The Man's Message
Established 2003 | "Tetritus fortis sine gym"
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Crew of the Weeks
It's double trouble this issue as a massive COTW positively floored their "unimpressable" customer. So much so, they doubled up on their praise with an email to management.
"Hi gang
I have completed the survey but also wanted to email to specifically thank the two crews on Tuesday who moved us from Molesworth Street to Bendigo Street in North Melbourne. Frankly, I should be pretty unimpressable by now, as I’ve used you a load of times to move over the years, and am always super pleased with the service.
But, these two crews absolutely floored me with their focus, great communication (with me and my kids, and with each other), professionalism, care and skill.
Their efficiency was next level, despite it being a tough job with a huge amount of stuff to move, heaps of stairs at both locations and on a very hot day.
They did all that AND managed to also reassure me and assuage my neurotic tendencies. Freaking unbelievably awesome.
So, please pass on my thanks to Jimmy, Antoine, Alex and Angus for their amazing work. My family and I truly appreciate it."
First Aid Upgrade
Bandaids and antiseptic cream sachets are being added to each truck's white tub in their own bag to help keep the first aid kits together for more serious injuries.
Keep an eye out for these supplies and be sure to re-stock upon your return to the depot if you find your tub lacking.
Pay the Rent
The Man With A Van Christmas party is coming up this afternoon, 5pm Jan 25th. Also, as you’re no doubt aware, there’s a public holiday tomorrow!
Man With A Van’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee would like to remind you that whilst we’re celebrating our 2023 year of business tonight (and potentially into a bit of tomorrow), this is a day of mourning for some First Nations Australians.
Please keep the wellbeing of your First Nations and Indigenous colleagues and co workers at the front of your mind at this time if you’re talking about the issues of Australia Day being celebrated on the 26th of January.
As part of this issue, for anyone attending this evening, we’ll also be asking for donations for the Pay The Rent (paytherent.net.au) on that night. Last year we raised over $400.
Donations can be made here.
We require that all Man With A Van staff must treat others with dignity, courtesy and respect as part of our discrimination and harassment policy. This is always important, but extra important at this time.
Party Hearty
It's party time!
Get your gala gear on and make your way over to the Fitzroy Bowls Club, 578 Brunswick St, Fitzroy North.
This evening's festivities kick off at 5pm followed by a 6-8pm lawn bowls tournament of champions.
From 8-9pm, the lifties award ceremony will determine this years coveted gold liftie recipient before we respectfully exit the venue at 10pm.
It'll be a night to remember and a perfect way to unwind after a big year of Moving Melbourne™
Timely Arrival
Getting to your first job of the day on time is essential.
Your allocated start time is when you are expected to jump in the truck and out on the road.
In the event you are going to be significantly early to your first job, give your customer a ring and see if they can start a bit sooner. If not, pop your head into the office to see if there's anything you can help out with around the depot before heading off.
Hanging around for a coffee, breakfast, reps in the gym, or chin wag with your coworkers before your shift must been done on your own time.
You need to arrive earlier to allow for this.
MWAV is happy to pay for the amenities but will not pay you to use them.
Fix the Fleet
Leaky roof? Cracked side mirror? Engine on fire? Whatever the reason, if you notice any damage to the truck, be sure to submit a damage report or safety issue.
These reports help us keep track of any ongoing issues and let us know what needs attention.
Without the reports, smaller issues can slip through the cracks and potentially snowball into larger ones so please remember to pop through those reports.
Damage Don'ts
Chief officer in broken hearts and general damage enthusiast, Tommy "Downtown" Jackson has but a humble plea this issue:
When discussing damaged items, please stop telling customers to expect a follow up phone call from us. This is not how damages are handled.
If your customer would like us to do something about their broken item, they need to contact the office.
TJ has copped no less than 5 blastings this week from grumpy customers who were instructed to patiently await a follow up call. It's a very unpleasant experience and an entirely avoidable stitch up so please do not do this.
Got Mates?
At the moment, MWAV is looking for movers, only in the Cranbourne depot.
If you have any mates who are looking for work and would fit the lifting lifestyle, have them apply online and be sure to let them know to mention your name.
The MWAV buddy bounty remains in place, if your mate makes it through 3 months, we'll add $200 cold hard cash to your pay.
The Damage
Thursday, 11th January - Thursday, 23rd January
Damage Reports Submitted - 23 😔
Claims Without Damage Reports - 3 😔
A rough fortnight on the damages with quite a few unreported instances of damage. Remember to fill out those damage reports and call the office whenever damage occurs.
The Vibe
The huge 5 star review count trumps all, keeping the overall vibe high. Nearly all these negative reviews were related to damage or a lack of contact after damage being caused. Make sure your customer knows to call the office and follow up on any damage caused.
Suggestion Box
Suggestion: Is it possible to get some healthier options in the vending machine/fridge? I’ve gone from never touching a solo in my life to practically being addicted to the stuff purely due to availability (and my own lack of discipline). It would be super cool if there was some juices, mineral waters, even kombuchas available to choose from. I know there’s some “no sugar” options but we all know they are hardly treating out bodies like temples either.
Response: Sorry to hear about the solo addiction, this scribe has been there. It's unlikely we'll be able to provide mineral water or kombucha options though there's apple and breakfast juice in the fridge and water w/ minerals in the cooler and the tap.
Suggestion: "Can we please keep the politics out of the newsletter? I understand people may feel passionately about some things, but is a removalist company newsletter really an appropriate place to propagate discussion around said things?"
Response: Interestingly, this was exactly the start of a conversation around the water cooler between members of the MM editorial team when we received the most recent gig guide entry. As Melbourne’s premier Lifestyle Relocations Specialist, with an entire fleet of premier Lifestyle Relocators, it’s common for us to hold strong opinions about all things we come across, political opinions included. Rather than stifle or censor discussion, we believe that all staff are entitled to hold their own opinions and discuss them in a respectful and careful manner at work. In this particular instance, one of our staff members submitted the event to be included in our gig guide - not an uncommon request and one we’re happy to publish on their behalf. If you’ve got a gig, a rally, a theatre production, a performance art piece or a sporting derby you want to tell the crew about, send it through and we’ll put it in the next message.
Praise Liftos™
Gig Guide
5pm at Fitzroy Bowls Club, be there or be square.
Got a gig and/or cool thing you've worked on?
Shoot through the deets to managers@manwithavan.com.au or have a chat with Jack Tandy or Tommy J and we'll pop it into the next issue.