Consumption and Real Estate
How can I avoid getting scammed by a moving company?
Question : How can I avoid getting scammed by a moving company?
We need to hire movers for an interstate move and we’ve never had movers before. What do we have to watch out for as far as cost, logistics, possible damage, etc.?
Please keep move-horror-stories to a bare minimum — helpful advice or “what I learned” would be best. Thanks!
interstate moving company
Best answer:
Answer by notyou311
Hire a company with a good rep. Get a contract in writing. Take out extra ins. to cover damage. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau.
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#3 written by irishkittie79 1 year ago
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WHAT I LEARNED…
* Get many, many estimates – in writing. Not 2 or 3 or 4, but a dozen if you can. Do not go with a company just because of price or a good sales pitch. Do research on your intended companies.
Visit and see if there are any reports. I would have saved myself a lot of hassle and my furniture if I had.;
http://www.ripoffreport.com/default.asp
Visit and learn from others’ mistakes;
http://www.ethicalmovers.org/nightmare-moving-experiences.html
****Sign NOTHING until you are ready to commit.****
* The Better Business Bureau is a membership fee driven organization that will protect the reputation of its members despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Although a check of your intended moving company’s BBB history may reveal complaints lodged, understand that the member (moving company) ALWAYS has the last opportunity to present information. If the mover is dishonest, the matter may show as “resolved satisfactorily” when it is not.
* Movers are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of the state in which their office is located. You can contact that office to obtain information regarding rules, regulations and maximum charges governing your intended movers as well as those governing interstate moves. You can also request information regarding any violations or complaints on record committed by your intended movers.
* GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!!!!
All estimates, all fees, all duties that they are to perform – everything. Even if the company rep is nice, even if you are in a rush, even if you are stressed and your baby is screaming.
**I cannot stress the importance of this enough.
*Make your own inventory of items and keep a copy. Photograph your belongings – especially your good furniture pieces and any small easily “misplaced” items.
Document EVERYTHING.
*Pack your photo albums and anything that you consider of importance or of sentimental value yourself – and move it yourself.
I know that it seems like a lot of work, but to keep your belongings safe and avoid what could become a HUGE problem is worth a little footwork.
Good Luck!
P.S.
Do not EVER use Ameli Moving or you will gain an education in negotiating the “moving company” legal system.