No matter whether you are looking to move home or are considering a business relocation, working with experienced removalists in Perth can help save you a lot of time, stress and effort. However, while there can be no denying the many benefits that come from working with a removal firm, some scammer firms use this opportunity to squeeze more money from customers, hold their belongings hostage or even steal items.
Knowing the signs that you should look out for and understanding how to ensure you are working with reputable removalists in Perth, will bring you complete peace of mind that your belongings are safe and secure during a move.
In this latest article, we explore some of the most common scams and pitfalls and take a closer look at how you can validate any company offering removals in Perth.
What Are Some of the Most Common Removal Scams?
In general, scams across Australia are on the rise, with an incredible $5,200 being lost every minute. The world of removals is no exception and homeowners and businesses alike are increasingly at risk of fraudulent behaviour. Some common things to look out for include:
Hostage Schemes
One of the most prevalent scams by disreputable removalists is the hostage scheme. This is where the movers will provide a low-priced quote to get the customer to agree to use their services. Then, once the customer’s belongings are loaded onto the truck, the removalists will cite unexpected challenges or additional services in order to increase the price, keeping the items ‘hostage’ until the customer pays up.
Weight Bumping
Another common scam is weight bumping. This is where the removalists will fraudulently add weight or volume to the shipment, allowing them to charge you more for transporting your goods.
Hidden Fees
Some removalists may fail to disclose fees or charges upfront with your initial quote, only revealing them to you once the move is completed. These charges could be because they had to move items up stairs, carry items a long way, pay for parking permits or anything else that could earn them more money.
Subcontracting to Unqualified Individuals
In an effort to cut costs, dishonest removal firms may subcontract your work out to unqualified individuals while still charging you the full fee. These individuals lack the necessary experience and skills, which could result in delays and damage.
Bait and Switch
Removalists may promise certain services or features to entice customers, only to fail to deliver on those promises once hired. This could include assurances of specific arrival times, equipment availability or packing materials that are not provided as agreed upon.
Theft
Finally, although it is rare, fraudulent removalists may simply disappear with your belongings, leaving you with significant financial losses and without your cherished items.
How to Identify Fraudulent Removals
While the risk of falling victim to a removal scam is thankfully uncommon in Perth, it is important that you know some of the red flags that you should look out for.
The first is finding that the quote is too good to be true. If you are getting a quote for your move that is significantly lower than others, it is often an indication that there may be hidden fees or a less than professional/honest service. Obtain a number of quotes to help you identify any clear outliers.
Having a lack of a physical business address or finding that they are evasive when asked questions is another major red flag. This lack of transparency should raise suspicion as it often indicates fraudulent behaviour. Equally, a lack of online presence or freshly created social media pages would indicate that they are not established or reputable, so be sure to double-check reviews, testimonials and their services online to gauge legitimacy.
Any legitimate removalists in Perth will offer customers a variety of payment options, including credit/debit cards and bank transfers. If you find that a removal firm insists on cash payments or a large upfront deposit, then it could be a warning sign of potential fraud.
Finally, make sure that they are happy to offer clear and detailed contracts. These are essential for protecting both customer and removalist, clearly outlining what’s expected of both parties, the terms of agreement, the services being provided and the total cost.
How Can You Validate Removalists in Perth?
Alongside being aware of some of the major red flags, there are also some important steps that you can take to ensure you are working with a professional removal firm.
Validating Their Legitimacy
The first step is to validate their legitimacy. You can do this by seeking recommendations from friends, family and colleagues who might have recently moved. You could also ask for references from past customers to gauge satisfaction levels.
When researching your chosen removalists in Perth, you should also verify they have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) and whether they are a member of the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA).
Check Online
You should also make sure that you are using online resources. Websites such as Google, Yelp and Facebook offer authentic reviews and customer feedback that will give you a good insight into previous projects. Just be wary of reviews that were posted around the same time or use repetitive language, as they could be fake.
Insurance and Protection
Most reputable removalists have their own insurance policies, but levels of cover and specific terms vary between companies. You will want to verify that your chosen removalist has the required level of insurance to fully protect your goods. This will ensure your belongings will be covered should they be lost or damaged while in transit. From the customer’s side, it is worth noting that few home insurance policies cover home contents during a move. Check your policy. Others will only insure on the proviso that a professional moving company is used, so trusting KEYS to be your removalists is a safe and smart decision.
Communication
Another important consideration is the level of communication you get from your chosen Perth removalist. If you find that they answer your questions quickly, are clear and open with their responses and are fostering a sense of trust, then it is a good indication of their professionalism and authenticity.
Payment Practices
Finally, make sure you review their payment practices. Check that they offer a variety of payment options and offer clear payment terms without any small print or hidden fees.
Need Help with Removals in Perth?
If you are looking for experienced removalists in Perth that you can trust, then our professional team here at KEYS is to help you. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results at affordable prices. Get in touch today to request your free quote!
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