If you have had an unbelievably low price offered by a removal company then beware!
If it seems too good to be true, then it more than likely is. To avoid being taken advantage of, there are a few things that are best to look out for, which follow, but before we get stuck into that, it’s worth saying that most people and businesses are genuine and not trying to take advantage of you. But just in case you do come across a rogue trader when you’re dealing with the stress of moving, it’s best to be armed with the knowledge of how to avoid them.
Check them out first
Whether it’s good or bad, if the company you’re thinking of dealing with has any reputation (and legitimacy) at all, they will have feedback on the internet. It’s worth checking them out on social media, CheckaTrade and TrustaTrader and may be worth starting with giving them a Google and seeing where it takes you. If there are no records of them, that would be strange, so we would suggest avoiding them. If they have a website which is full of adverts, it would raise our suspicions too.
Local community groups on Facebook and Nextdoor can also provide a place to ask for others’ experiences of a company, or if you don’t want to go down that route, ask if there are any that your neighbours would recommend.
Don’t sign up straight away
If you find that they are very pushy then it’s likely that they are desperate to make a quick sale, which should make you concerned.
Get a detailed quote
Reputable companies will do a complete review of how much you would like to move and what those items are – a sofa and a fridge are pretty heavy, so the weight will be taken into consideration. The number of vans needed as well as the team required should also be detailed, along with the time required. Make sure you get it in writing with full terms and conditions. If they don’t want to do that, they aren’t for you.
If a quote seems too good to be true, it just might be
Last November The Guardian published this article about avoiding removal firms that are offering unusually low prices. The person involved was at a very emotional point in their life and moving home due to divorce, so perhaps more vulnerable than usual. When moving day came around, they were greeted by a teenager who would be undertaking their move, and then part way through the day received a call to say that the price had changed as the job was going to take longer – the price tripled. As if this wasn’t bad enough, not all of the furniture was moved so the mover had to hire another firm to complete the job, and some items were damaged.
This is really sad to read. But it could happen to the best of us – some people are so good at selling and catch us in our worst moments and pounce.
Remember, if it’s a company move, you’d be asked to get three quotes – we believe you should do the same for a house move. Take into consideration the price, reputation, timescale and most importantly whether you feel comfortable with them. Afterall, these are the people that you will be trusting with your prized possessions.
If you’d like to talk through your options or check us out some more, please get in touch.