What Should You Avoid In A Moving Company?
One important aspect of moving is finding a reputable moving company to help transport your belongings. Part of separating the good from the bad is knowing a scam when you see one. Here is what you should pay close attention to when reviewing moving companies so that you can avoid being scammed.
Different Names
There are many ways that businesses can get around bad reviews and one of those is changing their name. Even if you research a company, it is unlikely that you will find any poor reviews if it has changed its name. There are a few tricks you can use to ensure that you get the information needed to determine if a moving company is reputable.
You should always ask for at least three references and actually contact them. Ensure that the references provided are from recent moving jobs. You can also ask the moving company to provide you with all of its "does business as," or DBA, names. Research each name that is provided to you.
No On-Site Inspection
When you contact a moving company to get an estimate for an upcoming move, it is important that a representative actually shows up at your home to gauge the size of the job. An on-site inspection helps to ensure that the moving company is aware of what needs to be moved so that a more accurate estimate is provided.
If a moving company representative wants to provide you with an estimate over the phone without an inspection, you could end up paying more than you expected.
Incomplete Contract
When it is time to sign the contract with the moving company, thoroughly review it before signing. If there are any sections that are blank, do not sign. A blank contract could be later filled in with stipulations that you did not agree to. As a result, you could face fees you did not agree to.
Every possible fee should be covered on the contract. For instance, if there are fees for moving your items from the 20th floor of an apartment complex to a home, it needs to be documented. If you sign the contract without all of the fees clearly documented, you could be held responsible for any fees added later.
There are many local moving companies that are reputable. However, it is important to carefully review each company you are considering to avoid costly complications during and after your move. For more information, talk to a professional like Bekins Van Lines Inc.