Moving house is stressful enough without worrying about being ripped off by dodgy operators. Unfortunately, the removalist industry attracts its fair share of scammers looking to take advantage of people during one of life's most hectic times. Learning how to avoid moving scams is essential for protecting both your belongings and your budget. With proper research and awareness of common warning signs, you can ensure your move goes smoothly with a legitimate, professional company.
A scam looks like this: a deceptive practice that is aimed at defrauding you, the customer, of your money, possessions or personal information/identity. It can be carried out by a dodgy moving company, a fake moving company or a moving broker.
Red flags: Spotting dodgy removalists before it's too late
The first step in protecting yourself is recognising the warning signs of a potential scam. Be immediately suspicious of any removalist company that demands full payment upfront, provides quotes that seem too good to be true, or shows up at your door unsolicited. Legitimate furniture removals Brisbane companies will always provide detailed written quotes, have proper insurance coverage, and maintain a physical business address.
Door-to-door sales tactics are a major red flag in the removalist industry. Professional companies don't need to knock on doors to drum up business. If someone appears at your home offering moving services, politely decline and do your own research instead. Similarly, be wary of companies that only accept cash payments or pressure you to sign contracts immediately without giving you time to review the terms.
Another tactic is to prey on someone who has not booked their preferred removalist well in advance and so they are left with a last-minute scramble to get a removalist. This is where an unscrupulous company might step in with an offer too good to refuse. Buyer beware! You may find that the agreed price increases exponentially once they have your possessions or they may charge excess amounts for storage. The best practice is to book your preferred removalist as early as possible so that your chosen date is locked in.
Research is your best defence
Before hiring any removalist, invest time in thorough research. Check online reviews across multiple platforms, verify their Australian Business Number (ABN), and confirm they hold appropriate insurance and licences. A reputable company will be happy to provide proof of its credentials and insurance coverage upon request.
Contact the company directly to ask questions about their services, pricing structure, and policies. Professional removalists will provide clear, detailed answers and won't hesitate to explain their processes. If a company seems evasive or reluctant to provide information, consider it a warning sign and look elsewhere.
Some tactics to be aware of
Hidden conditions that may involve surcharges like:
- weekend surcharges
- difficult obstructions like stairs or high-rise surcharges
- Heavier items charges like pool tables, pianos, white goods or workbenches
- Fuel costs surcharges
- Extra labour needed tariffs
Other tactics might include:
- Very low almost unbelievable prices
- Request for a very significant deposit prior to move
- Lack of a contract, either written or emailed prior to moving day
- Lack of any mention of insurance cover for your possession
- Fake reviews
- Overinflating the size of your load so you pay more
- Holding your possessions hostage requiring you to pay a premium for release
Getting accurate quotes
Legitimate removalist companies typically offer free, no-obligation quotes based on either an in-home assessment or detailed inventory list. Be suspicious of any company that provides quotes over the phone without seeing your belongings or asking detailed questions about the size and scope of your move.
When comparing quotes, remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Extremely low quotes often indicate corner-cutting that could result in damaged belongings, hidden fees, or poor service. Our quality furniture removals Brisbane services, for example, will provide competitive pricing that reflects the true value of professional, insured moving services.
Understanding your rights and protections
Australian consumer protection laws provide significant rights when hiring removalist services. Companies must provide clear, written contracts that outline all services, fees, and terms. You have the right to receive goods in the same condition they were collected, and removalists must take reasonable care of your belongings.
Keep detailed records of all communications, contracts, and receipts. Take photos of valuable items before they're packed, and maintain an inventory of everything being moved. If something goes wrong, this documentation will be crucial for insurance claims or consumer protection complaints.
Protect yourself on moving day
Even with a reputable company, stay vigilant on moving day. Be present during both packing and unpacking to supervise the process and address any concerns immediately. Check items off your inventory list as they're loaded and unloaded, and note any damage or missing items before signing off on the delivery.
Don't feel pressured to tip or pay additional fees that weren't outlined in your contract. Professional removalists will honour their quoted prices and won't demand extra payments for services that should be included.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you encounter problems with your removalist, document everything and contact the company immediately to discuss resolution. Most reputable companies will work with you to address legitimate concerns and maintain their professional reputation.
If the company won't cooperate, you can lodge complaints with your state's consumer protection agency or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCT). Your insurance may also provide coverage for damaged or lost items, depending on your policy terms.
The value of choosing established, local companies
Working with established, local removalist companies often provides the best protection against scams. These businesses have reputations to maintain within their communities and are more likely to provide quality service and stand behind their work. Local furniture removals Brisbane companies understand the area's specific challenges and requirements, often resulting in more efficient, professional service.
Final thoughts
Moving doesn't have to be a nightmare if you take proper precautions to protect yourself from scams. By researching companies thoroughly, understanding your rights, and staying alert to warning signs, you can ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Remember, legitimate removalist companies want to build long-term relationships with satisfied customers, not make quick profits from unsuspecting victims.
Take the time to choose your removalist carefully, and don't let anyone pressure you into making hasty decisions. Your peace of mind and your belongings' safety are worth the extra effort to find a trustworthy, professional moving company.
Happy Moving!
