Assume it's time for you to move from Florida to New York City! From the packing to the setting up of your new home, you are extremely overwhelmed. You just need a break. Therefore, you impulsively decide to hire a nyc moving company. But be careful. There are moving company scams that you should be aware of, and because you are in a rush to complete the moving process, you may mistakenly hire the wrong company. Below are some tips provided by the Better Business Bureau that will protect you from being scammed.
Tip #1: Insist on an on-sight inspection estimate
When a moving company gives you an estimate over the phone or the Internet without inspecting your items, this may be reason to suspect something is wrong. Is the estimate too low? Is it too high? If the estimate is too low, they may be trying to get the job and charge you higher at the end. If it is too high, they may be attempting to defraud you. Just protect yourself from this by getting an on-site estimate at the beginning.
Tip #2: Do not give cash or large deposits before the job is done
This is the worst mistake you can ever make when hiring any contract company. Do not ever give cash. You want to have evidence of payment, therefore, a credit card, cashier's check, or money order is best. When paying with cash, there is no proof that a job existed or that you even paid. As far as making large deposits before the job is completed--steer clear of this action as well. If the moving company is a scam, they can run with your deposit before getting the job done. Why? Because they already have most of the money, so why should they finish the job? That is why pay with credit card, cashier's check or money order, and make a small deposit at first. Protect yourself!
Tip #3: Get a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”
All honest companies that perform services for the public provide a copy of your rights and responsibilities. This is a document that explains your rights as a consumer and your responsibility to the service company such as making payment. If this document is defaulted by either party, the opposing party may take legal action. consequently, getting this copy from the moving company is essential for your protection.
Tip #4: Never sign blank pages
This is a big "No!" with any legal form. If you sign a black document, they can put anything on it afterwards, and you will be legally responsible for whatever is on that document. For instance, they can increase the amount of the estimate that they provided you on the blank form. And guess what! You will have to pay that increased amount because you signed saying you will. So always sign pages that have writing on it and get a copy of it.
Tip #5: Get a full value protection plan for your valuable items
If the moving company denies you a full protection plan on your valuables, that means they do not have insurance. Stay away from these companies that do not give a protection plan because in the case that your valuables are destroyed, you have a loss.
Tip #6: Check to see that the moving truck has the company's logo
If the moving truck does not have a logo, that means that they are simply renting the truck. If there is no logo, it may mean that they are not a reputable company.
Tip #7: Know the company's full contact information
In cases where you need to dispute a matter in the future, always obtain the company's full address, email, and phone number. You will need this if you ever need to contact them about a particular issue later on.
When it comes to moving, it can be an extremely frustrating affair that you want to just end. Hiring the right moving company that has an honest operation can save you both time, money, and headache at the end. Use these tips to guarantee that you are not scammed, and the moving task will result in success!
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