Moving scams happen at all times. And even when they don't, uninformed consumers coast through the procedure of hiring a moving company, assuming that everything will be fine.
Sadly, this 'coasting' approach too often leads to inconvenience and even disaster. Moving companies can be a great convenience, and can take a large amount of the hassle out of relocating your home and family. But remember: whoever you choose to handle your move, you are entrusting with all you own. That is not a choice to take lightly!
In that spirit, use this guide to assist you avoid a few of the common pitfalls that consumers encounter when coping with moving companies. These tips can save you lots of 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 allowed to charge consumers for moving services.
In 1980, Congress passed family members Goods Transportation Act. This act deregulated moving industry pricing, allowing movers to issue their very own estimates and develop their very own pricing structure. This brought new competition into 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 make money. With thin profit margins and keen competition, moving companies will have a tendency to do whatever needs doing to squeeze just as much money because they can out of your upcoming move. Sometimes this might 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 possible about your moving company and the moving process generally. Here are a few tips to avoid scams, hidden fees, along with other moving nightmares:
Get yourself a binding, in-home estimate. Typically, over-the-phone or over-the-internet estimates are generally not considered binding. Your mover must inspect your property and household goods to accurately provide an estimate for you.
Avoid companies that show no interest in providing an in-home estimate, that only accept cash, or that require large deposits before the move.
Read reviews on the net. There are many of consumer watch dog sites and user driven review sites that may offer you feedback on your moving company. Google Maps offers a review system, and is usually a good place to start for information about your moving company. In addition, ask your moving company to supply references and become sure to call them. Also, contact your neighborhood BBB and see if any reports have already been generated relating to your moving company.
Ask for a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. Federal regulations require that your moving company supplies you with a copy of the 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 the website or who are unable to produce any information regarding their state or federal licensing.
Require a copy of your 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, irrespective of real time expended), travel expenses, fuel charges, or other fees that will 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 broker, research the company that they are brokering your proceed to.
https://removals-barrow.co.uk/ involved constantly. Read what you sign. Ask questions. Get everything on paper. The better documented your move is, the better able you are to protect yourself.
By the end of day, there are various good moving companies out there. We'd like to believe that we're one of these! But you do need to look after yourself. Applying the tips above will assist you to do just that!