Ways to avoid a moving scam

It’s sad to say but every industry has a handful of operators that do not run their business ethically and trustworthy. That also includes our industry.

Moving is stressful enough for many and if you’ve chosen the right moving company, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the process. But if you get wrapped up in a situation where that company is not operating properly, you’ll end up with a mountain of stress or even worse.

Here’s a few ways to ensure you hired the right moving company and avoid scams.

Unprofessional employees

Sometimes this is just a dead giveaway for any type of service business. When employees at all levels seem to operate unprofessionally and don’t seem to care about the consumer, that should be a red flag when hiring a moving company. If you contacted a reputable moving company, the culture and values should be displayed from the moment you contact for service. They should greet you with a welcoming tone and they should let you know right from the start that they are going to take care of you.

The ability to review all documents in full

If you’re dealing with a moving company and they rush through the signing of documents, that can be another red flag. There is a lot of information when it comes to reviewing a moving agreement or contract and you should have the ability and comfort of taking as much time as you need to make your decision. If a moving company gives you high pressure or rushes you into signing any documents, you should take a step back.

You need to review pricing, delivery dates, additional services as well as valuation and protection for your household goods. That should all be contained and documented in some form. Review these documents thoroughly and do not feel rushed.

No proof of license or insurance

Every moving company operating in the United States needs to be licensed and properly insured. It’s rare that this happens but if you get a smaller operation that has formed a moving company quickly, you are going to want to understand they have the proper licensing. The best way is to just ask them. If they can’t provide the proper documentation, it’s best to choose a better moving company.

Large amounts of complaints

Currently consumers have many options for lodging complaints against companies that did not provide them good service. That starts with the Better Business Bureau and even the Attorney General’s office in your state. Online reviews have become much more popular in recent years, and you can check those as well. But keep in mind, not all online reviews are accurate or trustworthy. However, if there are pages and pages of bad reviews, that’s a good indication that you want to choose a more reputable local moving company.

If you are ready for your next journey and you’re looking for a full-service moving company, we’re happy to talk with you about our culture and values here at Humboldt!