International Conference IBIZA 2024 | KAE International Movers

Moving Internationally? What type of Customer are you?

Spiros Gianiotis — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 21:23:08 +0000

A candid look into the types of customers, moving companies deal with.

Every day, in the world of moving, we meet people from all walks of life — different cultures, different temperaments, different expectations. Some customers are a dream. Others… well, let’s just say, they leave a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons.

Whether you’re moving locally or across continents, how you approach the process — and how you treat your movers — has a huge impact on how things unfold.

In this article, we shine a light on the many types of customers we deal with in the moving industry: the organized, the overwhelmed, the entitled, the vanishing acts — even the lovable ones. The aim isn’t to call anyone out (okay, maybe just a little), but to offer some insight, laughs, and self-awareness. Because the truth is: if you recognize yourself in one of these, you’re not alone — and that’s the first step toward a better moving experience for everyone.

It all starts with the first contact

Before we lift a single box or tape a single carton, we speak to customers by email, phone, or through a website inquiry. And trust us — you can tell a lot from that very first interaction. How a customer behaves in the early stages often sets the tone for the entire relationship.

Here’s what we typically see:

The Prepared Planner sends a clear, detailed list and asks thoughtful questions. They’re polite, realistic, and responsive. They make quoting easy — and usually get priority attention because we know they’re serious.
The Scrambler calls in a panic: “I need to move tomorrow. Can you help?!” Their inventory list is “just a few things,” which turns out to be a full three-bedroom house. They mean well, but the chaos begins before the truck even rolls out.
The Control Freak often sends an intense email with ten bullet points and five follow-ups within the hour. They want to know exactly how each item will be packed, in what order, by whom, and at what time. Helpful? Sometimes. Overwhelming? Usually.
The Ghost fills out the online form… then vanishes into thin air. No email replies, no returned calls. Then two weeks later: “Hey, can you still move me tomorrow?”
The Bargain Hunter jumps straight to price. “What’s your cheapest rate?” No name, no details, no hello. They send competitor quotes like they’re playing poker. They’ll even request for extra services saying things like “Will you throw in a free piano move? What they forget? You get what you pay for — and we’d rather win customers with quality, not a race to the bottom.
The Withholder gives as little info as possible. “It’s just some boxes,” they say, while dodging any questions about volume, access, or what “some” really means. We’re left guessing, and guessing is not a great way to run a move.
The VIP may open with “I’m very busy, so I expect this to be handled efficiently.” They name-drop, rush the conversation, and sometimes act like we’re lucky to have their business. Not the best way to start a working relationship.
The Cultural Ambassador is often kind and curious, but sometimes unsure about how things work. Language barriers or unfamiliar customs can create confusion — unless both sides make the effort to understand each other early on.
The Grateful Giver is friendly, human, and respectful. “Thanks for your time!” and “I know this is a big job — just want to make sure I’m doing it right.” That attitude alone makes everything easier — and earns them five stars in our eyes before we’ve even met. You remind us why we provide moving services.
The Bully shows signs early: rude emails, snappy tone, aggressive demands. We’ve learned to spot the red flags — and sometimes, for everyone’s sake, we just politely decline.
The Repeat Client checks in like an old friend. “Hi, it’s us again! Can we book you for our next move?” They’re confident, clear, and respectful — because they’ve been through it before and trust the process. They usually need less convincing and more confirming. Honestly, hearing from them makes our day.
The Royal usually says very little, assuming everything will “just be taken care of.” They don’t read the service details and assume movers will pack, disassemble, reassemble, organize, and maybe even hang their art — without saying a word.

So here’s the takeaway: The move starts the moment you reach out. Your tone, clarity, and attitude in that first conversation will shape how the process unfolds — and how much your movers are able (and willing) to help you.

Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s meet the cast…

The Prepared Planner

Traits	Organized, responsive, realistic
How they act	They send their inventory on time, label their boxes, reply to emails faster than we can read them, and even have snacks packed for moving day. They don’t expect the impossible — and as a result, get the best possible outcome. We love you. The world loves you. Even the truck loves you!
Why it helps	They allow us to do our job efficiently. There are no surprises, no frantic last-minute packing marathons. Everyone’s on the same page.
Why it’s good for them	They end up less stressed, with fewer damages, and better control over costs and timing. Planning might not be glamorous, but it pays off in peace of mind.

The Last-Minute Scrambler
(Who agreed to Pack on their Own)

Traits	Frantic, disorganized, optimistic to a fault
How they act	They call the night before their move, saying, “I haven’t packed anything yet, but it’s not that much stuff.” Spoiler: it always is. We arrive to find a full house still unpacked, drawers bursting, and chaos everywhere.
Why it hurts the move	Everything takes longer. Things get lost. Fragile items get damaged because they weren’t packed properly. Costs go up because of the added time and effort.
Why it’s bad for them	They spend the whole day playing catch-up, stressing out, and wondering why things aren’t going to plan. Moving already has enough surprises — don’t let poor prep be one of them.

The Control Freak

Traits	Micromanager, perfectionist, probably owns a label maker
How they act	They follow movers from room to room like a hawk. “No, not that box first!” they say. “Can you stack the boxes in the truck/container in this exact order based on my spreadsheet?”
Why it slows things down	Micromanaging breaks momentum and disrupts the flow. Trust us: we’ve done this before. Many, many times.
Why it’s bad for them	They exhaust themselves trying to orchestrate everything, when they could’ve been relaxing, sipping coffee, and letting the pros do their job. Pro tip: if you’ve hired movers, trust them to move.

The Ghost

Traits	Silent, absent, and sometimes… just gone
How they act	They book the job, then disappear. They don’t answer their phones, they don’t answer to emails. They’ll send an email at 10pm the night before the move saying, “Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you — we need to collect a piano from another address.
Why this hurts everyone	Lack of communication leads to delays, wrong vehicle sizes, surprise inventory, and missed time slots.
Why it’s bad for them	They end up paying more for last-minute changes and may not get the service they need because their movers were flying blind. You don’t have to overshare — but please, just don’t ghost us.

The Bargain Hunter

Traits	Cost-obsessed, suspicious of fair pricing
How they act	They want champagne service on a lemonade budget. They’ll haggle down to the cent, then act surprised when the cheapest option was not the best option.
Why this backfires	Cutting corners often means sacrificing quality, training, equipment — even basic insurance.
Why it’s bad for them	They often end up paying more to fix mistakes, replace damaged goods, or — worst of all — re-do the entire move. There’s a difference between getting a fair price and chasing the cheapest deal.

The Withholder

Traits	Guarded, vague, allergic to giving details
How they act	When asked for an inventory list, they reply, “It’s just the usual stuff.” When pressed, they might say, “I’ll let the guys know on the day.” They don’t want to give dimensions, number of boxes, send any photos, confirm how many rooms are in the home or even arrange a pre-move survey. Why? Sometimes they’re worried about price, sometimes privacy — and sometimes they just think it’s not necessary.
Why this complicates everything	Without clear information, we can’t send the right truck, the right number of movers, or the right quote. We either overbook (which wastes time and money) or underbook (which causes chaos on moving day). Surprise items = surprise problems.
Why it’s bad for them	Their move ends up more stressful and potentially more expensive. Delays, extra charges, or needing a second trip are all real risks. The irony? The more you tell us, the better we can help you.
Our advice	We’re not asking because we’re nosy. We’re asking because we want to get it right. Giving us the full picture saves you time, money, and headaches.

The “VIP”

Traits	Demanding, dismissive, treats staff like hired help
How they act	They expect movers to cater to every whim — reschedule at the last minute, unpack and arrange furniture, feed the cat, water the plants, and maybe solve world peace while we’re at it. They often speak as if we should be grateful for the opportunity to serve them.
Why it’s a problem	They treat movers like personal assistants rather than trained professionals. They may ignore the agreed scope of work and expect extra services “just because.”
Why it’s bad for them	These customers often experience friction and frustration when things don’t go exactly their way — which they usually don’t, because moving is a team effort, not a royal decree. A little humility and collaboration would go a long way.

The Cultural Ambassador

Traits	Polite, respectful, but sometimes unsure of the process
How they act	They may come from countries where negotiation is standard or where moving services are bundled differently. Some expect a large extended family to participate, or assume that movers will handle tasks outside of what’s been agreed — simply because that’s how it’s done where they’re from.
Why it can cause hiccups	Cultural gaps and language barriers can lead to confusion about what is or isn’t included. Expectations don’t always match reality.
Why it’s bad for them	They may feel let down if things go differently than expected — even though no one did anything “wrong.” Early communication is key. When both sides explain, listen, and adjust, the experience becomes positive and enriching for everyone.

The Grateful Giver

Traits	Appreciative, polite, empathetic
How they act	They greet you with a smile, ask how your day’s going, and maybe even offer cold water or coffee. They understand that moving is hard work and treat movers with the kindness they deserve.
Why it lifts everyone	It’s amazing what a little appreciation can do. The crew works faster, happier, and more attentively — because they feel respected and seen. You make us feel human. We’d carry your house if we could.
Why it’s good for them	They get the best version of the moving crew. People naturally go the extra mile for someone who says, “Thanks, I appreciate you.” It’s free, it’s powerful, and it makes everything smoother.

The Bully

Traits	Aggressive, manipulative, often confrontational
How they act	They raise their voice to get what they want. They use threats like “I know people” or “I’ll write a bad review about your company online” if they don’t get a discount or a favor. They may belittle the team or talk down to staff as if they’re beneath them.
Why we take this seriously	No one deserves that kind of treatment — not in this job, not in any job. Our teams are trained to remain calm, professional, and respectful. But we also know when to walk away to protect our staff’s wellbeing. You think fear motivates. It doesn’t. But kindness? That moves mountains.
Why it’s bad for them	They end up with poor service or none at all. Movers may refuse the job. Aggression gets you nowhere. Respect, on the other hand, opens doors (and keeps them from being slammed).

The Repeat Client

Traits	Loyal, trusting, realistic
How they act	They’ve moved with us before — maybe once, maybe three or four times over the years. They know the drill. They understand the process. They don’t micromanage, but they also don’t assume. They reach out early, provide updated information, and usually start the conversation with, “You guys helped us last time — can you help us again?”
Why we love them	Trust makes everything smoother. They’ve experienced a professional move firsthand and know what to expect. They’re the perfect mix of calm, respectful, and informed — and they get it.
Why it’s great for them	Because they already know the system, their moves are faster, cheaper, and far less stressful. They don’t waste time reinventing the wheel. Familiarity breeds not contempt, but confidence — on both sides.
Bonus	Repeat customers often get priority attention, better scheduling options, and a moving crew that’s genuinely happy to see them again. It’s like seeing an old friend — but with more bubble wrap.

The Royal

Traits	Passive, pampered, allergic to lifting a finger
How they act	They assume everything will be handled magically — including packing, organizing, labeling, disassembling furniture, choosing what stays and what goes. They sit back with a latte while movers tiptoe around, trying to make sense of it all.
Why it causes problems	Without clear input from the customer, decisions are made on the fly. Items may be forgotten, misplaced, or packed incorrectly. Not because we don’t care — but because no one gave directions.
Why it’s bad for them	They lose control of their own move. Later, they’re left frustrated that things weren’t packed “their way” — but they never said what “their way” was. Even royalty needs a plan. Movers aren’t mind readers, and successful moves require collaboration.

So… What Type of Customer Are You?

Did you recognize yourself? Maybe in more than one? That’s okay — the goal here isn’t guilt. It’s awareness.

A successful move starts with a conversation — and continues with communication, preparation, and mutual respect. Whether you’re a planner, a procrastinator, or somewhere in between, there’s always room to be better.

And here’s the good news: we’re doing our part to help you avoid those negative outcomes — the delays, the surprises, the stress. Every quote we send is detailed, transparent, and tailored to your specific move. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t leave you guessing.

All we ask? Take 10 minutes to read the quote. Just 10. It’s the most valuable time you’ll spend in the entire process. We’ll also follow up — not to push, but to walk you through it, answer your questions, and make sure everything is clear. That conversation might be the difference between a stressful move and a seamless one.

We’re here to make this easy, but we can’t do it alone. If you bring your honesty, your clarity, and your time — we’ll bring the experience, the muscle, and the plan.

Let’s Make Your Next Move a Good One

Planning a move? Think about what kind of customer you want to be.
Already moved? Be honest — how was your first contact?
Want a smooth, stress-free experience? Start by being the kind of customer you’d want to work with.

Share this article. Forward it. Post it.
Let’s help more people move smarter — and maybe laugh a little along the way.

The post Moving Internationally? What type of Customer are you? first appeared on KAE International Movers.

EUROMOVERS WORLDWIDE ALLIANCE SCE – International Conference IBIZA, May 29 – June 1st, 2024

Spiros Gianiotis — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 20:44:29 +0000

A Memorable Conference in Ibiza

KAE International Movers Director of Operations Michael Kae and Marketing Manager Celeste Tat, embarked on an unforgettable journey to Ibiza. As part of the Euromovers family, they joined fellow industry leaders, engaged in enriching sessions, and celebrated two decades of collaboration, growth, and shared expertise. From picturesque beaches to heartfelt tributes, this conference left an indelible mark on KAE International. Let’s dive into the highlights of this remarkable event!

Celebrating 20 Years of Euromovers : A Milestone and More

Euromovers International is a network of leading international moving companies. Here are some key points about its history and significance:

Formation and Purpose:
○ Euromovers was established to facilitate seamless international moves across Europe.
○ It comprises more than 70 experienced and reliable moving companies across various European countries, including Belgium, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Greece (KAE International Movers), the Czech Republic (KAE International Movers) and beyond.
○ The network extends globally, connecting routes from the UK to destinations like the USA, Australia, New Zealand, China, and the UAE.
Services and Strengths:
○ Euromovers provides a full range of moving services, including domestic and international household goods moving, project moving, storage, logistics, and specialized crating.
○ One of its major strengths lies in successful cooperation among partners, efficient linehaul traffic, and centralized access to mobility services.
Quality Management:
○ Each associated partner within the Euromovers network undergoes annual evaluation and reviews to maintain compliance with established qualification standards.
○ The organization maintains a robust Quality Management System, ensuring high standards across the network.
Vision and Impact:
○ Moving with Euromovers isn’t just about changing residences; it often signifies the start of a new chapter in people’s lives.
○ Successful relocations contribute to successful integration into new environments, both personally and professionally.

As Euromovers celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to strengthen ties between leading companies in the international removals sector, fostering collaboration and growth

An Unforgettable Conference Experience

This year’s conference wasn’t just about commemorating Euromovers’ impressive two decades of success and growth. It was also a powerful testament to the bonds that unite the leading companies in the international removals sector. As we shared insights, exchanged ideas, and forged connections, we strengthened the very fabric of our industry.

A Dynamic Event Program

1. Culinary Delights: From Olive Mill to Beach Club

Our taste buds embarked on a journey as we dined at unique venues. An old olive mill transported us to rustic charm, while a famous beach club offered seaside elegance. From traditional flavors to contemporary cuisine, each meal was a celebration of Ibiza’s culinary diversity.

2. Knowledge Sharing and Networking

Presentations and speed networking sessions fueled our minds. Industry insights, best practices, and innovative ideas flowed freely. We connected with fellow professionals, forging bonds that would extend beyond the conference.

3. Receptions and Evening Splendor

Evenings were a symphony of elegance. A beautiful dinner at the hotel brought us together
under starlit skies. Conversations flowed, laughter echoed, and memories were etched in every dish served. We even witnessed a fire show on the beach.

4. Exploring Ibiza’s Charms

Beyond conference walls, we explored the old town of Ibiza—a maze of history, culture, and hidden gems.

We also participated in a football tournament.

And who could forget the exhilarating boat trip to Formentera? Azure waters, white sands—it was a day of adventure and wonder!

Our Gracious Hosts and Memorable Moments

Mudinmar Mobility: The Perfect Hosts

Our hosts and partners at Mudinmar Mobility ensured that our conference experience was nothing short of exceptional. Their warm hospitality and attention to detail made us feel right at home. But they didn’t stop there—Mudinmar Mobility also shared fascinating insights about the enchanting island of Ibiza. From hidden beaches to wine and food, their knowledge added an extra layer of excitement to our trip.

Working Hand in Hand: KAE International Movers and Mudinmar Mobility

As our groupage partners in Spain, KAE International Movers and Mudinmar Mobility collaborate seamlessly. Together, we facilitate relocations and groupage to and from Spain, ensuring smooth transitions for our clients. Our shared commitment to excellence strengthens our industry and enhances the relocation experience.

Stephen Denning: The Facilitator Extraordinaire

Stephen Denning, our conference facilitator, deserves special recognition. Like a skilled conductor, he orchestrated the entire event seamlessly. From coordinating sessions to managing logistics, Stephen ensured that all the pieces of the puzzle fell together. His expertise and dedication were evident throughout, making the conference a resounding success.

Honoring Thomas Holger Juchum: A Tribute to Passion and Dedication

This conference held a special significance beyond the anniversary celebrations. It marked a transition in our group’s leadership, and at its heart was the heartfelt tribute to Thomas Holger Juchum. For two decades, Thomas has poured his passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment into Euromovers. His impact resonates across the industry, and it was only fitting that we honored him during this emotional moment. As speeches echoed from all executive board members, we celebrated not just a leader but a legacy—one that continues to shape our journey forward.

Welcoming New Members

The conference wasn’t just about celebrating the past—it was also about embracing the future. New members joined our community, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Each company had the opportunity to introduce themselves, fostering connections and paving the way for collaboration. As we reflect on these moments, we’re grateful for the friendships formed, the knowledge gained, and the shared enthusiasm for our industry.

KAE International Movers extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the organizers, sponsors, and participants who contributed to the resounding success of the Euromovers 20th anniversary event in Ibiza. Their dedication and hard work ensured that this milestone celebration was truly memorable.

Thank You, Euromovers

Euromovers, as a driving force in the international moving industry, deserves special recognition. Their leadership, commitment to excellence, and vision have shaped our industry for two decades. We are honored that they entrusted us with hosting this remarkable event.

Generous Sponsors

Our gratitude also extends to the sponsors whose generous support made the event possible. Their investment in innovation and quality reflects their belief in the future of Euromovers and the broader international moving community. A big thank you to all our 2024 international conference and 20th anniversary sponsors: Nedrac Inc; Conroy Removals; The Rosebrock Group; Careline Moving & Storage; TransPak AG; Halo Financial; Mudinmar; Invictus Relocation; ISS Relocations; ABS Containers; QSS.

A Global Network: the next chapter of Euromovers

As we look ahead, we recognize Euromovers’ pivotal role as a global network. In an interconnected and ever-evolving world, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and best practices are essential. We pledge to actively contribute to Euromovers’ growth and development, ensuring that it remains a beacon of excellence for years to come.

Here’s to the next chapter of Euromovers—a journey we’re proud to be part of!

Photo credits: Euromovers Worldwide Alliance SCE mbH

The post EUROMOVERS WORLDWIDE ALLIANCE SCE – International Conference IBIZA, May 29 – June 1st, 2024 first appeared on KAE International Movers.

International Conference IBIZA 2024 | KAE International Movers

Moving Internationally? What type of Customer are you?

A candid look into the types of customers, moving companies deal with.

It all starts with the first contact

The Prepared Planner

The Last-Minute Scrambler (Who agreed to Pack on their Own)

The Control Freak

The Ghost

The Bargain Hunter

The Withholder

The “VIP”

The Cultural Ambassador

The Grateful Giver

The Bully

The Repeat Client

The Royal