Millions of people move every year. Most of the time, the moves go smoothly – especially if you hire a reliable moving company. Moving is a lot of work and unfortunately, there are people and companies out there that are looking to scam people during a stressful time. Here are some moving company scams to watch for and how to spot them.
#1: Hidden moving fees
Before you let your movers touch or take possession of your belongings, always insist on signing a completed moving contract before you move.
A reputable company won’t ask for any money upfront from you to hold your move date, but a credit card may be requested closer to when you start loading.
It’s important to make sure you receive an invoice that you sign upon arrival. This is not a binding contract but rather an estimate of how long the job will take based on information that you as the customer have provided to the moving company. Having a transparent process along with a high level of professionalism and courtesy from the business are good signs that a mover is legit and not a rogue operation.
Ensure that there will be no hidden moving fees added on when you’re least expecting it. Have the contract signed beforehand.
#2: Cash-only payments
If movers do not accept anything but cash, be careful. Credit card payments give you a paper trail and the ability to charge if you need to. All reliable companies should be able to accept credit card payments for moving your household goods.
#3: No address, office, or logo
A moving truck with a company logo is a great advertisement for a moving business that is getting paid to move your belongings from one place to another. If your mover is moving everything in a big, unmarked van, they might not be a legit business.
In addition, most companies have a physical address and a website that gives you the opportunity to learn more about them. No movers should have a P.O.box or just a city listed.
It’s unfortunate that there are rogue movers out there looking to take advantage of people. You want to make sure you work with a reputable moving company, one that provides timely, responsive, safe moving services.
It may be helpful to do additional research into the business by contacting the Better Business Bureau, the Department of Transportation in your state, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), or other regulatory agencies.
Both local and long-distance moves require immense amounts of logistics and planning, so you’ll definitely need reputable movers who know all about the moving industry — both far and wide.
Contact our team at Smooth Move People to learn more about our low rates and reputation for quality, reliable moves! We look forward to serving you for your local or interstate moves! Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns, or if we can help you in any way.
