Many people looking for a moving company are frequently misled into believing that a good reputation is enough for a successful relocation. Taking into consideration the fact that there is little regulation for movers, you won't be able to get recompensed easily if something goes wrong.
Looking at the most recent year, there were 9,405 complaints from consumers regarding relocation companies, the BBB informs. Unfortunately, the agency that handles the safety and regulation for moving companies has limited resources so it's up to you to avoid the more common scams that even reputable moving companies can be guilty of.
Low Rate Bids
The most popular moving industry scam is giving you a low estimate and then changing you extra fees at your destination - once in a while this ends up being four times the amount of the estimate you were given! If you don't pay, the moving company may keep your possessions in the store house until you decide you are ready to pay the extra charges. Even if you've put your signature on a "binding and not to exceed quote", you are not safe, so make sure you've read the contract really carefully!
Negotiating Your Move To A Third Party
Another common type of scam is when moving companies overcharge their clients and then subcontract the job to another mover for half the price. Keep in mind that, usually, the subcontractor is not responsible to deliver goods in time as it is specified in the contract. What is more, their employees are often day laborers who have no real experience in moving fragile items and, consequently, breakage is common.
Low Insurance Coverage
Breakage is another common scam that consumers usually complain about when moving their households. Most people don't know that many companies will pay them only $60 per each pound damaged. Which means that if your gorgeous plasma TV purchased for a few thousand dollars gets broken, you will be reimbursed only $30!
To protect yourself from damage during a move you should add a rider to you homeowners policy. What is more, take pictures of your possessions and be sure that your movers sign a statement of the condition of your items.
Cost Based On A Per Foot Bases
One more popular method a moving company may cheat you with is the arrangement of weight vs cubic feet. You are allowed to watch weigh-ins and verify the number, but a mover can make your load take up as much space as they want it to in order to jack up the charges. Be sure to calculate the total weight of your load and divide it by the number of items you have. Beware if you arrive at more than 45 pounds for each piece.
Extra Charges For Parking
Another popular scam is extra charges incurred by claiming the movers could not park their truck in front of your residence, resulting in "long carries" from half a block or so away. You may have to pay several thousands of dollars for this! Be sure that you make all the necessary arrangements to avoid this scam.
Ways To Steer Clear Of Scams
You will be able to stay away from these scams if you study moving company reviews online or consumer publications, obtain several quotes, get an attorney to approve the contract, and document your load's weight and condition. And the best way to choose a moving company is to ask others who they have used in the past or find out who the big companies use. - 30331
Looking at the most recent year, there were 9,405 complaints from consumers regarding relocation companies, the BBB informs. Unfortunately, the agency that handles the safety and regulation for moving companies has limited resources so it's up to you to avoid the more common scams that even reputable moving companies can be guilty of.
Low Rate Bids
The most popular moving industry scam is giving you a low estimate and then changing you extra fees at your destination - once in a while this ends up being four times the amount of the estimate you were given! If you don't pay, the moving company may keep your possessions in the store house until you decide you are ready to pay the extra charges. Even if you've put your signature on a "binding and not to exceed quote", you are not safe, so make sure you've read the contract really carefully!
Negotiating Your Move To A Third Party
Another common type of scam is when moving companies overcharge their clients and then subcontract the job to another mover for half the price. Keep in mind that, usually, the subcontractor is not responsible to deliver goods in time as it is specified in the contract. What is more, their employees are often day laborers who have no real experience in moving fragile items and, consequently, breakage is common.
Low Insurance Coverage
Breakage is another common scam that consumers usually complain about when moving their households. Most people don't know that many companies will pay them only $60 per each pound damaged. Which means that if your gorgeous plasma TV purchased for a few thousand dollars gets broken, you will be reimbursed only $30!
To protect yourself from damage during a move you should add a rider to you homeowners policy. What is more, take pictures of your possessions and be sure that your movers sign a statement of the condition of your items.
Cost Based On A Per Foot Bases
One more popular method a moving company may cheat you with is the arrangement of weight vs cubic feet. You are allowed to watch weigh-ins and verify the number, but a mover can make your load take up as much space as they want it to in order to jack up the charges. Be sure to calculate the total weight of your load and divide it by the number of items you have. Beware if you arrive at more than 45 pounds for each piece.
Extra Charges For Parking
Another popular scam is extra charges incurred by claiming the movers could not park their truck in front of your residence, resulting in "long carries" from half a block or so away. You may have to pay several thousands of dollars for this! Be sure that you make all the necessary arrangements to avoid this scam.
Ways To Steer Clear Of Scams
You will be able to stay away from these scams if you study moving company reviews online or consumer publications, obtain several quotes, get an attorney to approve the contract, and document your load's weight and condition. And the best way to choose a moving company is to ask others who they have used in the past or find out who the big companies use. - 30331
About the Author:
Don't be taken by rogue long distance movers by making a hasty decision as to who to hire for your move. Request your free no-obligation moving companies online quotes from several seasoned moving companies to compare services, best value, and save up to 35% on your move.
