10 Common Moving Scams And How To Avoid Them
Jun 23, 2022
Have you decided to shift homes and want to move in a stress-free and peaceful manner? Well, this is possible if you hire a good removalist service and avoid any moving scams whilst relocating in Brisbane.
It is hard to know when you are being scammed, but with the proper guidance and help from experts, you can avoid these situations and relocate quickly. Here are ten common moving scams and how you can avoid them:
1. Fake Reviews And References
It is easy to fall prey to
removalists Brisbane that have fake references and reviews. You should note that these are posted by these companies to fool people.
They use their employees to write references or hire paid writers to give excellent reviews. You can avoid this by looking at third-party websites. You should even call up past clients and ask them questions about these moving companies, so you will have authentic and accurate information about how they operate.
2. Different Names
It is common for scam-moving companies to change their names to fool you constantly. You should avoid this by checking their website and calling them to see if they answer with the same name and formally. You should also wait a few days and see if the name remains the same or has changed to a different one.
3. Proper Licenses
Good removalist services in Brisbane will have authentic licenses and registrations to pack and move all your belongings. You must therefore avoid any moving scam by:
- Check if these moving experts have all the proper state licensing and registration and have full authority to operate in your area.
- If you are moving across borders, you must check if they have the necessary licenses and permissions for that as well.
- You should also check if their employees are well-trained and regular.
- If they are subcontractors, they might not have enough experience to move your belongings or damage something.
- It is better to avoid hiring such a moving service in these circumstances.
4. Low Deposit
You should beware of removals companies in Brisbane who will lure you in by offering low deposit amounts. They do this so you feel like you are getting a good deal, and once you sign, they either disappear or come with higher prices on the actual moving day.
You should avoid this by checking the company’s experience and telling them you will pay the entire amount once the work is over.
5. Blank Contract
One of the most common moving scams is when moving companies create a blank contract and make you sign it. You think it is legitimate because it is in contract form, but the moving company then fills in any price and terms they want. This will cost you a lot in the process, and it will be better to move with a different company than this one.
6. Uncertain Terms And Conditions
Another classic moving scam you must avoid is when removalist services in Brisbane put uncertain terms and conditions in your contract. They might tell you a specific price, but then in the contract, they will say it depends on circumstances and conditions.
This means they can add charges for extra services like packing costs and fuel surcharge. This should be added in the beginning and discussed before making the contract so that you
know the total moving cost you will have to pay.
You must ask about all these extra costs and services beforehand so that you know you are paying the full and final price and nothing else will be added later.
7. toring Your Goods
Many fake removalist services will charge you extra for your goods by keeping them in their storage facility longer than required. They will make excuses for keeping it there and then have you pay them the extra amount. You should specify the period of storing these items or store them in a different facility to
protect your valuables.
8. Lost Or Stolen Goods
Another way moving companies can scam you is by keeping some of your belongings and selling them. Therefore, to avoid this, you must,
- Make an inventory of all the items you are packing and moving, so you know what to look for unpacking.
- Double-check all your boxes before loading and unloading them and see if any items have been damaged.
- Report any missing items as that is theft on the part of the moving company.
9. Unprofessional Estimation
If the moving company gives you a quote that is not based on the weight and space your belongings occupy, it is probably a scam. Professional removalist services will come and do a proper inspection of your property and all the items that you are moving.
They will weigh all the items, see how much space they will occupy on the rental truck, and then provide you with an accurate estimated quote. So don’t fall for any company that doesn’t provide you with such an accurate estimation.
10. Insurance Coverage
A reliable and trustworthy removalist company will offer you two types of insurance coverage for your items. One is full coverage if they break or damage any of your items, and they will have to either replace the item or pay the total amount for its repair.
This will be included in the price quote when they negotiate your
contracts and tenders. The second insurance coverage is a partial coverage that covers the damage to your goods up to a certain amount and the rest you have to take care of.
This is also predecided upon by both parties when signing the contract. If any company doesn’t offer these services, you must not hire them when moving homes.
Conclusion
You must make use of the above information and avoid getting scammed by moving companies so that you can relocate to your new home with a good moving service.
