Moving scams happen continuously. And even when they don't, uninformed consumers coast through the process of hiring a moving company, let's assume that everything will be fine.
Sadly, this 'coasting' approach too often leads to inconvenience and even disaster. Moving companies can be quite a great convenience, and can take a large amount of the hassle out of relocating your home and family. But remember: whoever you decide to handle your move, you are entrusting with all you own. That's not a choice to take lightly!
In that spirit, utilize this guide to assist you avoid some of the common pitfalls that consumers encounter when coping with moving companies. These pointers can save you big money and heartache.
First - A Little Bit of History
Previous to 1980, moving company prices were regulated by the now defunct Interstate Commerce Commission, or ICC. The ICC governed the pricing structure that moving companies were permitted to charge consumers for moving services.
In 1980, Congress passed the Household Goods Transportation Act. This act deregulated moving industry pricing, allowing movers to issue their very own estimates and develop their own pricing structure. This brought new competition in to the moving industry, and with this competition came lower prices and an ever dwindling profit margin.
What Does This Mean FOR ME PERSONALLY?
Moving companies are out to create money. With thin income and keen competition, moving companies will have a tendency to do whatever it takes to squeeze just as much money as they can from your upcoming move. Sometimes this may mean hidden fees or extra charges. Other times it may mean out right scams.
As a consumer, you'll prosper to be as educated as you can about your moving company and the moving process generally. Here are a few ideas to avoid scams, hidden fees, along with other moving nightmares:
Get a binding, in-home estimate. Typically, over-the-phone or over-the-internet estimates are generally not considered binding. Your mover needs to inspect your property and household goods to accurately offer an estimate for you.
Avoid companies that show no fascination with providing an in-home estimate, that only accept cash, or that require large deposits before the move.
Read reviews online. There are many of consumer watch dog sites and user driven review sites which will offer you feedback on your own moving company. Google Maps offers https://removals-barrow.co.uk/ , and is often a good place to start for information regarding your moving company. Furthermore, ask your moving company to provide references and become sure to call them. Also, contact your neighborhood Better Business Bureau and see if any reports have been generated regarding your moving company.
Ask for a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. Federal regulations require your moving company supplies you with a copy of this booklet through the planning stages of an interstate move.
Avoid companies that arrive in rental trucks or that answer their phones with generic responses such as for example 'Movers'.
Avoid companies that list no local address on their website or who are unable to produce any information about their state or federal licensing.
Ask for a copy of one's moving company's insurance certificate.
Find out if your moving company charges minimum rates (e.g. the very least billing for four hours of work, no matter real time expended), travel expenses, fuel charges, or other fees that'll be built into your estimate.
Find out if your moving company is really a broker.
A broker sets up moving jobs for another company. If you choose to go with a brokerage, research the company that they are brokering your move to.
Be involved constantly. Read what you sign. Ask questions. Get everything on paper. The higher documented your move is, the better able you are to protect yourself.
At the end of day, there are several good moving companies on the market. We'd like to believe that we're one of these! But you do need to look after yourself. Applying the tips above will let you do just that!