Ensuring a positive and worry-free moving experience is all about avoiding scams throughout the process. By being mindful and informed, you can protect yourself, your belongings, and your overall well-being.
At Yellow Eagle Relocations, we believe that awareness is key to avoiding scams. That’s why we provide educational resources and tips to help our customers recognize common moving scams and stay vigilant. There is a multitude of ways the customers are being tricked during their move, or simply put, get scammed:
1. Giving you a suspiciously low estimate to get your attention, and then threatening to keep or hold onto your hard-earned possessions unless you pay way more than what they originally told you.
In today’s market, it’s crucial for customers to verify the reputation of the moving company they choose. Many companies out there provide unreasonable estimates because they are not directly involved in the transportation of household goods. Instead, they act as intermediaries between customers and random carriers. These carriers may lack experience, have no brand recognition, or even have a bad reputation, making it difficult for them to secure jobs on their own. Brokers effectively present themselves as top-notch service providers, masking the true nature of these companies. Unfortunately, this often leads to a disappointing moving experience when the actual service falls short of expectations.
To avoid such situations, we strongly advise checking the Department of Transportation’s “Safer” website (this is a clickable link) and verifying the DOT number provided in your estimate. This allows you to see whether your estimator is directly involved in the carrying household goods or is just a broker. Relying on brokers’ estimates can have numerous consequences, including last-minute cancellations, lost or damaged possessions and surprise charges for all items not originally included in your estimate.
With over 20 years of combined experience in the moving industry, Yellow Eagle’s top management understands the importance of setting the right expectations from the very beginning. Improper estimates may allow carriers cancel a customer’s job on the moving day if a client declines to pay for additional services, materials, or items, and still keep the customer’s deposit. Those who do choose to pay extra charges often find themselves faced with inflated prices that are double or even triple the estimated amount. Unfortunately, customers are left with limited options as it is too late to schedule alternative companies on such short notice. Furthermore, customers selling their homes may risk losing their deals and even face legal action if the property is not vacated on the agreed-upon date. Imagine the frustration when, after paying increased prices, your delivery is delayed by several weeks and your belongings arrive damaged, missing, or late. It is important to note that industry regulations permit moving companies to legally deliver possessions within 21 business days, considering these delays as normal occurrences.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free moving experience, it is essential to conduct thorough research, choose a reputable moving company with a proven track record, and carefully review estimates and contracts. By being informed and proactive, you can protect yourself from scams, avoid unnecessary stress, and enjoy a successful move to your new home.
2. Pretending that your shipment weighs or takes up more space than it actually does, which they call “weight inflation”.
We’ve heard stories of moving trucks stopping at nearest construction store and loading with concrete bags, only to show increased weight to charge customers more. Once weighing is done, the concrete bags are unloaded and inflated post-loading weighing tickets are presented to the client. The client has a right to be present at weighing of the truck to avoid issues, but dishonest operator usually finds the way to persuade a client to waive this opportunity.
In order to avoid these risks and hassle, Yellow Eagle Relocations takes a meticulous approach to estimating moves. We assess the size of your belongings by asking questions and measuring the total volume in cubic feet. This method allows us to provide you with accurate and transparent estimates tailored to specific needs.
3. Messing around with, copying, sharing, or making a fake shipping document (Bill of lading, Inventory list). These documents indicate what is being moved, the quantity, and where the cargo is supposed to go.
At Yellow Eagle Relocations, we emphasize the importance of accurate data and shared responsibility between our foremen and customers. Our dedicated foremen, who oversee the execution of work at job sites, play a crucial role in ensuring correct data input.
However, we also believe that customers, or shippers, have an essential part to play in ensuring the accuracy of information. We encourage our customers to actively review and verify all paperwork filled during the moving process. By actively participating in this process, customers can double-check the details and ensure that the provided information aligns with their requirements and expectations.
At Yellow Eagle Relocations, we promote a collaborative approach, where both our expert foremen and customers work together to maintain the integrity and accuracy of data. By sharing this responsibility and providing customers with copies of all paperwork, we aim to foster transparency, trust, and accountability throughout the moving journey.
4. Tricking customers out of hard-earned money by playing games with the amount of packing materials and supplies they provided for the move.
Yellow Eagle Relocations takes pride in our meticulous approach to assessing the packing requirements for every move. We start by asking all the right questions, conducting visual estimates, and utilizing the latest technology for quality assurance and follow-ups. Our goal is to ensure accurate planning and provide you with a comprehensive packing solution. We advise every customer to inform us of every valuable and fragile item, as well as those that need special care or may be irreplaceable due to sentimental value.
For those who prefer a hassle-free and no-questions-asked experience, we offer full pack services. Our expert crew, equipped with the necessary materials and expertise, will come to your home and handle the packing process with utmost care and efficiency. When you opt for our “full pack” services, you can rest assured that every item that needs to be moved will be properly packed and protected.
We understand that every client’s needs are unique, and that’s why we offer flexibility in our estimates. Once you make a deposit, you have full control over the additional items you want to include in the moving process. Whether it’s sentimental belongings stored in the garage, attic, or shed, we recognize the importance of not leaving anything behind. Our focus is not just sticking to a rigid plan, but providing you with the flexibility to accommodate your specific requirements without being taken advantage of.
At Yellow Eagle Relocations, we are committed to delivering exceptional service tailored to your needs. From meticulous packing assessments to providing full pack services and offering flexibility in the moving process, we strive to exceed your expectations and make your move a seamless and stress-free experience.
Remember, by being proactive and informed, you can navigate the moving process with confidence and optimism. By selecting trustworthy moving services and being mindful of potential scams, you can ensure a smooth and positive transition to your new home, focusing on the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and make your move a success.
