When getting ready for a move, you’ll often hear about moving company scams, shoddy work, or sketchy business practices. Some moving companies don’t properly train their employees, and you’ll find broken furniture or boxes left at your old house. Some moving companies don’t practice basic customer service principles and show up late, take too long to finish the job, or charge more than initially agreed upon. Moving day is stressful enough without worrying about your moving company adding to your troubles.
The two most important ways to head off these problems are research and communication. Find out as much information as you can about the moving companies you are considering – check out their website, ask family and friends, read up on previous customer reviews. Then make sure you communicate your needs to each moving company and see how well they work with you to accommodate those needs.
There are also some very important pieces of information you should look for to avoid scam moving companies.
The Business
No matter what our logo says, a moving company doesn’t just consist of two men and a truck. There is a whole business that goes along with it. The more your movers treat their job like a real business, the better the chances that you’re dealing with a proper company.
For example, you’ll want to see whether or not the moving company has a brick-and-mortar office, with customer service staff, operations managers and a full team behind them to solve any problems that might arise. You also want to ask them if they are registered with the Canadian Association of Movers. Any true company in Canada makes sure to register with their local industry association, and moving companies are no different. Make sure to ask if they are a properly licensed moving company. You don’t want to settle for a fly-by-night operation.
The Employees
Even though you won’t meet your movers until moving day, there are still other ways to see what kind of employees work for the moving company you are thinking of hiring.
Ask yourself if the moving company employees have treated you well. When you filled out an online quote request, did they get back to you promptly, or did you have to follow up with them a few times? When you called their office, were they polite and helpful on the phone? If an estimator came out to your house, were they cheerful and respectful?
Whether it’s a moving company or any other business, the attitude of the employees is a good indicator of what type of company you will be working with. It’s a very good sign if all the employees you encounter before moving day are cheerful, helpful and prompt. If they are surly, rude and uncommunicative instead, that’s a warning sign that the company might not be the best choice.
Your Consumer’s Rights
What sort of rights do you have when it comes to your move? Never really thought about it, have you? There are a whole list of rights that should be guaranteed to you during every move you make. In fact, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Canada has put together A Bill of Rights for all customers:
- Ability to request a written estimate outlining the scope and cost of your move
- An assurance that we’ll adhere to that pre-move estimate based on quantities and scope at time of estimate
- Movers who are bonded, properly trained and adhere to the highest safety standards
- Franchisees who carry all necessary insurance for your protection
- Moving equipment that is in safe working order
- Advance notice of any unreasonable delays in pick-up or arrival of goods
- Accurate pricing information in advertisements and marketing material
If the moving company you hire won’t guarantee you those rights, they may not be the right movers for you.
As you can see, there are many ways to guard yourself against scam moving companies. Doing your research and communicating with potential moving companies about your needs are two of the best ways to prevent anything going wrong on moving day.