Moving industry is thriving at the moment. There are more than 40 million Americans relocating each year. As there are more than 7000 licensed moving companies and many illegal ones, people often don’t know how to choose the best mover. Therefore, it is no wonder many people find themselves to be victims of a moving scam or a fraudulent mover. In order to avoid any moving mistakes, you will need to plan in advance and research.
Spot the red flags before hiring a fraudulent mover
Moving is stressful. Besides having many things to do and plan, people who are relocating their home, need to find the best housing option, prepare their kids for the move and get used to such a big change themselves as well. Therefore, many of them, tend to overlook the importance of details when searching for a mover. There are often little fraudulent mover hints like inadequate branding that can miss your attention. In order to avoid overlooking any important red flags, you will need to create a research plan for hiring a reputable moving company. Follow the next few steps when searching for a mover:
- Find more than one moving company you could consider hiring.
- Research the companies in order to avoid hiring a fraudulent mover.
- Contact the movers.
- Pay attention to the quote they provide you.
- Don’t trust everything they say. Do an additional reputability research.
The moving companies
The very first step, when looking for a moving specialist, is to find a few moving companies that look reliable at the first look. In order to find a reliable mover, like Moving Kings NC, follow your instincts during this step. Find a few moving companies that leave a good first impression and research them.
How to research the moving companies and what to look for when avoiding moving scams
There are many online sources you can use to research and check if a mover is fraudulent. The very first thing you should do is to look for their website and other online profiles and accounts. A reputable mover will always clearly state their address and contact information. Reliable moving companies have great customer service and will make sure they are easily reachable. Therefore, a mover not having their address or phone number clearly stated should raise a red flag.
Also, branding is very important for professional movers. They are proud of their companies and will make sure their logo is seen more than a few times when visiting their website. Look for their pictures. A reputable moving company will always have their vehicles and premisses branded.
Online reviews from former customers will be a great insight into a company’s quality of services. Don’t trust only the testimonials on their websites. Research further and look for recommendations on online forums and rating websites.
Make sure you have all the necessary information about the move. For example, did you know that a moving company is obliged to provide you with a booklet about your consumer rights when relocating? Avoid moving scams by being well informed.
Contacting the moving companies
By now you should already have some valuable information on a specific moving company. Therefore, you will need to contact them. Prepare a list of questions. The questions should be both general and regarding the moving services you need. Therefore, if you need long distance moving services in North Carolina, make sure you ask about the interstate regulations and laws.
Use this list of questions to make one that will fit your moving requirements:
- How long have they been in business?
- What is their USDOT number?
- Can they provide you with a few letters of recommendation?
- What type of services do they provide?
- Do they offer any additional services like furniture placement?
- Ask for a quote?
- Are there any additional expenses?
- Ask about the specific services you need.
Pay a close attention to the quality of their customer service. Know that a professional moving company will always answer the phone with their company’s name. Therefore, them saying just Movers or Moving company as they answer the phone should raise a red flag. A professional moving expert will always be polite and more than happy to answer your questions.
Also, a reliable mover will always be able to offer additional relocation services. Storage services NC should be an option they offer you in order to keep your belongings safe.
The quotes
Moving expenses are the biggest concern for many people when relocating their home. As the prices vary in the moving industry you will need to make sure you are choosing the best option.
Does the quote sound too good to be true? Well if so, then it is. Moving is a complicated task. Therefore, it will take resources and time for a company to relocate all of your possessions. Too low moving quotes are usually a sign of a fraudulent mover.
A reputable mover will usually have a quote calculator on their website. Compare the prices with the one you get over the phone. High down payments in advance are not something a reliable mover would ask for.
Also, in-house estimates are an important service to ask for. A reputable mover will always agree to come to your home and do the estimate. This will give you an opportunity to get an accurate price and, also, meet a company’s representative.
How to research a moving company further in order to avoid a fraudulent mover’s scam
Moving companies will always make sure they present themselves in the best way possible. However, you already know better than to trust everything people say. Therefore, make sure you research the moving companies even further.
Avoid hiring a fraudulent mover by contacting your state’s movers association. Also, make sure you contact the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and visit their website for additional valuable information on moving companies reputability.
