If You Can't Make It, Fake It

By Scott Boone

Image courtesy of flickr

When it comes to moving, everybody wants to get the best deal.  That’s a given.  The problem is there’s a big difference between getting a good deal and getting taken to the cleaners.  To help you weed out the chaff from the wheat, I have put together a few things you need to be aware of before you sign on the dotted line.

Too Good to Be True

Google the moving industry in most major metropolitan areas and you will find dozens of ads for “low cost movers”, “best moving deals” and the like.  Some ads even purport to move your home for $199.  You need to keep in mind that just as when you buy a car, you only get what you pay for when you shop for a mover.  The difference is that while there are lemon laws to protect consumers against predatory car dealers, when it comes to dealing with underhanded movers, you are on your own.

Many “low cost movers” use come on ads to lure the unwary.  Once you sit down with one of their reps, you will quickly discover that the low, low price quoted doesn’t include a number of costly additions that make the price balloon dramatically.  In the moving industry, everything from carrying your belongings up and down a flight of stairs, to hooking up your washing machine can be on optional extra.

Not Good At All

Old truck image courtesy Max Pixel

Another problem with bottom trawling for a mover, is there are moving companies that use inexperienced day laborers who may or may not have had any training before they clocked in for their shift.  As a result, you may wind up with some of your furnishings getting damaged or destroyed.  Don’t expect the bottom feeders to have much in the way of insurance either.  At best you will wind up being reimbursed at the rate of sixty cents per pound for damages.  At worst, you won’t receive a penny.

New Name, Same Bad Habits

I have heard all too many horror stories from many people about local moving firms that have a horrible reputation.  When I ask these folks why they didn’t check these guys out before hiring them, sometimes their due diligence didn’t turn up any dirt because it is all too easy to close one moving company only to open another one under a different name.  These chameleons prey on the unwary.  The bottom line is if a business has no reviews online, that means they are either brand new, or they have done a name change.  Either way, steer clear.

Attack of the Killer Clones

Another way people get duped is by mistaking one mover for another.  Online it is all too easy for you to key in a legitimate mover, only to see an ad for another firm.  Or worse, some scam artists will clone a legitimate company’s website only to change the phone number to one of their own.  If a moving company asks you for a deposit over the phone, this is one sure sign of a killer clone who is out to bilk you. 

Unless you are moving only a few items, no legit mover is going to give you a quote over the phone without first asking you a great many questions about the scope of the move, the type of dwelling you are moving from and the place you are moving to.  A reputable firm will also be glad to tell you their physical address, how long they have been in business, as well as their USDOT number.  If not, you are either dealing with a moving broker or a killer clone.

Those That Don’t Look Can Get Took

Image courtesy of flickr

There are many ways to check out a mover these days.  Websites such as the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List, to rating sites galore are available to vet a mover.  If a mover provides you with references, call them.  If they don’t, demand some.  Ask a mover if they have any video testimonials, since written testimonials are all too easy to forge.  Stop by the mover’s office to see what kind of company you are dealing with.  Double check with their insurance carrier that their policy is up to date.  Google their USDOT number to see if it exists.

The Highwaymen

Even if a company’s credentials check out, there are some movers who bolster their bottom line by pilfering cargo or holding your load hostage until you pay them exorbitant fees to unload your belongings.  Some interstate moving companies routinely transship your load to one of their warehouses.  Once there, your belongings have entered the Twilight Zone.  This means they could simply disappear, or become delayed in shipping, either of which can cost you big.  If you are thinking of doing a long-distance move, ask the shipper if they are going to warehouse any of your belongings.  If they respond in the affirmative, you might want to consider working with a smaller firm that will pick up and deliver your belongings in the same truck.

The Devil’s in the Details

Always make sure you get a written estimate as well as a written agreement that specifies precisely what is included with the move.  You’d be surprised at the amount of wiggle room and weasel clauses a contract can contain.  Look for terms such as Accessorial Services, that details additional charges that can be added for such things as packing, unpacking, hooking up appliances or other services over and above loading and unloading the truck.  If your residence has more than 1-floor, make sure there are no additional Flight Charges that you will be expected to pay after the fact for movers to carry your furniture up or down a flight of stairs.  Also, beware of any contract that provides a Non-Binding Estimate.” This is like a blank check to a moving company.

Provided that you perform the due diligence necessary to vet a moving company and read the moving contract carefully, you should be able to avoid the underhanded movers who are looking to fake you out. 

With over 4,000 moves, Scott's Discount Movers has handled moves of all sizes, including local and cross country. If you are looking to move your home or office, you can depend on Scott's Discount Movers to provide a stress-free relocation.