FAQ

We have a number of unique characteristics that differentiate us in our industry:

• We are ISO2008:9001 and WBE Women-Owned business certified. ISO certification requires that we regiment and audits processes for consistency and quality, and we are externally audited on an annual basis to ensure we continue to meet ISO standards. As a certified Women-Owned business we stand alone in the Canadian Relocation industry, using our services supports supplier diversity!
• We believe in flexible, customized solutions for our clients. We modify processes, materials and service delivery to optimize the relocation services experience for your relocation team and relocating employees. When it comes to relocation, one size does not fit all.
• We believe in the single-point-of-contact model for relocation services. This means that one consultant is the single point of contact for the relocating employee, acting as a guide through all required services. Other relocation organizations may involve more than one person on a file, thus resulting in possible confusion for the transferee on who to speak with.
• TransferEASE is Canadian Family Owned and Operated. Using our services supports the local economy, our revenues stay in Canada.

The services provided to employees will vary Corporation to Corporation depending on needs and budget. Typical items include: Household good moves, real estate costs, legal fees, temporary accommodations, visa and immigration costs, rental finding assistance, school finding, allowances for expenses during transition such as hotels and meals, and specific information and services at destination to meet employee needs.

Yes – we can write a policy for your or update your current policy to reflect modern industry trends and practices. This is typically done at no charge for clients.

One of the biggest advantages of using TransferEASE is the proactive relocation advice that we provide to clients. Your relocation team will be kept up to date with industry trends, legislative changes affecting relocation such as real estate and immigration law and exception reporting which strongly indicates whether your current relocation policy is meeting your own needs. These services are included at no cost for our clients as a part of your account management.

Depending on the scope of services, depth and readiness of your relocation policy we can usually implement a relocation program within 2-4 weeks, from initiation to implementation. TransferEASE also can work on a mini-contract basis, which is a contract for a single relocation file. This method is typically a temporary measure while a more permanent solution is developed, but it allows us to begin delivering services immediately for those clients who have pressing needs.

Yes, TransferEASE has the capability and network to deliver any relocation service anywhere in Canada, the U.S. or internationally. TransferEASE continually adds and vets suppliers in our network to ensure coverage both geographically and in breadth of services. If we find service gaps, we are quick to react and ensure coverage. If you have any specific questions about our service coverage, we would be happy to answer those for you, just contact us!

The cost of a transfer can range from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars, and depends on a number of variables: Are you including big ticket items like real estate commission? Is the employee living in a large home with lots of furnishings? Is the employee transferring within their region or a long distance across borders with visa and immigration considerations? Is the employee bringing a family along with them during the transfer who will also require some services? If you need assistance constructing a set of relocation policy offerings that fit your business needs at an acceptable cost, TransferEASE is happy to assist at no charge for our clients.

Yes, we can prepare a budget and make recommendations on what benefits to offer. Budgets are usually accurate as we do take the specific factors of the relocation in to account such as the value of homes, the size of the household goods shipment, visa and immigration costs and family factors in to account.

This assignment would be considered a short term assignment and the company can cover his rent for up to a 24 month period and this benefit is not a taxable benefit to the employee. We can search for a furnished apartment, co-ordinate the lease agreement, make the monthly rent payments and facilitate any other services that may be required.

We can work with the employee to rent his home. Our expertise covers areas as listing the property, reviewing a lease agreement, managing the property in his absence – filing the correct forms for taxes, collecting the rent and managing tenants, dealing with maintenance issues and regular maintenance such as lawn care service and snow removal.

The benefits to a lump sum allows the employee to decide where he wants to use the allotment and the sum is a taxable benefit with the exception of the first $650. A cafeteria style offers the same flexibility and provided additional benefit in terms of tax treatment.

Let us know what they are! We are here to help choose the best people and tailor the process to your needs. That may include suggesting Realtors and Suppliers who specialize in exactly what you require. There may also be some government programs that are available to those with special needs – Our counsellors know what these are and where to find information on them.

HOWEVER – lump sums should not be given to the employee directly as that will trigger income tax implications, which severely decrease the actual benefit of the allowance you have provided to that employee. TransferEASE fees for lump sum management are a fraction of the income tax implications in most cases. Our assistance to the employee with budgeting and management of funds usually makes them go further as well.

In addition to the usual benefits such as tax planning and depending on the level of the employee, we can recommend appropriate incentives for the position. ie a bonus, memberships to social and sports clubs, limo car service. Relocation benefits, like any other benefit of employment, are a product of supply and demand in the employment market. The more talented, qualified or uniquely skilled an employee is usually the greater the effort they require to persuade. TransferEASE can help you to build a policy to address these top-tier people and has some great “bells and whistles” offerings to help you land them.