- Moving scams aren’t as common as you might think, but there are rogue moving companies out there with fake websites and information that try to trick the average consumer.
- You can help your clients spot -- and avoid -- a moving scam by sharing common red flags.
- Your clients can easily identify a reputable moving company if they know where to look.
Cue the music! May is National Moving Month, which means the official start of your busy season and the most popular season for moving scams.
To kick off National Moving Month, Updater teamed up with the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) to host a webinar on how you can help your clients find a reputable moving company and avoid getting scammed.
Watch the webinar here, and check out the key takeaways below.
1. Do-it-yourself moves are pricier than they look
Believe it or not, the price tag of a do-it-yourself move can be as expensive (if not more expensive) as working with a professional mover. Between truck and equipment rentals, boxes and packing supplies, fuel and other hidden fees, the expenses can add up quickly.
2. Professional movers will minimize risk to your clients (and their belongings)
Driving a rented moving truck in heavy traffic and lifting heavy furniture during the move is not for the faint of heart! Your clients or their loved ones could seriously harm themselves or their belongings if they aren’t trained on how to move their things properly.
Professional movers, on the other hand, are trained on how to use the latest technology and advancements in packing materials to minimize risk to your clients’ belongings. In short, tell your clients to leave the heavy lifting (literally!) to the experts.
3. Rogue moving companies are easy to spot — if you know what to look out for
Tell your clients to be on the lookout for companies that exhibit common red flags, such as companies that don’t have a physical address or Federal Motor Carrier Number, which is required for all interstate movers.
Your clients should also be wary of companies that refuse to visit their home to give an estimate, use unmarked or generic trucks without a company name on them, or aren’t clear about the claims process if their belongings are lost or damaged.
4. Certified professional movers called ProMovers lead the way in the relocation industry
If one of your clients is moving soon, tell them to keep an eye out for ProMovers, who are certified professional movers and considered the cream of the crop of moving companies.
ProMovers are licensed and insured, rated highly by the Better Business Bureau and meet the highest standards for safety and professionalism. Your clients can easily find a ProMover by looking out for the ProMover seal of approval on the company’s website or marketing materials or by visiting Moving.org for a list of all the ProMovers in their area.
Want to learn more ways to help clients avoid a disastrous move? Click here to watch the recorded webinar.
Do you want to be the best resource for your clients? Check out the upcoming moving webinars brought to you by Updater. Sign up here.
Jenna Weinerman is the marketing director for Updater. Follow her on Twitter.
