(So you don’t get sold a fancy spreadsheet in disguise.)
Most moving software demos go like this: slick slides, a canned product tour, and a promise that “it’ll make your life easier.” But you’re not here just for easier—you’re here for profitable, scalable, and actually works when sh** hits the fan.
Whether you’re running 3 trucks or 6 branches, these are the questions you need to ask to stay in control—and come out of the demo knowing if the software can actually run your business.
✋Don't buy moving software without asking these questions
1. Can your software replace 4-5 other tools I’m using?
Spreadsheets, CRMs, calendars, payment apps, random sticky notes… you’re probably using too many tools and spreading everyone (yourself included) too thin.
Ask: “What can I get rid of on day one?”
The right platform should centralize everything: quoting, dispatch, storage, payroll, reviews—even your QuickBooks sync. Otherwise, it becomes another pitstop in a clunky workflow.
2. Can you show me a customer like me who’s grown with this?
Not a unicorn with 50 trucks. Someone in your revenue range with similar service lines.
Ask: “Give me a real example of a mover like me who’s increased profit and cut admin time. What were their results after 90 days? 6 months? 1 year?"
Bonus if they give you the mover's contact info as a reference.
3. Does this help drive more leads to my sales team?
You don’t just need to book and dispatch jobs—you need to win the the market.
Ask: “Does it automate review requests? Track lead sources? Run referral campaigns and help me improve my reputation?
Look for moving software that turns good jobs into 5-star reviews and referrals without lifting a finger.
4. Can I see how much profit I make per job?
It's tempting to book bigger jobs, assuming they'll bring in bigger profit. But guessing is gambling (and the odds aren't in your favor).
Ask: “Does your quoting tool show me job profit in real-time?"
💯 Pro tip: SmartMoving helps you quote in minutes and know every job is priced to make money—not just keep busy. Watch how it works👇.
This isn’t a wishlist item—it’s a must-have.
5. How do I manage multiple branches and service lines?
Whether you’re adding locations or handling long-distance, complexity scales fast.
Ask: “What move types do you support? Is storage management included? Can you show me what it looks like to manage multiple branches?
Even if you don't need it all right now... imagine your 5-year plan. You can't have software that breaks as you grow.
6. How much can I configure myself—without support tickets or engineering help?
Every moving company runs things differently. Your software should flex without making you call support every time.
Ask: “What can I adjust on my own? Quote forms? Hourly rates? Report settings?
The vendor might promise you the moon, but if everything's a custom build, get ready to wait.
7. How long does setup really take—and who owns what?
You’ve got a business to run. A 6-month software rollout is the last thing you need.
Ask: “What’s your average onboarding time? Who’s doing the heavy lifting—me or you? When I can expect to be 100% up and running?"
💯 Pro tip: Asking about "100% up and running" is important. Lots of vendors can get you partially implemented in a few weeks, while the rest of onboarding drags on.
8. What’s the #1 reason implementations get delayed?
This one’s a test for honesty.
Every platform has pain points—if they dodge this, they’ll dodge your support calls, too. Ask for transparency, not perfection.
9. What kind of training and onboarding do we get?
Moving software is the bedrock of your business. You need more than a login and a link to YouTube.
Ask: “Do I get a dedicated onboarding rep? Live training? Support for my crew and office?”
Look for good software backed by good people.
10. What happens when something goes wrong?
Servers go down. Apps glitch. Fires happen.
Ask: “Who do I contact? How fast do you respond? Do you have real humans on the other end?”
💯 Pro tip: SmartMoving customers get a dedicated success manager, in-app live chat support, and access to a 1.2k member user group that actually helps.
11. Do I need a data analyst to get insights?
One software = one source of truth. Hoorah!
All your business intel is right there, but if you can't see key metrics like profit per job, lead sources, and crew ratings without exporting to Excel… keep looking.
Ask: “Show me reports I’d use as an owner / operator, not a CFO.”
12. Does it integrate with [insert: QuickBooks, LiveSwitch, Slack...]?
Don’t add more disconnected tools that only work if and when your team remembers to use them.
Ask to see a live integration, not just pretty logos on a slide. If the vendor doesn't have an integration you need, is it on the roadmap? Do they have an open API?
13. What’s not included in your pricing that I’ll probably need later?
User limits? SMS? Storage? Support tiers?
Ask: “What’s your most common hidden cost? What catches people off guard?”
14. Why do customers leave?
The best vendors know, and they'll answer it honestly.
Ask: “What do your lost customers say when they leave—and what do you do about it?”
They have an ideal customer just like you do. Find out if you're it, and what it takes to be one of the success stories.
Your demo isn’t a show—it’s a job interview
This software will run your company. Hire it like you’d hire a key employee. Ask hard questions. Push for proof. And don’t settle for pretty screens that don’t pay the bills.
Want to see how we answer all 14? Book your demo now.
