How to Avoid Moving Quote Scams

When you are looking for a mover, you might be tempted to go with the lowest quote. However, the moving business has a lot of scammers. Choosing the wrong company can result in more than overpaying for a move. It can result in falling for a scammer.

If you are looking for a quote for your moving service, you might start out online. That is a great place to start. In fact, almost every reputable moving company offers online quotes for moving. However, scammers also offer quotes online. It is a great way to get people to fall for their scams.

Avoid Moving Quote Scams

The first thing to keep in mind is that online moving quotes may not be accurate. The more questions they ask, the more accurate they should be. However, they also rely on you being accurate. How much furniture do you have? How far is the move? These questions are basic, but they might not accurately describe how much stuff you have to move. Most movers will provide a basic online quote, but then provide a more accurate estimate after they survey your home. Some companies do this survey in-person, while others do them online.

To avoid scams, you want to get multiple quotes. Most of the quotes will be in a similar price range. Quotes that are substantially lower are probably the sign of a scammer. They are often a bait-and-switch, and you will end up paying far more.

Another thing to check is whether the quote is for everything. Many companies will provide lowball estimates, but add in additional fees and costs. You want to find out if the estimate is binding or non-binding. A binding estimate guarantees that the estimate is the total cost of the move. A non-binding estimate is just an approximation of the cost of the move. A company that does a survey should be able to provide a binding estimate. If they will not, it can be evidence of a scam.

For long-distance moves, you may be paying by weight or cubic feet. While estimates by cubic feet are not scams, they can make it easier for scammers. When a moving company charges by weight, they are required to provide proof of the weight. That proof can help you avoid scams.

Once you have your quotes, you should check into the business. You can check on sights like Angi, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp to find out the business’s reputation.