Being aware of potential scams or bad service is important when choosing a moving company. There are many ways your move could become more difficult in an environment where reliability is scarce, and horror stories abound. As part of our efforts to ensure you receive the best service possible, we will discuss common examples of poor service, signs that things may not go as planned, and tips for hiring a trustworthy moving company.
Common Scams and Bad Service Practices
Moving companies may use a few types of scams, so it’s important to be aware of them before hiring a company. Some common scams include:
Charging for services not rendered: A company charges you for services they did not provide. For example, they may say that they wrapped your furniture but didn’t do it.
Overcharging is when a company charges you more than the agreed-upon price. They may try to do this by adding hidden fees or inflating their services’ costs.
Damaging your belongings: This is when a company damages your belongings during the move. They may do this intentionally to extort more money from you or simply because they are careless.
These are just a few scams that moving companies may use. To avoid being scammed, research about any company you’re considering hiring, get everything in writing, and don’t pay upfront for services. Additionally, make sure you understand your rights as a consumer and know what to do if something goes wrong during your move.
How to Choose a Reputable Moving Company?
When choosing a moving company, you should keep a few things in mind to avoid any scams or bad service. First, do your research and read online reviews. Doing so lets you identify which companies have good reputations and which ones to avoid.
Next, get quotes from a few companies before making your final decision. Make sure to compare the services they offer and the prices they charge. If the quote does not include hidden fees or charges, ask about them.
Once you’ve chosen a company, get everything in writing before agreeing to anything. This way, you’ll have a contract outlining the services they’ll be providing and the cost. It will help protect you if anything goes wrong during the move.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Moving Company
When planning a move, choose a reputable company that provides good service and treats your belongings carefully. To help you find a good mover, here are some questions to ask when choosing a moving company:
- When was the company founded?
- What is their Better Business Bureau rating?
- Do they have any complaints filed against them?
- What kind of insurance do they have?
- Do they provide an estimate of the cost of the move?
- How do they charge for their services (by the hour or weight)?
- What kind of payment methods do they accept?
- Do they require a deposit?
- What equipment do they use (e.g., dollies, ramps)?
- Do they have experience moving your type of belongings (e.g., pianos, antique furniture)?
It is important to be wary of moving companies that ask for payment upfront, as this is a sign that the company is a scam. A genuine moving company should only ask for the price after completing the job. Aside from not providing written estimates or quotes, you should also be wary of uninsured companies and refuse to provide references.
When researching potential movers, read online reviews from previous customers and check your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). To verify a mover’s credentials, you should also request documentation, such as a license or insurance policy number. You should check out the company’s special services and additional fees to avoid surprises when you get your bill.
Examining the Hidden Cost
Another common occurrence when hiring a moving company is hidden fees. Read through your estimate before signing it and understand all the terms. If any charges seem unclear or do not add up, ask questions to them.
Packing materials such as boxes or tape, fuel surcharges, storage fees, labor charges for extra services such as disassembling furniture, and equipment rentals such as dollies are all examples of additional fees.
During the move, movers may charge you a fee if they have to use stairs or elevators. Ensure you inform the movers about any restrictions that may apply during the move to avoid these fees. It includes stairs, elevators, narrow hallways, and other situations where the movers may have difficulty maneuvering.
Ensure the Safety of Your Belongings
Relocating is tiresome, so packing and labeling your items is essential to lessen the chances of damage or loss due to negligence. An inventory checklist informs customers of discrepancies while loading a moving company’s truck. It will be easier for you to deal with any surprises during the move if you take these precautions.
If anything is damaged or missing during the move, you will have proof of what those items look like if customers take pictures of their belongings before and after loading them onto the truck. Additionally, investing in insurance coverage for your belongings is wise, as this can help cover any losses due to damage or theft during transit.
Managing Difficult Movers
Remember that the movers you work with are just trying to do their job, so you must remain calm and professional.
It is best to communicate early and often throughout the moving process to avoid issues with movers. Explain every step before hiring a moving company so everyone knows what to expect.
A timely and efficient move depends on keeping communication open throughout the movement.
Conclusion
You can minimize your chances of running into unwanted horror stories by taking the necessary precautions, conducting thorough research, and communicating early with the movers.
When you do your research ahead of time, you ensure that you get the best service possible while still protecting your belongings and your wallet. With these tips in mind, finding a moving company that meets all your needs should be easy without unnecessary stress or hassle.
