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Selecting a Moving Company |
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Page 9 of 9
Mr. Thrifty Principle #8 : Beware of moving scams
The final thing to watch out for are moving scams. If you have followed all of the steps above, these will most likely not happen to you. However, it is good to be prepared. The most common moving scam is a basic bait-and-switch. The mover signs a contract to transport your stuff for a fixed amount. However, once your stuff is picked up, the mover calls with the bad news- your stuff weighs too much or is too bulky. If you want your stuff delivered you will need to make an additional payment. If you refuse they will hold your stuff hostage or auction it off to the highest bidder.
Should something like this happen, immediately call the owner of the company and explain the situation. Be prepared to fax all documentation that you have including the name of the person who called you asking for additional funds. If this does not resolve the issue, tell the company owner that you are going to file complaints against them and then file legal action.
You can file a complaint against the mover with the Department of Transportation (they have jurisdiction over movers. They can be contacted at 1-888-DOT-SAFT or at www.fmcsa.dot.gov. Another valuable resource that can help you if you get into a moving “hostage” situation is Move Rescue, a consumer advocacy group. They can be reached at 800-832-1773 or www.moverescue.com. |
Movers
Written by Guest on 2005-08-16 18:24:43
Seems like everytime I get something moved it ends up in pieces... Has anyone else out there filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and gotten it resolved? Just curious. | BBB
Written by Guest on 2005-08-19 09:26:45
I filed a BBB complaint once on a mover and EVENTUALLY got it worked out. However, it took a LOT of time and effort. Looking back I may have just lived with the broken item instead of spending all of the time I did. I guess that is what the moving company is counting on. 
Good luck if you are going to file a complaint about the moving company.
sTaN XXL
| Good luck with local companies
Written by Guest on 2005-09-16 06:23:00
I have moved a couple of times and have had good luck with local moving companies rather than the "big guys". I have always found the local guys to be lower priced and seem to care more about my stuff.
Jim | Selecting a moving company is difficult
Written by Guest on 2005-10-26 06:11:41
There is always a trade off when selecting a moving company: cost vs. quality. When I move I get moving quotes and then check ALL of the companies with the BBB. If they do not have a good reputation then I am out of here.
Trey Scandon
Los Angeles, CA | Check with the BBB first!
Written by Guest on 2006-06-07 07:40:32
Don't make the same mistake I made-- I choose a moving company because they had the lowest quote and largest Yellow Pages ad. Big mistake. The "movers" showed up 4 hours late and then told me that they didn't have the right truck and would have to come back the next day. Forget that. I ended up having to scramble around and find another, much more expensive, moving company just to get stuff done. BAD EXPERIENCE.
| Written by Guest on 2006-06-08 18:59:21
I had a similar experience with a moving company. DON'T TRUST THE YELLOW PAGES! Just because a mover has the largest ad it does not mean they are a quality company. The quality of the move is dependant on the moving crew that actually shows up to do your move and what the moving company does if something goes wrong. Check with the Better Business Bureau on the moving company before you sign the contract. | Curtis
Written by Guest on 2007-03-17 07:12:11
I manage a moving company. My advise is never select any mover until they have come to your residence and given you a free written estimate. Contact local state authorities to check for complaints against the company. Beware of phony guarenteed prices. They all have provisions for additional charges based on actual services rendered. I speak to many people who "only want a price over the phone". These people are destined for a disaster. My company refuses to do any move without first coming to your residence and providing you a price and all the information you need. IN WRITING. Remember, the lowest estimate is not the lowest price. Be very wary of small local companies. If you run into a problem, you usually have no recourse. With a major vnalines, you can complain to headquarters and get a response. Major vanlines also do not subcontract work. |
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