Mover Scams to Avoid and other Common Questions Answered

We at BoxCart are always looking for ways to educate our potential customers about how the moving process works, what types of issues/companies to avoid, and basic ways to protect themselves during the moving process.

The following is an excerpt from the article "Mover Scams to Avoid" on House Beautiful's website. This article was written by John Montorio as he interviewed industry veteran, Jack Doody - former co-owner of Blue Chip Moving & Storage. Below he reveals red flags and answers common questions. I've added some tips from BoxCart as well...see the tips in italics.

Q: Do some moving companies secretly pump up your bill?
A: Yes. A disreputable mover will give you a lowball estiamte. Come the move, he'll walk around your house and say, "Oh, some of these things need to be packed." Then he'll charge you an exorbitant amount to do it. Or he might say, "Gee, we're going to have to take that bed apart." And then he'll tack on another ridiculous charge.
BoxCart tip: Make sure the estimator is aware of any items that need special care during the actual estimate and do not wait until the day of the move. Also, many times people do not get as much packed or prepared as they intended before the move date arrives. Notify your estimator BEFORE the day of the move, so the crew comes prepared and any changes to the labor and/or supplies can be made ahead of time...this will save you time and money!

Q: What do you do if your mover arrives and you just don't get a good feeling when you meet?
A: Did they say something that wasn't proper? Or is it just that they look a little rough? This is a tough business of hard physical labor. If it's a question of inappropriate behavior, get on the phone in two seconds with a manager. And do it before anything's on the truck.
BoxCart tip: Like Jack said...any issues should be brought up by calling the office ASAP...If it's a reputable mover, they'll want to know if their guys are giving customers problems. Not only will contacting the manager give the company the chance to fix an issue before it becomes a problem, but you'll also save yourself hours of worry throughout move day.

Q: If you cancel, won't you still be charged, or at least lose a deposit?
A: No, not if you're dealing with a reputable moving company.
BoxCart tip: The only caveat I'll add is to make sure you cancel at least the day before. Even a reputable mover will likely have to charge some fee, if they have already dispatched the crew to your job before you've cancelled.

Q: If your mover accepts cash only, is that always a red flag?
A: That's not a red flag. That's "Run away!" Remember: You can't stop cash. You can stop a credit card.

Q: Is there anything that should make me wary?
A: The mover doesn't want to come to your house to do an estimate. They want to do it over the phone. You're going to get screwed.
BoxCart tip: In-home estimates are the only way the company's going to be able to give an accurate estimate for a move. There is no such thing as a "standard 1 bedroom" or a "typical 3 bedroom townhouse", so common sense tells you that any estimate you get sight-unseen is extremenly unreliable. Surprisingly, we have some potential customers who want a phone estimate instead of an in-home estimate, and some even get angry if we insist on seeing the home...this is for your protection, and you're setting yourelf up for problems, if you don't have the estimator see what's being moved!

Q: What would be one of the worst decisions I could make?
A: Your greatest nightmare is getting hooked up with an unlicensed mover. He not only lacks liability insurance, but also workers' comp. If one of these fellows trips and falls down your steps with a heavy piece, get out your checkbook, my friend.
BoxCart tip: That really low estimate may be alluring, but definitely make sure you've done your homework on the mover you choose. Check for proper licensing with the Department of Transportation, membership in AMSA (the American Moving & Storage Association), and ask the company to show proof of liability coverage.

Q: Are packing supply costs inflated? Do movers quietly waste rolls of tape and miscount boxes?
A: Nah, that's not where the gouging comes in. Again, the bandit mover will start adding stuff that isn't on your estimate. He'll charge you for each moving pad - pads are free, by the way - and then $4 to tape the pads to the furniture. Or they'll say certain items suddenly need special boxes. And guess what? They're $12 each.
BoxCart tip: I totally agree with Jack...the moving crew most likely has nothing to gain by using more boxes or tape, as they are not compensated based on supplies (at least not at BoxCart). Speaking to the "special boxes" Jack mentioned...a reputable estimator will include any crating or special boxes in his estimate, unless it is an item that the customer has said they'd deal with on their own. Again, it's important if plans change and certain items will be the mover's responsibility that you inform the mover, so you do not get these "special box" surprises on move day.

Q: What should you do if it seems your movers are wasting time, and you're paying by the hour?
A: Many people have an unrealistic expectation of the time it takes. People have complaints that they paid for three movers, but they only see two guys moving stuff. Where's the third? He's on the back of the truck wrapping and packing. No crew wants to dog the job. They want to get home, sit down, and have a beer.
BoxCart tip: As with any other concern, if you feel the movers are not doing their job, call the office and alert a manager immediately, so he can address the issue right then. As with most everything, better to deal with any issues immediately.

Q: What do you say if you don't like the way the movers are handling your beloved things?
A: Be direct. Say, "Hey, you're making me nervous." If they're throwing your stuff around or seem to be careless, you stop the job. Alert your estimator that you don't know what's going on, but he's going to have a claim for damages if things don't improve. He'll get a supervisor out there, pronto. No reputable mover wants a problem.
BoxCart tip: I totally agree with Jack...call the manager at the office ASAP, and they'll get the situation under control.

Q: Are there ever any items that are not covered for damage or loss?
A: The contents of boxes you pack. You might pack them wrong. You probably will pack them wrong.
BoxCart tip: One thing to add to Jack's statement - make sure you understand your insurance/valuation choices BEFORE you sign the contract. Even the most careful movers have an accident every now and then, and you want to make sure you have the insurance coverage you are comfortable with. For example, the minimum coverage by law is $.60/lb, so that super-light 10 lb. flat screen TV you bought...if the movers drop it, you would be entitled at most $6.00, unless you choose full-value insurance. Reputable movers never want to have an otherwise pleasant moving experience tainted by confusion over what they can/cannot cover based upon the customer's insurance choices!

Q: How can I help make your job easier on the day of the move?
A: When the crew gets there in the morning, tell them right off that you're going to buy them lunch. Sometimes the guys on the crew don't have the money or the time. This small gesture can lift the whole spirit of the move. Also, be ready when the movers get there. Be fully packed. Then, please stay out of the way.
BoxCart tip: An old saying my mom taught me comes to mind here..."You'll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar." Also, one small thing that can save a lot of headache...put anything that should not be moved into a closet and clearly mark that area "DO NOT MOVE"...this goes for keys, cell phones, jewelry, etc.

Have questions about an upcoming move? Give BoxCart Moving & Storage a call - we'll gladly walk you through the move process!