How To Avoid The 4 Biggest Moving Company Scams
Beware of Sketchy Moving Companies that do these things…
Mention hiring a moving company to any group of friends or coworkers and you are sure to hear a few horror stories. Admittedly, it does take a bit of faith to watch all of your hard-earned possessions be loaded into a van by people you barely know, wave as they drive away and hope that they show up at your new location. It almost always goes exactly as planned, with your things arriving safely on the other end without you doing the hard work. However, there are a few disreputable companies fueling those horror stories. Keep your move on track and on budget, and your belongings safe by knowing (and avoiding) the most common moving company scams.
The Low-Ball Estimate
Grocery store flyers, Black Friday, and clearance sales all prove that people shop by price. Hiring a moving company is no different and most people will sign a contract with the company that provides the lowest estimate. However, some disreputable companies will provide a false estimate to gain your business, only to demand more money before the delivery is made. To avoid being taken advantage of, be sure you get an accurate estimate based on the amount of rooms and of the contents of your home. A good estimate must be done in person and never over the phone. Also, don’t expect it to be a quick process. The professional providing the estimate will ask many questions about what you plan to move. Be sure to get a written estimate and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The Large Deposit
Reputable moving companies handle payments in one of two ways, collecting payment at delivery or by requesting a small deposit with the bulk of the payment due at delivery. Some disreputable companies will require either a large upfront payment, or the total amount, when they pick up your items. You can probably see where this is going. Once you hand over the money, and your items, you no longer have any control of the situation; when, or if, your items are delivered is now completely up to the moving company. Avoid any company that requires the total amount upfront and use a credit card to make any deposits. Calling them at the first sign of trouble can give you a bit of leverage for getting your items back safe and sound.
The Name Change
Like any business, a moving company builds its reputation over time. Companies that have earned a bad reputation will often change names to confuse and mislead prospective customers. Better Business Bureau complaints, negative online reviews and bad word-of-month advertising can all be hidden by changing up a domain name. Listen for how companies answer the phone or begin their voice mail greeting. Providing a generic “moving company” greeting, rather than the official name, is a big tip-off that the company is trying to hide from their past.
Not Licensed or Insured
Don’t take their word for it. Ask for documentation of their proper licenses and insurance policies. At Few Moves, we display prominently on our website all of our state and federal license number. Also, be sure to get recommendations as well as reading online reviews. The North Carolina Movers Association American Storage and Moving Association, local realtors and homeowners associations will all have the scoop on the best moving companies.
Why Choose Few Moves Moving Company
We’re fully licensed and insured and a member of the North Carolina Movers Association and the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors. We have multiple reviews from past customers on our website, Google, and Facebook. We’d love to be a part of your move. We don’t hire day laborers and feature our movers prominently on our website so you always know who you to expect.
Give us a call at 910-512-6999 or you can even request a quote online and Collins or myself will give you a call with a quote or to arrange time to stop by and provide a proper estimate.
