Millions of Americans move every year, so it’s quite a miracle they go smoothly with no problems whatsoever. It’s important to hire quality movers, of course.
It is not impossible to come across scams or shoddy practices, despite the many smooth moves. Knowing every step of the way is in your best interest. The following tips will help you avoid moving scams.
Does the company have an online presence?
Consider the lack of any online mention of a potential moving company a red flag and a potential moving scam. In addition, if salespeople visiting your house didn’t show identification and didn’t dress in uniform, that is also a red flag.
If you are moving, this rule is also applicable. If the truck does not have any logos or moving company names on it, it is highly suspicious. Take moving service nyc an example, it has proper uniforms, the logos on its vehicles as well as the online presence.
Check their certifications and licenses
Small, lesser-known companies may give you cost savings and “too good to be true” offers, but they may lack the right insurance and regulation measures, leaving you exposed to damages to your property and possessions.
The mover needs to have insurance coverage covering all aspects of the move, including general liability, workers’ compensation, and valuation coverage for your possessions in case they get damaged.
Check for additional charges and surcharges.
In addition to elevator charges, if movers have to use stairs instead of an elevator, toll or transportation fees, and holiday surcharges, movers may need to take the stairs instead of using an elevator. In cases where deliveries can’t be accepted immediately, long-distance movers may also charge a storage fee.
Those extra charges and surcharges will be clearly itemized in a transparent moving company’s binding quote, so you can see exactly where each dollar is going.
Get the customer support process outlined clearly
You can tell a lot about a moving company’s culture by asking a simple question like, “How do I communicate with you during booking and moving day?”
Find out if they are flexible about changes if they have any deadlines for rescheduling, and whether you will be dealing with a single person who is familiar with your move. Before making a choice, make sure each of the companies on your shortlist can answer this question.
Check out their latest business and technology upgrades
Keeping up with industry developments and updating staff training is a priority for quality movers. Some of the upgrades growing companies invest in to enhance their reputation are GPS tracking on all vehicles, the use of experienced staff rather than contractors, hydraulic lifting, and particulate filters on vehicles.
Verify the deadline for filing and reporting claims
It is inevitable that movers will sometimes record an accident that needs to be promptly and appropriately resolved. Ask your mover if you can check their website for information or forms you can use on this process and compare it to industry norms.
You have 90 days to file a claim with most movers and they are expected to acknowledge receipt within 30 days. If the company accepts your claim and decides to pay you, they have 120 days to respond. There should be an independent arbitrator to mediate if you cannot come to an agreement.