properties are listed and sold quickly.
It is “Essential” that we maintain a positive outlook and take a few moments to share and smile at the unique experiences we encounter in the world of relocation. If you want to share your story, send it to servicefirst@visionrelocation.com.
How VISION Can Help
Contact us today for a complete review of your current relocation policies. The sole focus of your Consulting Services team at VISION is researching, analyzing and reporting on the latest trends in the global relocation and human resources industries. Your Consulting Services team will assist in implementing Better Practices for your policy type and relocation budget. To read more articles and white papers written by VISION's Consulting Services team, click here. |
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