5 Ways to Avoid Moving Scams
Unfortunately, moving scams are a big problem in the moving industry. Due to a lack of consistent regulation, the industry is littered with moving ‘professionals’ who do nothing more than take your money. There are scams where the moving company will hold your belongings hostage and demand more money. There are other scams where you are asked to make a sizeable down payment for a move that never happens. With a little research and due diligence, you can avoid these moving traps altogether and ensure a successful move with a reliable moving company. In this article, we will cover 5 ways to avoid moving scams.
Get Referrals from Trusted Sources
Friends, co-workers, and family represent some of your most trusted sources of referrals for vendors including moving companies. Another great source for reputable referrals is your real estate agent. Getting referrals from these types of individuals will give you a much better chance of finding a credible moving company because they likely will have already used the company before with great success or know of someone who has.
Read Reviews and BBB Profiles
Social Proof is your best friend when it comes to finding a great moving company. Reviews on social media platforms like Google and Facebook feature real people who have had real experiences with the moving company you are researching. Plus, you’ll get to see any interaction the moving company has with previous customers if they’ve responded to reviews. This allows you to gauge their commitment to customer service or lack thereof. Additionally, remember to check out the company’s profile on the Better Business Bureau’s website. The information you’ll find there will include any complaints previous customers have lodged against the company and what their BBB rating is. An A rating means that the company has either not had any complaints or has satisfied and resolved any previous complaints.
Make Sure the Company is Licensed and Insured
Having a license to operate lends some credibility to a moving company because local authorities have granted them the right to do business. If they’ve gone through the trouble of obtaining a license, they are more than likely to operate to a higher degree of professionalism than a fly-by-night moving company that doesn’t have a business license. If they are insured in addition to having a license, this can offer a lot more peace of mind. Most companies who are insured do what they can to avoid costly claims in order to keep their insurance prices low and intact. Therefore, they will take extra care not to damage or lose your items during a move. When a moving company is insured, any damage to your items by the moving company during the process of a move will be covered.
Don’t Pay Significant Deposits Before Your Move
It is imperative that you are clear about all fees associated with your move. If a moving company is asking for a sizeable down payment before your move, this should be a red flag. Most reputable moving companies don’t accept payment until your move is completed. Therefore, if a moving company is asking you to pay a large deposit before your actual move, be wary of that company.
Document All Communications, Transactions, and Associated Fees
If you decide to go with a particular moving company, be sure to keep all paperwork, confirmations, and communications you have had with the moving company. That way, if there is any discrepancy with what you’ve been told, you have everything documented. Also, you’ll want to document everything you’re moving. Take pictures and keep an inventory. In case something turns up damaged, lost, or stolen, you’ll need to have proof if you decide to make a claim.
If you’re about to move and looking for experts you can trust and rely on, give us a call. We offer free quotes and our moving process is simple and straightforward. We’re in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (check out our profile here), and lots of great reviews on Google from some of our previous customers. Get a free quote today!