How to Stay Safe from Unprofessional Movers

Moving is always filled with a million different details you must pay attention to, along with the added stress of adjusting to a new location. Hiring a moving company should help ease your burden, but in many cases, it is one of the main causes of headaches for Canadian residents. Every year people looking to move are taken advantage of by fraudulent or dishonest moving companies. Some of these movers may charge more after the job is done or only do half of the job they were hired for, which can end up costing more in the long run. If you are thinking about moving, Augusta Movers has some tips on how to protect yourself from dishonest moving companies before your big day.

Unbelievable Pricing

The saying that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably holds firm for everything from cheap consumer goods to deals on moving packages. In many cases, movers that offer too low of a rate end up billing you more at the end of the day in the form of hidden fees or extra labor charges. In the worst case scenarios, cut-rate movers may make off with several of your belongings and you won’t even notice until you go to unpack.

Delayed Contract Presentation

Reputable movers will often come out and give you a quote on your moving project well before your actual date of departure. This will give you a chance to look for a different service, or agree to the cost well in advance without the pressure of a time crunch. Many less than honest moving companies will wait until the actual date of your move to show you a contract. This allows them to slip in extra fees or clauses when they know you most likely won’t take the time to read it or change companies at the last minute.

Check Their References

References are a good way to check on the authenticity of the company you hire to help you with your move. Not only will you get feedback on their services, but you also will get a real idea about their rates and charges from actual customers. Those that have at least a rating of 4 stars tend to be authentic and make sure you take time to read comments from past customers to get a good idea of what to expect.

Advance Payment

Some companies require a partial payment or deposit to book their services. Be sure to check references and business licenses prior to making any form of advance payment. Avoid using cash, if possible, use a check or credit card as your payment option and make sure to get a receipt for every transaction.

How to Deal With a Scam

Even if you take every precaution, there is still a chance that you may not have a legitimate experience with your moving company. If you happen to become a victim of a moving company scam or theft, you can file a complaint with the BBB as well as the Canadian Association of Movers. Depending on the severity of the scam, you may choose to take the company to court. Make sure to keep track of any communication and documentation throughout the entire moving process to protect yourself.

How We Can Help

Augusta Movers suggest that you always take your time and do your research prior to hiring any company to help you with your moving project. Sometimes it’s better to pay a little bit more for peace of mind. If you need help, we are always here to give you advice regarding your upcoming relocation, give us a call at 647-783-8730 today.

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