Check if the company is a member of CAM
Let the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) take care of the vetting process for you. Check on CAM’s website to see a list of moving companies in your area that are members. CAM has strict requirements and an interview process to become a member. We are a proud member of CAM and truly believe it is an excellent resource for anyone looking to move.
Check if the company has a physical storefront
It’s important to have a physical storefront when hiring a moving company because it can indicate that the company is a legitimate and established business. A physical storefront means that the company has a physical location that customers can visit, which can provide a sense of security and trust when working with the company.
A company with a physical storefront is more likely to have a permanent presence in the community and be invested in maintaining a good reputation. A physical storefront also indicates that a company is financially stable enough to maintain a physical location and that it is not a fly-by-night operation.
Additionally, a physical storefront can also provide a location for customers to drop off or pick up items, or to discuss their move with a representative of the company in person. This can help to ensure that customers have a clear understanding of the services being provided and to address any concerns they may have.
Get multiple quotes
Getting multiple quotes from moving companies is important because it allows you to compare prices and services from different companies and find the best deal for your move. It also gives you an opportunity to evaluate the level of customer service and professionalism of the companies you are considering, and to get a sense of how they will handle your belongings. Additionally, getting multiple quotes can help you to avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous movers who may give you a low estimate and then charge you more once they have your belongings in their possession.
By getting multiple quotes, you can also identify any discrepancies or red flags in the estimates provided by different movers. For example, if one company’s quote is significantly lower than the others, it could be an indication that they are cutting corners or not fully understanding the scope of your move. Additionally, getting multiple quotes will give you a better idea of what is considered a fair price for your move, so you can be more confident in your decision when choosing a mover.
It’s important to note that while getting multiple quotes is a good practice, it’s also important to ensure that the quotes are coming from reputable and licensed companies. You can check their licensing status with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) and also look for reviews online, or ask for references.
Overall, getting multiple quotes from moving companies is an important step in protecting yourself from moving scams, and it can also help you to find the best deal for your move.
Be wary of lowball estimates
You should be wary of low ball estimates because they may be a sign of a moving scam. Low ball estimates are quotes that are significantly lower than the estimates provided by other moving companies. These low estimates may seem like a great deal, but they are often used by unscrupulous movers to lure in unsuspecting customers.
Once the movers have your belongings in their possession, they may demand more money than the original estimate, hold your items hostage until you pay more, or simply take your belongings and disappear. This is also known as “bait and switch” tactic.
Additionally, low ball estimates may also be a sign that the mover is not fully understanding the scope of your move or cutting corners, which can lead to additional charges, damage or loss of your belongings.
It’s important to note that while you should be wary of low ball estimates, the highest estimate doesn’t always guarantee the best service either. A fair price is usually in the middle, and you should always check the company’s reputation, licensing status and read reviews before making a decision.
Avoid paying large deposits
You should avoid paying a large deposit when hiring a moving company because it can put you at risk of losing your money if the move does not take place or if the company is not legitimate. Many moving scams involve the company asking for a large deposit up front, and then either not showing up on moving day or providing poor service.
It’s important to note that some reputable moving companies do ask for a deposit, but it’s usually a small percentage of the total cost and it’s used to secure the date of the move or to cover some initial expenses such as rental truck, crew or some materials.
Additionally, paying a large deposit can also put you in a vulnerable position if the company goes out of business or has financial difficulties, as you may have difficulty getting your deposit back.
A better practice is to pay only a small deposit, or to pay with a credit card so that you have some form of protection in case something goes wrong with the move. And also, make sure you have a detailed contract that outlines the services provided, pricing and payment schedule.
Get everything in writing
You should get everything in writing when hiring a moving company because it provides a clear understanding of the services being provided, the costs associated with the move, and the company’s policies and procedures. A written contract or estimate is also legally binding, which means that the company is obligated to fulfill the terms of the agreement.
A written contract or estimate should include the following details:
- The date of the move
The inventory of items being moved - The cost of the move
- The terms of payment
- The company’s insurance coverage
- Contact information for the company
- Any additional charges or fees
- Having everything in writing also serves as a reference point in case of any dispute or disagreement that may arise during the move.
Additionally, getting everything in writing can also protect you in case the company goes out of business or has financial difficulties, as you have a legal document to prove the terms of the agreement and to pursue any necessary action.
Do not hesitate to ask for credentials
You should not hesitate to ask for credentials when hiring a moving company because it helps to ensure that you are working with a reputable and legitimate company. Credentials include licenses, insurance, and certifications that demonstrate that a company is operating legally and that they have the necessary qualifications to perform a move.
You should ask for any certifications or awards. Some reputable moving companies have certifications or awards that demonstrate their level of expertise or quality of service.
Additionally, asking for credentials can also help you to avoid moving scams, as many scammers will not have the necessary licenses, insurance, or certifications.
Check a company's reviews
You should check for company reviews when hiring a moving company because it can provide valuable insight into the company’s level of service, professionalism, and reliability. Reviews are written by customers who have used the company’s services and can give you a sense of what to expect when working with them.
Reading reviews can help you identify any potential red flags such as poor customer service, damage or loss of belongings, or hidden fees. Positive reviews can also indicate that a company is reputable and provides good service.
Make sure you understand the company's policy on damages
You should understand the company’s policy on damages when hiring a moving company because it will help you to know what to expect in case any of your belongings are damaged or lost during the move.
A reputable moving company will have a clear policy in place outlining the steps that will be taken in the event of damage or loss. The policy should include information on how damages will be assessed and repaired, or how compensation for lost or damaged items will be determined.
It’s important to understand the company’s policy on damages because it will help you to know what to expect in case of any issues, and also to identify any potential red flags such as a lack of liability coverage or a vague or non-existent policy.
Trust your instincts
You should trust your instincts when hiring a moving company because it can help you to identify any potential red flags or warning signs that may indicate that a company is not reputable or reliable. Your instincts are often based on your own experiences, observations and intuition, and can help you to make a more informed decision about whether a company is the right fit for your move.
If you have a gut feeling that something is not right with a company, it is important to pay attention to that feeling and investigate further. For example, if a company’s estimate seems too good to be true, or if the company is not willing to provide references or credentials, it may be a red flag that the company is not reputable.
Additionally, it’s important to note that a company’s website or brochures can be misleading, and it’s not always a guarantee that they are reputable or they will provide quality service. It’s always better to do your research and check their reviews, credentials and also ask for referrals.
