The moving industry is more competitive than ever before, and it may be hard to…
Hiring bad movers makes an already stressful experience much worse. Unfortunately, considering the several moving company options out there, avoiding bad moving companies isn’t as easy as you’d like it to be.
However, some signs can help you steer clear of the worst moving companies.
How to Spot a Bad Moving Company
Whether you are moving across the country or the street, avoiding moving company scams should be at the top of your mind when shopping around for professional movers. Hiring the wrong company increases your risks of ending up broke, stressed, and with damaged belongings.
You can avoid such moving scams if you know what to look for. For starters, moving broker scams lure you in with price estimates that are too good to be true. Before celebrating the bargain, it helps to take a closer look at the company.
15 Red Flags About the Worst Moving Company
While bad movers are everywhere, keeping the following 15 red flags in mind will help you spot them.
1. No Professional Website and Bad Online Reputation
Nothing screams unprofessionalism more than the lack of a professional website. Other companies might also have multiple bad online reviews.
2. Fake OR Not Properly Licensed
If you are looking for a company to help you with an interstate move, the company should have a license from the Department of Transportation. Companies specializing in moving customers within one state should hold an authentic, state-regulated license
3. Their Address Doesn’t Exist
Another way to gauge how reliable a company might be is to check whether its website and other vital documents list its physical address.
4. You Are Refused Proper Insurance
If the mover speeds through when explaining coverage or avoids the topic entirely, avoid working with them.
5. They Demand to Be Paid a Very Big Fee Upfront
Is the moving company demanding a large deposit or the whole estimated amount upfront? The company might be fraudulent
6. The Price Is Much Lower Than the Competition
Nothing draws unsuspecting customers in better than extremely low estimates. While the temptation to save might be strong, always opt for a higher estimate from reputable movers.
7. They Can’t Provide You with References
Most moving companies will always show you positive reviews and references from past clients. Therefore, never trust a moving company that has no one to vouch for its services.
8. They Don’t Provide You with a Bill of Lading
A bill of lading is an official contract between the mover and yourself that the law requires every mover to give to you. Avoid working with a moving company that does not provide you with one.
9. Their Information Is Hard to Find on the Internet
Steer clear of moving companies whose information you cannot find online.
10. They Change Their Name Frequently
Some bad movers escape unhappy customers and bad moving company reviews by changing their names. If you find that the company has had multiple names in a short period, they are not the best option for you.
11. They Are Not Certified, or Their Employees Are Unprofessional
Take a closer look at their employees’ credentials. While some companies offer training programs, they do so in-house and with no oversight from the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA).
12. They Talk Too Much and Don’t Listen Enough
Be wary of movers that spend most of the time telling you how amazing they are without giving you time to ask about the things that are important to you.
13. They Never Share the Driver’s Contact Information
Professional movers always inform you of your belongings’ whereabouts and never hesitate to share their driver’s contact information.
14. They’re Not a Member of the American Moving & Storage Association (ASMA)
While not every good moving company is a member of AMSA, most are members in good standing.
15. They Only Give Phone Estimates
It’s challenging to accurately provide an estimate without coming to your home. A mover that doesn’t offer this service is often only interested in your money.
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Ready to Move? Try On The Go Moving
Finding professional and reputable moving companies with positive reviews can often seem like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Moving is already a stressful experience, putting more importance on the company you pick.
Fortunately, On The Go Moving can provide you with an extensive range of moving services that promise to cater to all your needs. We have a team of experienced moving experts ready to make your relocation as quick and straightforward as possible.
Put your experience with bad movers behind you. Contact On The Go Moving today.
