When the time to move comes, finding a reliable moving company may feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. This is why knowing how to evaluate a moving company is so important. Let’s take a look at what you can do to avoid potential scammers and how to find movers that are truly suited to your needs.
How to Evaluate a Moving Company – Do Some Research and Verify Its Reputation First
If you wish to find a reliable long-distance or local mover, you’ll need to do some research first. While some companies might seem legitimate at first glance, you can’t truly tell whether they are legit or not until you do some digging into their reputation. Fortunately, there are several ways to verify whether a moving company is truly legitimate.
Verify the Company's Credentials
The first step should be to check that the mover is officially licensed and insured. Verify that the company is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) and check its status on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website.
FMCSA has a very simple search tool, and all you need is the company’s U.S. DOT number, which is often clearly displayed on the website for ease of use. If you can’t find the number or the search doesn’t provide any results, this is a clear sign that the company in question is likely a scammer. Otherwise, the search should allow you to see the company’s standing with the agency, as well as its customer complaint history.
Look Into Online Reviews for Clues
The fastest way to gauge a company’s reputation is through its customer reviews. While some movers feature client feedback on their websites, it may not always be unbiased. Your safest bet would be to check some of the most trusted review platforms, such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau (BBB).
When analyzing the feedback, pay attention to patterns in reviews, such as when they were posted and their consistency. While predominantly negative customer reactions may be an obvious no, you shouldn’t simply pick the mover with the most positive feedback either. Look into specific details that may impact your moving experience, such as the pricing, quality of customer service, attention to detail, and so on.
Get Referrals from Friends and Family
Firsthand experience can be extremely valuable when searching for trustworthy moving companies. So, if you’re not sure whether to go with one reliable mover over another, asking your friends and family for referrals is always a good idea. After all, whose opinion can you trust more than the people who are closest to you? Lastly, you could also inquire whether some of your coworkers have had a positive or negative experience with a particular mover.
Learn More About the Pricing by Requesting an Estimate
Once you’ve established that the movers you’re considering are legitimate, it’s time to learn more about their pricing. This is often done by requesting a quote through the official website. Depending on how detailed you are, a quote can give you a relatively accurate estimate of your relocation costs.
Get Multiple Quotes and Compare Them
To secure the best deal possible, it’s essential to compare quotes from a few different companies. You’ll want to obtain an itemized written estimate from at least three movers for every service that you need.
Understand the Different Pricing Models
When getting quotes, it’s important to differentiate between binding and non-binding estimates. A binding estimate guarantees a fixed price for services provided, while a non-binding estimate may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including changes in your inventory list, weight of shipment, or any other unforeseen circumstances. It’s also essential to account for any potential additional costs that you may incur, such as extra charges for long carries or stairs.
While the initial quote is often done over the phone or computer, a reputable company will always perform an in-home estimate to accurately assess the pricing for your specific request. If that’s not possible, they will still perform visual surveys of the premises when providing a quote to avoid potential mishaps. With Zip Moving and Storage, you’ll always know what to expect and how much you’ll have to pay, no hidden fees included.
Red Flags to Be Aware Of When Getting a Quote
If you are still not sure how to evaluate moving companies, there are quite a few red flags that you need to be aware of. For starters, you should always stay away from movers that demand a full payment upfront, as this is a sure way to get your belongings taken for ransom. You should also be cautious of companies with quotes that are significantly lower than their competitors’. A mover like this is either a scammer or a relatively new player, which means they may lack the needed experience. Other red flags to look into include:
- A lack of a physical address
- Mismatched and/or inconsistent branding
- Blank contracts
Gauge Their Communication Skills and Explore What Their Services Entail
While you can usually find most of the information you need on the company’s website, customers often get in touch directly for more details. This is where the quality of the mover’s customer service truly shines, as a responsive agent can significantly improve your overall relocation experience.
Ask About the Equipment and Crew Standards
Inquire about the company’s equipment. For example, what do their packing services entail? The customer service department should be able to answer what tools are used in the process, as well as provide details on their condition. Ask them whether they conduct background checks on their employees, particularly those who will be present during the move.
Check Their Responsiveness and Communication Skills
Can they answer specific questions about moving services, or do they avoid them? Are they calm and respectful, or do they brush off your inquiries? Remember that responsive and effective customer service is one of the key indicators of a reputable and legitimate company.
Clarify Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies
Things change, and if unexpected conditions arise, you need to know the company’s cancellation and rescheduling policies. While this is not a dealbreaker for most, it may be good to know if you have a lot of conflicting obligations that may prevent you from going through the move.
Inquire About Specialty Services
Not all companies will move very large and valuable items such as pianos, antiques, or jewelry. If you have these items, you need to determine whether the company offers specialty services. This means that it’s willing to move them for you in the first place and has the necessary expertise and equipment to do it safely.
Choose Zip Moving and Storage for an Easy-Going Move
Knowing how to pick a moving company that is legitimate and can provide what you need is more complicated than it may seem at first glance. By evaluating all the factors that we’ve mentioned, you’ll be able to find a trustworthy companion for your moving journey. If you’re still on the fence about who to book, Zip Moving and Storage is here to help.
With over a decade of experience in providing local and long-distance moving services, our team is here to make your moving experience as easy and comfortable as possible. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions, and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free quote for our services.
