Moving brings significant changes for most people. It’s understandable that the most challenging part of the whole moving process is finding a good and reliable mover, which is why it’s crucial that you pick your national movers very wisely.
But choosing the best movers has become harder recently with the presence of moving scams and brokers. With so many moving companies out there, there are some that are taking advantage of the competition by low-balling their rates to lure clients. Moving scams usually have very low rates, and since most clients are looking for the lowest price possible for their relocation, they just go with it without considering other factors. Add to this the stress of packing your belongings before the move, and unpacking them after the move.
This is why this article will give you a couple of tips on how to avoid falling into the trap of scams and moving brokers.
Moving Scams and Brokers: What Are They?
Before getting into the tips on how to avoid moving scams and brokers, you must first have a clear understanding of what they mean. Moving scams and brokers are different.
There are different kinds of moving scams out there, and all of them are meant to extort money from clients. The most common moving scam, though, is the one wherein a moving company will offer an estimate and load your items, but will then ask for a much higher price than the estimate before they deliver your goods. The moving company will then hold your items as a lien until you give them their asking price for delivering them.
Moving brokers, on the other hand, are not movers. They do make arrangements for your relocation, but they will not be the one to move your items. Moving brokers will only book your relocation and sell it to a real moving company so the move can be made. Moving brokers are really not that bad. But you still want to avoid them as they may complicate the whole moving process for you and cause you to spend more. If you need help relocating, just call a moving company directly instead of a broker.
Tips on How to Avoid Moving Scams and Brokers
Avoiding moving scams and brokers will depend on your effort when looking for movers. Proper research is essential if you don’t want to run into fraudulent moving companies. With proper research, you’ll figure out the right mover for your relocation.
Here are five useful tips that will help you avoid moving scams and brokers:
1. Find a reputable moving company
The first step to avoiding moving scams is to choose a reputable moving company with a good history of successful deliveries nationwide. Reputable moving companies have a strong sense of protecting you as a client and your items during the relocation process. They also have complete insurance coverage so you can have peace of mind throughout the whole moving process. Need great international help then check out Shang Rong.
2. Avoid calling a moving broker
Planning is essential to relocation, and this includes when to contact a moving company. Reputable moving companies often recommend that you should call them at least a month in advance before the scheduled moving day. Also, they recommend that you avoid calling a moving broker. A moving broker will only book your relocation then call a moving company to move your items.
This might cause you to become a victim of a fraudulent moving company and spend more money than what you have anticipated.
3. Always be suspicious about low-ball rates
Dishonest moving companies usually low-ball their moving rates just to lure clients. It’s not that hard to figure out if a moving company is a fraud or not. When you first call a moving company, you’ll hear about an irresistible low quote followed by a shady contract. The moving company will then ask for a higher price on the scheduled moving date before they deliver your items. They will hold your goods hostage and start asking for a higher price.
What’s worse with these scammers is that they can disappear forever together with your belongings if the final bargain is not good for them.
4. Get recommendations from previous clients
A reliable moving company works to satisfy all of its clients. They are not afraid to give out contact details of their past clients because they know they served them well. If a mover can’t give you the contact details of their previous clients, it means that they are hiding something.
You can also get recommendations from your friends, relatives, or neighbors who have hired a moving company in the past.
5. Investigate complaints
A reputable moving company will only have a few complaints filed against them. You might want to check the track record of a moving company and see if their services are satisfactory or not.
6. Do not give any deposit
A mover that requests a significant upfront deposit most often has other goals in mind than safely transporting your stuff, such as taking your money and running. If a mover requests a deposit, find a different provider. Credit card payments might also assist you in avoiding issues.
7. Do not pay cash
Cash payments are a recipe for disaster. Cash payments leave no trail of the transaction. As a result, you won’t have any proof that you ever paid for the service if your belongings aren’t moved or, worse still, if you don’t get them back.
8. Do not sign a partial contract
The same rules that apply to signing loan agreements and other legally enforceable contracts apply to moving contracts as well. Before signing anything, be sure the contract is accurate and fully filled out.
9. Invest in valuation coverage
You get to decide how much accountability a mover bears for your possessions. For your best protection when moving, a reputable mover will offer supplementary moving valuations like insurance. Even though this is crucial for all moving, if you hire interstate movers, it will assist keep you safe. The farther you move, the more likely it is that something will break.
10. Ask about their claims policy
Learn more about the company’s claims handling procedures in case you need to submit one. If you do submit a claim, ensure sure it is processed quickly and correctly. By consulting the Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document, you can learn more about claims relating to interstate moves.
Conclusion
Frauds and scams exist in all types of industries. Moving scams and brokers won’t suck you in if you know what you’re getting into. They may try to lure you, but you can’t become their victim if you put good time and effort in hiring legitimate national movers. Fortunately, the number of reliable moving companies out there still outnumber the scammers and frauds. All you need to do is find them.