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Common Moving Scams We at Camelback
Moving compiled this list based on our experiences in the moving industry.
There are many other reliable moving companies, some we know well,
but we all know the moving industry has a "sleazy" reputation.
Nobody wants a huge unexpected bill or to feel they were taken advantage
of. We believe that an educated customer is a good customer, so please
read this list before shopping your move. A moving company quotes you a flat rate based on a list of items taken over a brief phone interview. Although this quote is seemingly complete, it is often unexplained that any additional pieces added to the quote are billed at an exorbitant rate. This technique works because items stored in garages, spare bedrooms, storage sheds, and attics are often out of sight and out of mind. Thus, the customer fails to give a complete list and is subject to additional billing.
A moving company quotes you a flat or hourly rate that seems to be competitive.
When the crew arrives, the foreman starts telling you there are additional charges.
These are generally for stairs, long carries, fuel, blankets, or large items.
They're called "up sells" and the foreman makes a cut of anything he can tack
on to your bill. This technique works because most people don't have any flexibility
with their moving date, on moving day. All of a sudden the rate isn't so competitive. A crew arrives and loads your most valuable items first. At the delivery, when
they're about ¾ unloaded, they tell you about additional charges; these
generally involve weight. If you refuse to pay, they close the truck and drive
away with the items they loaded first. You're now stuck to argue with their customer
service department or call the police. Not getting quick results or having
much flexibility, most customers just end up paying. Looking for storage and a cheaper angle on moving, you call a container company and
describe your household furnishings. Eager sales reps often underestimate the size and amount
of containers you'll actually need, giving you what seems to be a more than fair
price. When they deliver the container, often the customers find their stuff will
not fit. Usually by the time this is realized, the customer has few options except
to order more containers. They also rarely quote prices that include furniture pads (An absolute essential in the moving industry).
We've seen prices much higher than what a customer was originally quoted. A common assumption is that full coverage is included when a moving company lists itself as licensed and insured, The reality is that most companies operate under an industry standard 30¢ - 60¢ per lb limits of liability waiver. Furthermore, this "fine print" policy often goes undisclosed until the customer is presented with a bill of lading contract on moving day. Dirty trucks and old equipment are also very common. Anyone can buy a beat
up U-Haul for 5 to 10 thousand, but they're usually pretty gross. This isn't
always a big deal, if the company arrives with clean blankets. Unfortunately,
moving blankets are expensive and hard to clean. We've seen them so bad, they've
damaged the items they were supposed to protect.
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