As with anything you buy, it’s good to do some research, first. Whether you’re researching Seattle moving companies, Tacoma movers, Redmond movers or any others in the area, be sure to keep the following points in mind.
Check with the Better Business Bureau in your area to see if there have been any complaints about any of the companies you are investigating. Unfair or shady practices are typically reported to the BBB to help warn others. You can also check with moving review websites like, www.mymovingreviews.com or www.movingscam.com. Or simply search for the name of the moving company. Some consumers become so enraged by the practices of moving companies that they create a website to warn others.
1. Bad review. Someone else’s move involved a late pickup and/or a late delivery. The amount billed far exceeded amount quoted. The items moved were held hostage until all overcharges were paid.
2. In business for less than 10 years. Naturally, every company has to start somewhere. So, you can still find good companies that are relatively new, but they’re competing with all of the bad companies who won’t be in business for terribly long-at least under their current name.
3. They’re a moving broker. If they refer moving jobs but don’t handle the jobs themselves, stay away from them. While it may seem to be a nice idea, this is where many of the scams lurk.
4. They’re only on the internet. A reputable business that deals in a real-world presence like moving furniture or office furnishings will have a physical presence, too. Look in the yellow pages.
5. Unprofessional facility. Visit their office. Is it clean and presentable? Look at their storage facility. Does it look secure? If they can’t keep their own place presentable, how do you think they will treat your belongings?
6. No trucks with their logo. If they don’t have a fleet of trucks (at least 2 or 3) with their company logo permanently emblazoned across it, they could be a fly-by-night operation.
7. They want you to sign paperwork with blank fields. Never, ever, under any circumstances sign a legal contract with blank fields. Otherwise, you leave yourself open for a nasty surprise and there’s little you can do about it.
8. They won’t do an in-home estimate. If they don’t have the time or willingness to do an accurate assessment of the job, then you should suspect that they’re not going to live by any quote they give you.
9. They will be subcontracting out the job. If they won’t be doing the move themselves, look elsewhere.
10. Quote by cubic feet. This should at least raise a red flag. Later, they could charge you by weight, but know that they have to provide proof of the weight of your belongings at no additional charge to you. And, as of August, 2005, interstate moves based on cubic feet are illegal.
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