Easy access to services through the internet and modern technology has somewhat spoiled us. We take our security for granted, even when there are so many new and different ways to get cheated. The same applies when it comes to looking for a moving company! So, how can we protect ourselves and ensure that the company we have approached is not looking to take advantage of our needs and cheat us of our money? Well, the answer is, you need to learn how to approach them. To help you do that, we have put together a list of 7 things to look for in a reputable moving company (and 7 things to watch out for)!
Green flags
- The moving company offers references
If the moving company can offer references from past customers, this is a good sign. You can even take the chance to ask about their experiences with debt and learn some helpful moving tips! This can be especially useful if you are buying your first home.
- They have a good and informative site
A good site does not necessarily mean they are legit. However, the time, resources, and effort required to put up and maintain a decent website is considerable. It helps if the site has a reviews page. If it does not, this is a tough choice as hiring movers with no reviews is risky.
- They can offer you proof of license
Always ask if the moving company is officially licensed! If they are, then they should be able to offer proof. Be it a copy of the license or some other document. If they fail to do so, we wholeheartedly recommend you stop any further cooperation with the company in question since the risk of getting scammed increases exponentially.
- They are a well-known local company
If the moving company is well known and trusted in the area, and that trust is collaborated by the people you personally know well, then you can likely relax! Of course, it is no guarantee. But it still warrants a lot less caution than before.
- They clearly define their rates and services
A good way to tell a company is serious is when they have well-defined prices for each of their services. This will help alleviate your fear and let you focus on figuring out things such as mortgage interest rates, for example.
- They insist on setting a date well in advance
A legit moving company is often rather busy. As such, they should insist on setting down a date for your move and stick to it religiously. They will also likely remind you several times ahead of the date of your plans. And even make more concrete arrangements for the schedule the day of moving would entail.
- They offer advice and support
Finally, a legit moving company will not hesitate to offer their wisdom and help. They will be able to guide you on what kind of containers you should buy for your items. How long the move will last. The possible delays on the day of moving, and many more things. If the moving company is proactive in doing so, they can likely be trusted.
Red flags
- Can’t find their info online
Never trust a moving company if you cannot find any sign of them online. At the very least, they should show up at the local moving company registry site. If they don’t have their own site or aren’t included in any registries, then it is a sure sign they are trying to scam you.
- They only offer short and fake-looking online reviews
Online reviews are nice. They are often very useful, especially if the person leaving the comment is detailed. However, you should be cautious of short and simple comments, especially if that is all you can find. They could be the work of bots!
- They refuse to offer you a proper price estimate
Getting a proper price estimate is essential. It will help you manage your funds and draw up a quality budget. The lack of one, especially if the company is waffling on the price and changing it several times in a row, should be concerning.
- They avoid your questions
You should always ask for help from moving professionals when you are in the process of preparing. It is not a good sign if you go to them for help and information, particularly concerning their job, and they decline to provide it. They should answer questions like ‘what are the best quality moving boxes?’ and similar simply because they would come across such knowledge a lot in their line of work.
- Delays keep popping up
As we mentioned, sticking to set dates is crucial to any reputable moving company. If you run into delays, if they have trouble setting the date, and particularly if they suddenly cancel on you mere days before your move with various excuses, it is better to look for a new moving company.
- They ask for the entire payment upfront
No moving company can expect the entirety of the payment upfront – this just isn’t done. A deposit is okay and, in fact, required. But if they are bugging you about money before even setting a moving date, you likely want to reconsider your further association with them.
- They do not offer you a contract
You should be offered a formal, binding contract. It is a legal means of protecting both the interest of you and the moving company itself. If the company ‘representative’ instead insists on making a verbal agreement and mentions payment already, they are definitely not to be trusted or worked with further. The contract is the bare minimum required for cooperation. And you should have someone look at it before signing, too!
The difference between a broker vs. direct approach
Now, the difference is, in fact, relatively simple. Brokers have their own connections, acquaintances, and a ton of professional knowledge. They can recommend the best and most reliable moving companies and get you directed towards the best possible insurance. They will, however, charge for their services. On the other hand, you will have to personally hunt down each and every scrap of information if you decide to approach a moving company directly. This includes possible negotiations and potentially missing professional acumen to know whether you are being charged fair prices. If you are directly negotiating, always have a few different moving companies in consideration and have them all offer you estimates first.
Conclusion
This concludes our list of 7 things to look for in a reputable moving company (and 7 things to watch out for)! In short, you need to make sure that the companies you are approaching have all the documents required and can put you in touch with someone who has had previous experience with them. If they fail to do so, you should immediately stop all further contact and communication with them.
