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Dallas Moving Scams to be Aware of in Dallas
Texas!
Moving can be an extremely stressful time. For a
successful, smooth move with little hassle, many things need to be
coordinated. Having your contents in order, then having everything
possible boxed, done and ready to go, scheduling the truck and
making provisions for moving all of the family’s vehicles are among
some of the many things one must keep track of when planning a move.
The last thing a family needs to worry about is whether or not they
can trust the moving company they’ve hired. It’s a very touchy
thing; entrusting all of your family’s possessions to a group of
individuals that no one knows. But there are some things you can do
to protect yourself and avoid the pitfalls of hiring outside movers.
Dr.
Move, a Dallas, Fort worth based moving company, has created a list of the top
10 ways that a moving company can try to scam you. You can find the list in full
on their site at;
www.drmove.com. Well worth the read.
One of
the most common ways that a moving company will try to scam you or take
advantage of you is to quote you a low price over the phone and then, once all
of your belongings are on the truck ready to go, they will charge hit you with a
price that is different from the one they originally quoted you. They know full
well that once the truck is loaded and ready to go, after all the planning
you’ve done, you aren’t going to demand that they unload everything.
One way
to avoid this scam is to ask to see the contract up front. Make sure that the
way in which they calculate the charge is clear and in writing. Sometimes in
order to get away with low-balling the price, a moving company will estimate by
volume and then figure the final charge out based on weight.
Texas
movers
www.drmove.com, located in the DFW area of Texas, recommends that you get a
binding quote before agreeing to move with any moving company. Make absolutely
certain that there are no more hidden extras.
Beware
moving companies that send day workers rather than trained professionals. The
company is trying to cut their costs, but you will be the one paying in damaged
goods when the untrained mover packs you belongings haphazardly or incorrectly.
In some cases the day laborers that the company has hired to save themselves
money will end up costing you your belongings. Day laborers are there only for
that one job and are not continual employees and so have no motivation to be
honest. They might see a quick opportunity and even steal from you. You have no
way of telling if any of these people have criminal records.
Some
moving companies will tell you anything over the phone in order to get your
business. They will tell you that they can move anything, but might show up at
your house and say they cannot fit a certain item in their truck. Often they
will insist that they need a larger truck, increasing the costs to you.
Sometimes they will simply tell you that something is too hard to move in order
to get out of the extra labor. If you have any item that is extra large or
unusual you must discuss with the moving company first hand. Leave no stone
unturned.
A moving
company may not even show up to your house in Cedar Hill on the day specified,
and may not even call or return your calls. Confirm with your moving company the
day before the scheduled move out date. Make certain that they understand your
address. This might not ensure that they show up if they are disreputable, but
it will show them that you are on the ball and it might inhibit the likelihood
that they will see you as an easy target.
There is
always the possibility that something will get broken during the move. A good
company, with trained professionals will reduce the likelihood of this
happening, but even in the best of circumstances this is a possibility. Some
moving companies will refuse to pay for or replace something that has been
broken during the move. Review your contract carefully to make sure that it is
in writing that any broken items will be repaired, replaced or paid for if
broken.
Beware of
movers who are rude to you and your family or who are not dressed appropriately
for the job. A company that has pride in their work and their business will
often provide uniforms for their employees. At the very least they should be
dressed appropriately for a move. If not, it could be a sign that they might not
take good care of your belongings.
In some
cases a company will say that they will bring a 24’ truck for the job, but might
show up with a smaller truck or even a trailer in order to increase the number
of trips and run up your bill.
One of
the major Texas moving companies,
www.drmove.com suggests that if you have been scammed, especially by a mover
in Dallas, call them and they will explain how they are different. They will
also tell you how you can file a simple Moving Damage Claim Form online, if you
have any trouble.
There are a number of scams
out there and according to some watchdog groups the number of scams is
increasing as is the number of companies committing them. It is up to you to
make sure that you and your belongings are safe from unscrupulous moving
companies. Do your homework, a little research and take the extra steps to
ensure that you are being treated fairly before, during and after the move.
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