How to avoid moving scams?

Fool me once – shame on you, fool me twice – shame on me, right? Well, when it comes to relocation, some might not have the luxury of being fooled the second time, so it’s best to get it right on the first try. However, how does one go about avoiding moving scams? God knows they are not uncommon and are sometimes exceptionally hard to recognize. Luckily, you’ve stumbled upon a text that will aid you in this undertaking.

Ask and you shall receive

Someone in your circle of acquaintances has surely had an experience worth sharing. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers about moving companies they are eager to recommend. Inquire about moving services in Lebanon, and something is bound to come up. Keep in mind that every experience you hear of is a piece of valuable information. A bad reputation is also worth knowing about so that you are sure to steer clear.

Do your own scoping

The Internet can also be a treasure trove of information. Grab your reading glasses and find companies that have an abundance of review. However, it’s not as simple as counting the good reviews and relying on them. Certain companies can create false profiles and leave nothing but the highest praises of themselves. It would be great if you could have a chat with some of the people in the comment section and ask some additional questions. Trust your instincts.

Check the complaints

See if the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the American Moving and Storage Association have any complaints listed about the company you find appealing. Remember that even a good moving company can have some bad reviews. You simply cannot please everyone.

A simple phone call can be a telltale

Now that the company has passed the initial tests, it’s time to pick up your phone and give them a ring. Mind the way the person on the other side answers. If it’s a vague ”Movers”, you ought to keep on looking. A reputable and reliable moving company will make sure to have professionals answering their phone, introducing the firm by pronouncing its full name.

Suspicious bids can be reliable signs of moving scams

Proper moving estimates are what separates a reliable moving company from a fraudulent one. This is best seen with international Lebanon movers, who should take a full survey of all of your belongings and inquire about your planning, packing, and delivery. These are the bids you should be on the lookout for:

1. Low-ball bid. If a bid is so low that it’s too good to be true, it most probably is. Before you sign any kind of document, make sure to go through all the fees and understand the full scope of your final costs.
2. Volume-based bid. A long-distance mover who offers a quote based on cubic footage of truck space and not by estimated weight is the one you shouldn’t trust. This kind of quote is acceptable for a short-distance move, but straight out illegal without a weight conversion factor for an interstate one. If you stumble upon a company that quotes your move in such manner, report it to the FMCSA.
3. Phone-based bid. Anyone who has had an interstate move knows how difficult it can be to give an accurate estimate solely based on a phone call. If you haven’t had such an experience, take our word on it. One of the more common moving scams is giving a vague quote based on a sight-unseen survey, that results in hidden costs upon on-site arrival.
4. In-and-out bid. Like in the phone-based one, the main flaw of this bid is the lack of information it gathers. The estimator that visits your home ought to get a proper view of every item that is to be shipped. This visit needs to be followed by a number of questions regarding your moving plans.
5. Handshake bid. Before you trust anyone with your belongings, make sure to sign a completed moving document. Don’t simply take someone’s word on them being righteous, and wind up getting tricked into paying more than you were promised. Rouge operators are notorious for adding unplanned fees for all kinds of suddenly additional services such as climbing stairs or heavy moving.

The name changes

Some companies are cunning enough to avoid the Better Business Bureau list by changing their name upon every new business opportunity. The way to make sure you are not hiring such deceitful individuals is making sure that the company has a local address and information about licensing and insurance. Try to find all the names the company in question operates under, as well as their state and federal license numbers.

Additional red flags

All licensed movers must provide you with a booklet called “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”. The federal law says so. Additionally, they need to do so in the planning stages of your move. If you do not receive one, find another mover.

Look at the company’s trucks. A reputable moving company will make sure to keep its trucks in meticulous condition. Besides that, they should all bear a clear sign of the company. It’s rather logical when you come to think of it. What better way to advertise your service than by driving around your logo.

Any kind of a mistake the movers make is a sign of moving scams, right? Wrong. We are all human, and we all make mistakes. Keep this in mind when making your final choice. One blunder does not make a moving company into a disastrous decision. Be wary as well as forbearing.