You should first narrow down your options to 3 movers, and then use the following vetting process to narrow down your options. Don't be afraid to ask the company about their competitors - a true professional will tell you about their legitimate competition, and their below-average competition. A true professional also knows that they cannot move every customer that comes to them due to scheduling, but it is their duty to point you in the right direction so that they ensure that the customer is in good hands.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? Can you send me a certificate of insurance?
A moving company should be readily able to produce insurance documents covering themselves for following types of coverage: general liability, automotive, Worker's Compensation, Motor Truck Cargo. It also helps if they are members of their state moving association, and the national one, namely AMSA, MASS DPU, and DOT. Though these are not required, they provide the peace of mind that a company is verified and in good standing with regulating authorities. If the company you are calling is not a reputable and honest company, they will have trouble answering these questions or providing the documents. They might even try to change the topic. A reliable moving company should be able to provide these answers and documents at a moment's notice!
What is your hourly rate?
Some moving companies have all sorts of hidden rates that they don't disclose up front on the initial few conversations. The pricing structure, no matter how it is calculated, should be transparent and simple. For example, we charge at an hourly rate of time-start, to time-finish, plus an hour for mileage and truck charges. This way we can provide the most accurate moving estimate possible. This structure is a little different with interstate movers, where moves are calculated according to weight of the items being moved.
Can you provide some testimonials from previous customers?
Check the company's rating on sites such as Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, Service Magic, Google, Yahoo etc., and you should get a good feel for what people are saying about them. A company's own website can tout many positive reviews, but keep in mind that these reviews can be manipulated or even fabricated, so reviews on independent sites are much more reliable.
What are my insurance options?
There is an automatic insurance option that is included with your move, though it's not very high. A good moving company should be able to give you a detailed explanation about your options, and back that information up with some documentation for your reference. For more details regarding this, read our blog post on our website about movers insurance options.
Can you provide a binding quote?
If a moving company is not forthcoming with their rates, they will possibly have a nervous breakdown when asked for a binding quote. A binding quote guarantees that your moving cost will not exceed the number quotes to you, and will give you peace of mind and reduce stress.
When faced with the questions, we are proud to say that Brookline Moving Company is regarded as one of the best Boston Movers and Boston Storage companies.
Broojkline Moving Company is a full-service provider of relocation services, including moving, storage, packing, and unpacking. BMC has offices in Walpole, Brookline, Belmont, and Westwood, but provides local, long-distance, and international services to our clients.
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