Avoiding International Moving Scams
How to Spot a Moving Company Scam for Your International Move
If you are planning to move to an international location, you will want to hire a reputable company like Allied International to help you along the way. However, just like any other field, there are scam artists within the moving industry. There are some things that you can look out for, to make sure that you are not getting scammed during your International moving process.
Naturally, you will probably do a fair amount of research on pricing before settling on a company for your relocation overseas. You may find that most prices are similar, and they are based on the different services and insurance that each company offers. However, if one company offers you what seems like a to-good-to-be-true rate for your international move, chances are it probably is. Some companies will give you a very low estimate in order to entice you to hire them. Then they use hidden fees to quickly ring your bill way passed your initial budget. This normally comes out when they are in possession of your belongings, and they will not give them back to you until your bill is settled. A reputable company will give you an in-home estimate, done by an agent of the company, and will give you straight answers to your questions about cost.
Another way a company can take advantage of you is through the weight of your belongings. After finding out your budget, these companies will give you a quote that fits your price range, only to claim that your items came in heavier than the original estimate and that they will have to charge you more to cover it. This is why you should demand an in-house estimate before moving your things. The agent should not ask what your budget is, because their estimate should not be determined by that. While fees do happen after delivery on occasion, an in-house estimate is the most accurate way to determine final cost.
Also, if a company demands that you pay a deposit before they have moved any of your items, proceed with caution. Usually they will take your deposit and run, and you will never see them again. They could also possibly come and pick up your items, before disappearing with your deposit and your belongings forever. Reputable companies will not ask you for a deposit before moving your things. If you are concerned about a company, ask for their qualifications beforehand. Moving companies that you can trust will be affiliated with federal bureaus, and will mostly likely have feedback written about them on websites and apps. A simple search online should be able to tell you whether a company meets those qualifications or not.
When you are researching for the perfect company online, you will find that most reputable companies, like Allied International, will offer you a free quote. They will ask you questions that are related to your move, as opposed to much you are willing to spend on it, and they are willing to answer any questions that you have as thoroughly as you need, without giving you a run around. These are the types of companies that you should consider using for your international relocation.
