Website design By BotEap.comWhen you plan to move, convenience is an important factor in the decisions you make. You’ll pick up the phone to order pizza while you pack your personal items, make travel reservations through online booking websites, and thanks to real estate agencies, you may have even made an offer or signed a rental agreement without personally having to one foot in his new home.
Website design By BotEap.comHowever, when looking for a moving company, it would be wise to go “old school” and insist on estimates on the spot. Otherwise, short-term convenience can lead to long-term problems.
Website design By BotEap.comHere are the three most compelling reasons why you want your prospective mover to visit your home before you quote for their services.
Website design By BotEap.com1. You just can’t get an accurate quote over the phone
Website design By BotEap.comYou wouldn’t trust a surgeon to diagnose you without a full exam, would you? While relocation isn’t brain surgery, if the mover doesn’t know the details of the job, they can’t correctly determine how much it will cost to prepare your valuables for shipment.
Website design By BotEap.comAnd, like a botched surgical job, you’ll end up with, at the very least, a severe headache. In the worst case, you will end up with additional charges when your mover arrives at your destination and you will have no choice but to pay them if you want to get your valuables back.
Website design By BotEap.comMoving experts know to take note of potential parking issues and trouble spots like steep stairs. When you’re present during an appraiser’s visit, you can point out items that require extra care, and appraisers can take crucial steps as needed.
Website design By BotEap.com2. “Lure and switch” is too common
Website design By BotEap.comThe relocation industry is competitive and many companies are eager to offer you unrealistic prices or “special offers” in the hope that you will book their services without reading the fine print. Often, you are not even dealing with the very company that will show up at your door. Many companies outsource jobs to outside moving crews who aren’t as concerned about their brand.
Website design By BotEap.comWhen collecting quotes for moving companies, be sure to ask if the estimator coming to your home is employed by the same company as the team that will handle your move. Also, ask who is responsible for fees beyond the budget and if there are any “standard variances” for which the contract requires the customer to pay additional fees. The last thing you want is for your belongings to be held for ransom as the movers demand additional payment.
Website design By BotEap.com3. Contract negotiation is best done in person
Website design By BotEap.comWhen you make an appointment for your estimate, ask for a copy of the contract so you can review the fine print before the representative arrives. It is always best to ask contract related questions when the other party is in front of you.
Website design By BotEap.comIf your mover can’t clearly explain any part of the contract, ask them to call a supervisor for an explanation while you’re there. Reputable, professional moving appraisers understand the need to clarify estimates and won’t balk when you ask tough questions.
Website design By BotEap.comMake sure you are clear about what can cause the mover to cancel or refuse to complete the service. Moving companies hired over the phone have been known to refuse to honor their part of the deal if the roads are too narrow, it rains too much, or the sidewalks present a challenge.
Website design By BotEap.comMake sure that when you are given an estimate, you are not signing anything you have not read, and insist that any special instructions be included and carefully signed by both you and your appraiser.
Website design By BotEap.comBonus Tips
• Whenever you interview potential movers, insist that they provide proof of liability insurance, a US Department of Transportation number, and your state Department of Transportation license. Check the USDOT number with protectyourmove.gov to make sure the company is up to date with all insurance and certifications, and is not a spur-of-the-move operation.
• Take plenty of notes, including the time and date, whenever you deal with your mover, including during your representative’s on-site visit or any work-related phone calls.
• Photograph all the furniture your mover will pack and ship, making notes of any existing damage.
• Provide your mover with a basic map of your street and any hourly or permanent parking restrictions. Ask the representative to note where you might want to place cones to reserve a space for the moving truck and to note any areas that could cause access or parking problems. Have the appraiser sign a copy for you and keep a copy for your records.
• Make copies of your notes and agreement, and make sure they are on hand when the mover is scheduled to arrive at your destination.
The Summary (pun intended)
Website design By BotEap.comLong-term relocation companies depend on good references to stay in business. The best moving companies know that surprise charges mean dissatisfied customers, and poorly prepared moving crews can mean broken furniture and lost belongings. Get referrals from friends, do some homework, and feel more confident that your stuff will make it to the other end without hassle or headaches.
