Do you have a move coming up and don’t even know where to start when picking a moving company in Utah?
Moving is a lot of work, and it may be easy to get caught up in the promises made by fake companies and the desirable prices they “offer” when you’re already stressed and tired. How do you weed out the scammers and land a trustworthy and reputable company?
It’s essential not to be too quick to choose a moving company. Take the time to do your homework first. You’ll quickly come across some red flags if it’s an untrustworthy company. A legitimate moving company will have a plethora of reviews and information. Here are six things to watch out for when searching for a moving company.
1. Their Company Information is Hard to Find
If they don’t have a website at all or if their website seems pretty bare, don’t even entertain the thought of choosing them. It doesn’t matter how reasonable their price is if you can’t verify who they are. It’s a red flag if a moving company’s website doesn’t have a physical address, mover’s registration, or proof of insurance. It’s also a red flag if you call the company and their response is oddly generic such as “Moving Company” instead of a brand name. Look for a company with an established reputation and presence in your area. If they have served your community well for several years, chances are they plan to continue doing just that.
2. They Don’t Have the Proper Licensing
Operating a cross country moving company requires more than strong people and a big truck. Moving companies should have a valid business license and should be able to provide you with their licensing information. Don’t be afraid to ask them about their licenses. Trustworthy companies are more than willing to share information with their customers.
3. They Offer a Suspicious Bid
If the bid seems off, it could be a scam. A big red flag is if one quote is drastically lower than all the other ones you collected. You might reasonably wonder if they plan to cut back on materials, care, or training for their staff. If you choose to pay less, you may get less out of your moving company.
The estimate should also be in writing. Something isn’t right if a company isn’t willing to put it in writing. Having every quote in writing gives you a document to fall back on should there be a dispute after your move is complete. A legitimate company will follow legitimate procedures. Don’t settle for a verbal agreement on the price of your move. Ask for a written estimate.
4. They Don’t Provide a Written Confirmation
After you make arrangements with a moving company to pack and transport your belongings to your new home, you should receive confirmation paperwork from them. This paperwork should include details such as the date of your move and the services being provided. It is your insurance policy against miscommunications and no show moving crews. Any company not willing or able to put their commitments in writing is not likely your best moving partner. Seek out movers that are organized and dedicated to being there for you on the day of the big move and put it all in print.
5. They Claim the Insurance Covers Everything
Be wary of companies who claim their insurance covers every possible problem. Typically, protection begins at 60 cents per pound. This means the movers will reimburse you at least 60 cents for every pound of your belongings if they’re destroyed, damaged, or lost. A company that promises more than that without the proper paperwork to support their claims could be trying to fool you. Be sure you understand their insurance policy and practices before they load your things on their truck.
6. They Have an Unmarked Truck
An unmarked truck may be a sign of a fake company. Most experienced moving companies have signage and logos on their vehicles. A phony company still might have signage and symbols, but an utterly unmarked truck is a red flag. Investing in clearly branding and maintaining their fleet of vehicles shows the company cares about their customers and their company. Choose a company that raises the bar for themselves.
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Follow your instincts and pay attention to small details. It’s essential to recognize the red flags so that you don’t fall victim to a scam. At Utah’s Moving and Storage, we follow the proper protocols, have trustworthy and clean-cut movers, and check all the boxes to ensure your security, safety, and satisfaction. For every scam, there’s a great moving company ready to make your move as easy as possible. Trust your gut, do your research, and good luck with your upcoming move.
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