How to Find a Reliable and Honest Mover
One of the most frequent consumer questions we receive at Relocation.com is how they can choose a moving company that is honest and reliable. We know that all of us have heard of or even experienced a moving horror story, and nobody wants to put themselves in harms way and risk the financial and emotional strain of an awful experience. The good news is that most licensed moving companies do really care about providing quality service and want you to be a satisfied customer. Quality companies build their businesses on referrals and testimonials from happy customers. You want to be one of those happy customers, so if you choose the right mover, you at least start the process with common goals.
When you contract a mover, you're purchasing a third party service. This service, which is similar to that of a home contractor or car repair shop, will vary based on costs and the company doing the work. This doesn't mean that you should hire the most expensive company to have a successful move. But we always tell consumers that if a price looks too good to be true, you can be pretty sure that there's something else out there that will make this 'deal' not such a great bargain in the end.
We strongly recommend that you get multiple quotes from qualified companies and never make a decision without having some viable options to compare quotes and movers. Also, never trust a company that is not properly licensed or insured. Your chances of having real problems in this case increase exponentially, and there is a high likelihood that these companies will not abide by state or federal guidelines and regulations. With so much on your plate during your move, why even take a silly risk like this?
Qualities of a good moving company
When discussing your move with licensed moving companies look for:
A trained, friendly and knowledgeable sales representative. The sales rep from a moving company or van line agent is likely to be the first person that speaks to you. He or she should be friendly and give you a positive feeling by understanding your specific needs and clearly explaining the services the mover can offer you. You should listen carefully to the questions that the rep asks you to see if they care about your needs or if you're getting the same sales pitch as everyone else. He or she should also be readily available to answer your questions and be willing to provide you with an email and cell phone number in case you need to reach them on the weekend or during an emergency.
A clear, concise explanation about costs and services. As with any service, you don't ever want to put yourself in a situation where you're buying something you don't fully understand. A mover should be able to give you a customized quote based on the unique circumstances of your move, whether it's around the block or from coast to coast. Be sure to understand the estimated charges and under what circumstances they may change. If you're not comfortable with what you're getting and how much you're going to pay for it, don't sign a contract— find another moving company. Your detailed quote should be in writing and signed by a sales or company representative.
A moving company that gathers all information needed for an accurate quote. If you're receiving a car insurance quote but the insurance agent doesn't ask for the make and model of your car and your driving record, you won't put much value on that quote. Any quote an insurance agent gives you will only be a rough guess. Avoid moving quote that are just a rough guess. Moving quotes are based on specific pricing tariffs and services provided and will be based on an hourly rate and an estimated number of hours to complete the job (for a local move). In the case of a long distance or interstate move, the estimate will be based on the weight of your cargo and the distance of your move. A quality mover will do a thorough inventory over the phone. If it's a bigger or long distance move, request an in-house estimate or survey in which a trained consultants will come to your residence and do a walk-through with you.
A moving company that quickly provides references without being asked. A quality mover will voluntarily show you a number of customer references or testimonials that tout the company's quality service. Good companies are eager to share their 'successful moves' and will likely include them in their initial sales and marketing materials. Company management and staff may change, so look for recent references, preferably within the past 12 months. You will want to receive the same quality service enjoyed by customers who wrote the testimonials.
Professional movers who arrive on time and are clean and courteous. Once you select a moving company, you should expect the company to do what it has promised you, from the time you sign the contract until the crew shows up at your door. This includes arriving on time with the correct number of movers. A mover's repeated failure to follow through on these things before the move begins creates real risks that they will not perform in the way described to you during the sales process. Each member of the moving crew should be courteous and professional and make you feel that they're treating your possessions with the appropriate care.
Moving companies that have the right equipment to perform a successful move. You should be there when the movers show up at your door and ensure that they have the proper equipment, which should belong to the same company that you originally contracted. A quality company provides their movers with the right equipment to handle heavy items, quality packing materials and a clean, well-maintained truck that is specially designed to haul household goods. If you're uncomfortable with anything when the mover's arrive or unhappy with the condition of the equipment — especially the truck that will haul your items — it's better to speak up at this time rather than several days later when the truck arrives at your new residence.
A timely follow-up by your moving company. After your move is finished, expect a call from your mover asking if you were satisfied with the move and your experience with the company. If there was any damage to your goods during the move, the company should help you handle and resolve your claim. Under federal regulations, the mover has 120 days to resolve the claim, but quality companies will like to get claims resolved within 30 to 45 days. If you are satisfied with your moving company, don't be bashful about offering to give them a reference. References are very important to movers, and your written recommendation will be valued and appreciated.
While each moving experience is different, a successful move done by honest and reliable movers is consistently distinguished by the above qualities. Buying moving services is important, and you should feel good during the entire process that you've selected the right mover.
digg this
save to delicious
Equal Housing Opportunity