If you are planning on moving in the near future, you may be considering using a professional company to help transport your things. Professional movers have the tools, resources and experience to make the transition an easy one. However, you want to make sure that the company you work with has been properly vetted. Remember, there are a lot of active scams in the moving industry. So what are some ways to investigate your prospective moving company?
1Talk to Previous Customers
It stands to reason that a company that has managed to stay in business for many years has customers who have good things to say about it. However, you should try to reach out to and talk with at least one or two people in person. This is because online reviews can be either made up or given by those who have been paid to do so. It is also possible that a company will delete any negative or less than flattering reviews posted on its website or other online forums.
2Talk to the Owner of the Company
If possible, talk to the owner or a long-tenured employee of any company that you are considering before making a hiring decision. You should also ask if the owner of the company is going to be the one who helps with the move or if any of the most experienced members of his or her crew will be helping with it. If the answer is yes, it is a positive sign because you will be working with someone whose reputation is on the line each time he or she works with a customer. Therefore, you can expect great service on moving day.
3Look Up Better Business Bureau Ratings
The Better Business Bureau or other local watchdog groups may be an important resource when investigating a moving company. They may have records of any complaints, how they were handled and when they occurred. It is natural for companies to have complaints even if they generally do a good job and treat customers well. However, you may want to question if a company has zero complaints as it could signal that it either silences dissent or hasn’t been in business for long enough to have a reliable customer service track record.
4Talk to Family or Friends Who Have Used Movers in the Recent Past
Do you have a friend or a family member who has used a moving company in the past? You may want to ask that person for a recommendation. Research has shown that customers tend to trust the views of those who they know. If you hear good things about the same company from multiple people, you can probably trust that company to do a good job. As a note of caution, make sure that you don’t seek advice from those who are paid to give referrals. Even if they are close friends or family members as the advice may not be unbiased.
5Read their Reviews on Google
Simply by googling their business name, you will find interesting and diverse reviews. Look at a group of them and try to judge their voracity. Remember, one bad review does not mean you should reject the company. Just as one glowing positive review is not a guarantee of great service.
Moving day is among the most stressful that you will ever encounter. The good news is that a quality moving company can do all the heavy lifting for you. However, make sure that this company has been properly vetted. This will ensure that you get the value that you expect for your money.
