How to Avoid Moving Company Scams
Moving is no doubt a stressful experience. Your chosen moving company should relieve that stress, not add to it. Yet that’s what some less-than-reputable movers do: they stress you out by taking your money and not following through, trying to get you to sign up for more than what you need, and disappear before the job’s even done.
Most movers are above-board, though, and will try to do the most efficient job possible. If you’re facing a move in Grapevine or surrounding areas, rely on Luke’s Moving Services for dependable, affordable moving services. We offer you the following tips on how to steer clear of moving company scams.
Warning Signs
There are many red flags that a moving company is running a scam, such as:
- A deal that sounds too good to be true (it probably is).
- The advertised price isn’t clarified by small print or context and doesn’t mention what the price refers to.
- No paperwork involved.
- No binding agreement signed by both parties.
- Failure to provide proof of license and insurance.
Some of the worst movers will pack up your belongings, then hold it all hostage until you pay them more money. This is all illegal, so always know your rights and do your research before you commit.
Features of a Reputable Moving Company
Any moving company you consider should have a presence on a variety of consumer review websites, such as Angie’s List or Google+. A good company will know the importance of being visible and building credibility for an online audience. They will do anything they can to ensure positive reviews, they will respond to ALL reviews, they will interact with their followers on social media platforms, and they will follow up on requests promptly.
A good moving company should also put you in touch with a Move Coordinator or Office Manager who acts as the point person when you have an issue, concern or question. They will oversee the entire move from start to finish so the whole process goes seamlessly.
What Can You do to Avoid Becoming a Victim of a Scam?
In a nutshell: plan ahead. When you book your move early, you get more choices. Plus, you can take your time researching the right movers for you. Arrange an onsite visit so you can meet the movers, get an accurate estimate, and determine if they are as reputable as they sound over the phone.
Never give the whole cash balance up front. This is a big red flag. While it’s common for moving companies to require a small deposit to hold your spot, you should only be asked to pay the remainder once your belongings are safely loaded into your new place.
Always ask for a contract in writing that outlines the price, timeline and any contingencies that could add to the final cost. Ensure you have minimum value protection in terms of insurance for your belongings. When you know what to look for, it’s simple to spot potential moving scammers and take steps to avoid them.
Contact Luke’s Moving Services
To learn more about our moving services, contact us in Grapevine today at 817-482-9171.
