Has a moving company asked you for an upfront deposit before their service has started? If you’re worried, Movers.com can explain when such a request might be legitimate – and when you should steer clear! Read its guide to learn more…
There are several questions people tend to ask when it comes to professional movers. “What are their credentials?” “Do they accommodate long-distance relocations?” “Can they offer relief from the never-ending nightmare that is moving home?” Here’s another big one, commonly heard throughout the moving industry: “Is it legal for movers to require a deposit upfront?”
Movers.com’s guide comes to settle this debate once and for all - stating that while it’s unusual, the policy is legal. Yet, the piece suggests that companies who make such demands are sometimes betraying their trustworthiness - or lack thereof. Make sure you know the warning signs!
Requests for full price payments ahead of the move - particularly in cash - should be treated with suspicion. If you’re planning to contact a professional mover, any upfront deposits will usually be a relatively small retainer - covering the potential cost of unexpected cancelations and nothing more.
Are you unsure about the upfront deposit being asked for by your movers? A simple question can clear this up. After all, just as it’s legal for companies to request a fee in advance, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t query the reason behind this fee. Then you can decide on its legitimacy!
Movers.com proposes a simple rule of thumb for when you find yourself in this situation: namely that upfront fees should never exceed half of the overall project costs. In fact, a genuine deposit amount would typically be several hundred dollars - if that.
As written in its guide: “If you book a moving company that demands half of the total moving costs in advance, you might be dealing with a moving broker and not an actual moving company. An honest and reliable broker will never ask for such an unreasonable amount of money for no services rendered.”
To help you navigate this potential scenario, Movers.com advises that you take reputation into account when narrowing down lists of prospective movers. Research can establish a company’s licensing info and Better Business Bureau ratings - while customer reviews can demonstrate their reliability. Go with companies who can prove their credentials.
Is your Cary, North Carolina family hoping to book a reliable moving team in line with your budget? Movers.com provides a platform listing vetted relocation professionals serving statewide or out-of-state apartment and house moves alike. You can browse the listings in search of a team that meets your requirements in terms of cost, reputation, and services!
“Don't let your move break the bank,” says Movers.com. “Check out our top picks for affordable Cary, NC movers who deliver quality services without the high price tag.”
Here are movers you can trust…
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