The Current Relocation Services Industry in India
Having completed her Global MBA in Marketing from S P Jain School of Global Management, Aakanksha has been associated with P.M. Relocations for over 16 years now and has been at the forefront of the company’s success story so far. Additionally, she has co-founded a packaging & moving company named PMRGO and is also the Mentor with Atal Innovation Mission. Siliconindia recently got a chance to interact with Aakanksha Bhargava, CEO, P.M. Relocations, where she shared her insights on the current relocation services landscape in India and many other aspects related to it. Below are a few key extracts from the exclusive interview
What are your thoughts on the current relocation services landscape in India?
The relocation landscape in India is highly fragmented and competitive. With urbanization on the rise, the relocation industry is experiencing rapid expansion. In this dynamic environment, organized and skillful players are emerging as the vanguards, setting new benchmarks and contributing significantly to the growth and development of the industry.
How have the customer demands evolved post covid in terms of availing relocation services?
Before the covid pandemic, customers often sought-out multiple vendors when planning a move, often leaning towards the most budget-friendly option available. However, post-covid, we have witnessed a significant shift in customer preferences. People now gravitate towards more organized services that offer an all-in-one solution, prioritizing quality, hygiene, and safety. Another striking development is the heightened emphasis on the sanitization of their homes before and after the move, reflecting a deep-seated concern for both safety and cleanliness. Taking these trends into account, we offer end-to-end comprehensive solutions for as per the customer’s requirements.
Throw some light on the major challenges relocation companies are currently facing.
The first and most critical challenge is the competition from unlicensed movers. They often charge lower rates, but do not provide proper insurance and safety for customer items. In addition to this, there is also an increased competition from online moving platforms. This is putting a lot of pressure on companies like ours for reducing the prices for relocation services. Customers are looking for flexible and accommodating relocation companies.
Briefly explain the role of technology enhancing the efficiency and transparency in the relocation services space.
Technology presents efficient solutions for managing processes and tracking progress, concurrently tackling industry-specific challenges that warrant technological innovation. These advancements assume a crucial role in shaping policies and facilitating administration within our sector. Additionally, it is worth emphasizing that while technology enhances productivity by automating routine tasks, it cannot replace the indispensable human touch that is very much essential in our industry. From the meticulous packing of belongings to their secure transportation and the thoughtful setup of new homes, these tasks remain fundamentally reliant on the expertise and dedication of human professionals.
How do you expect the relocation services industry in India to evolve in the near future?
As people continue to look for career improvements abroad, the demand for relocation is on the rise. Owing to evolving customer preferences and new players entering the market, we anticipate the industry to become more structured in the future. The ongoing development of infrastructure further contributes to the efficiency by streamline the operations, thus resulting in the industry becoming a well-organized sector. Additionally, as customers increasingly seek tailored services, it becomes crucial to provide solutions that go beyond simply moving household belongings. A notable recent trend we have observed is the rising demand for fine-art moving, highlighting the necessity for specialized and diversified services in response to evolving customer needs.
