Moving can be an incredibly stressful experience even when it goes off without a hitch. One of the last things you need is to find out that your moving company isn’t quite what you think, especially at the cost of your hard-earned money or your precious life belongings. There are many shady moving ‘companies’ out there that use deceptive tactics and inconvenience their clients for the sake of an inflated payday.
Matco’s Alberta Movers offer safe and honest moving services for you and your family, and we want to make sure your move is successful no matter who you hire. This blog will go over what you can do to avoid unnecessary hardship when it comes to your next move, and help you recognize a scam before it happens.
Different Types of Scams
It’s important to look into the credibility of any company before you hire them, but this is especially true when it comes to hiring movers. This company will be handling all of your belongings, including items with high monetary or sentimental value; you deserve to purchase moving services that you can trust! Here’s a list of scams to look out for the next time you are researching moving services in your area:
The Hostage: This is a scam that involves movers who provide you with an estimate, but once they take procession of your belongings, add a list of additional charges and extras. This results in a price that amounts to double or even triple what you were initially quoted. Be skeptical of quotes that seem too good to be true, because they probably are. Typically, these scammers will provide you with the lowest quote to trick you into choosing them. Get multiple quotes from different companies to lower your risk of this scam.
Weigh-Ins: Be sure that you are present when your shipment is weighed and ask for a re-weigh if you have any doubts about your weight. Ensure that you are present and engaged during this process!
Abandonment: Sometimes, a disreputable mover won’t move your belongings at all. They’ll take your items, put them on a truck, and abandon them in an undisclosed location (generally in a storage facility). Ensure your moving company is registered with regulatory bodies like the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) before trusting them with all your goods, and check that they run the necessary background checks on their employees.
Name Change: If a moving company has notoriously bad reviews, they will sometimes change their company name to attract new customers. Be on the lookout for moving companies that don’t have a lot of presence on the internet, or have seemingly just “popped up”. It’s best to stick with companies that have been in business for an extended amount of time and lots of industry experience and knowledge for the best results.
How To Avoid Moving Scams
The best way to avoid a moving scam is to keep yourself informed. Do your research before you decide which company to hire. The most effective method is generally to get testimonials from real customers of the company you’d like to use, as well as a referral from a friend who has utilized the services of a moving company.
Looking for Professional Moving Services in Alberta? Partner with Matco Alberta
Moving can be a breeze when you partner with trusted professionals. Matco Moving Solutions has been providing moving services in Alberta and across Canada for over 55 years.
Looking for help with your upcoming move in Alberta Waterloo? Contact us today for a free moving quote.