We’ve all heard of red flags: a warning sign or indicator of a potential problem or risk.
When moving in New York, there are always going to be opportunities for red-flag movers. These can often be found on places like Craigslist, social media, or even actual professional moving sites.
So, what constitutes some major red flags to watch out for to ensure you’re selecting a reputable and reliable moving company?
Here are the Top 5 Things to Watch Out For:
1. No Certificate of Insurance
We talked in our last blog, about the importance of having a Certificate of Insurance when moving in the City. All legitimate moving companies should be licensed and insured. If they cannot provide evidence of proper licensing and insurance, this is a huge red flag.
If you choose a moving partner who cannot provide proof of insurance — and something went wrong or got damaged during your move — you would potentially be liable for those associated costs, which can accumulate very quickly.
2. No Reviews, Reputation, or References
Ideally, you want to choose a moving partner who has successfully worked with other (happy) customers. At Orange Truck, we’ve helped thousands of clients, and we’re proud of that number. If a moving company is unable to produce a requested reference, or if their reputation is not exactly sparkling, it is probably an indication that they are not a good choice.
Customers who have positive moving experiences are excited and willing to share their testimonials, and often take to places like Yelp or Google Reviews to rave about their takeaway.
And ironically, the same thing holds true for the negative. Look for consistently negative reviews about issues such as:
- Damaged items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Hidden fees
If there is a trend of people saying that they did not have a rewarding moving experience — listen to them.
3. Requiring Large Deposits or Unrealistic Quotes
Most moving companies do not require large deposits, and anyone who tells you otherwise may very well be trying to scam you. Legitimate companies typically require payment upon delivery.
Similarly, if a moving company provides you with unrealistic quotes, either lower or higher than most others without a clear explanation, it could indicate hidden fees or, again, a potential scam.
4. Lack of Physical Address
Be wary of moving companies that don’t have a physical address or only operate online. A physical address lends credibility and accountability.
5. Poor Communication
The best movers in NYC will always prioritize communication with their clients. If you feel like the company you’re talking to is unresponsive or overly vague, take that as your warning sign that there will also likely be problems with the moving process itself.
Questions about how to choose a mover or about moving in New York?
It is our number one goal to ensure you have a positive moving experience. Regardless of if you choose Orange Truck to be your NYC movers or not, we still always want you to be informed and making the best decision for you and your family.
If you have any questions about moving in NYC or about Orange Truck itself, please reach out to us anytime. We’re always here.
And if you’re ready to make your move, we also offer FREE, no-obligation instant quotes for our NYC moves.
