Dublin entrepreneur Gary Byrne expands transport marketplace VanQuotes.ie after building a nationwide network of more than 600 drivers.
A south Dublin entrepreneur is setting his sights on the UK after successfully building an online platform designed to simplify the process of finding reliable “man with a van” services across Ireland.
VanQuotes.ie, founded by businessman Gary Byrne, connects customers seeking transport and moving services with local van operators through an online quotation system. The platform has grown rapidly since launch and now has more than 600 registered drivers nationwide.
“We noticed the ‘man with a van’ industry was growing rapidly and people were getting leads through conventional methods such as Google AdWords and Intense SEO combat”
The service is free for customers, who submit details of what they want moved, including collection and delivery locations, through an online form. Drivers in the relevant area are then notified immediately and can choose whether to provide a quotation for the work.
Have van, will travel: Start-up eyes UK
Byrne said the business was created to address inefficiencies in how independent van operators traditionally sourced new customers.
“We act as a middleman generating leads and passing them on to drivers in the correct area with the correct sized van,” explained Gary Byrne.
“We noticed the ‘man with a van’ industry was growing rapidly and people were getting leads through conventional methods such as Google AdWords and Intense SEO combat.
“But many of the leads they were paying for were in the wrong area or the operators were already busy on those days. These were wasted leads and wasted money. What we do is generate the leads and offer them to the drivers. They can choose to quote or ignore at no cost.”
VanQuotes.ie began with just four registered drivers and has since expanded into a nationwide network serving customers throughout Ireland. The platform uses SMS and email alerts to notify drivers when a new transport request becomes available, with a maximum of four operators allowed to tender for each job.
According to Byrne, providing accurate information from the outset helps both customers and drivers make better decisions.
“This increases the value of each job. Knowing the exact location for a pick-up and a drop-off is invaluable information for a driver before buying a lead.
“When a customer puts in a request the details of the job are sent instantly to all drivers in that person’s area. We have drivers all over Ireland so you’ll get local operators for your move. Up to four will contact you to talk about the move and agree a price. You choose the best option for you and discuss the terms with the driver.”
The service has proven popular among both customers and operators. Byrne believes competitive pricing is only one factor influencing a customer’s decision when selecting a transport provider.
“People do not always go for the best price. They want to feel reassured when talking to the company they are giving responsibility to look after their belongings. A good sales pitch, backed up with a competitive price wins the day. The website self regulates with reviews left after the completion of the job.”
With the Irish platform established, Byrne is now focused on bringing the model to the UK. The company has already launched Van-Quotes.co.uk and is actively recruiting drivers as it prepares to expand into a significantly larger market.
“Technology-wise the system can function globally in all countries. Van-quotes.co.uk is live in the UK and we are busy recruiting drivers and customers. And with such a bigger market in the UK, I am very optimistic about fantastic growth for the business there.”
The company is also exploring partnerships that could broaden its range of services for customers and create additional opportunities for drivers.
“We are also talking to storage companies in the UK so that we can expand the offering to customers and drivers. Overall we are looking to recruit at least 1,000 drivers for Vanquotes.co.uk.”
Alongside VanQuotes.ie, Byrne is also the owner of nationwide computer repair business GCRS, which recently opened Gary’s Tech Hub at Killiney Shopping Centre in Dublin.
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