After buying or selling a home, the client still has to deal with the move. If they ask you for advice, you should have an answer ready. Otherwise, they may end up choosing a moving company based only on online search results. That can be risky. A recommendation for a can give clients a better starting point. Here are four topics you should discuss with them before moving day.
Why Recommending Vetted Movers Protects Your Reputation
The move is the final stage of the transaction. If it goes badly, the client will associate this impression with the entire experience, especially if they chose the company on your recommendation. This is a logical risk, not a guaranteed result.
The best solution is to prepare a list in advance. Choose several moving companies and check each one against official sources. Recommending a trusted moving company saves the client time and protects them from hiring an unreliable mover. When handling the list, explain one thing to the client: this is a recommendation and the final check is still up to them.
How Clients Can Check if a Mover Is Licensed and Insured
For interstate moves, a moving company must be registered with the FMCSA, and its registration information and complaint history can be checked through ProtectYourMove.gov. A company that does not display a USDOT number in its advertising should raise a red flag.
For moves within a single state, the rules vary by state. Clients should check with their state’s regulatory agency.
When it comes to insurance, the client should find out what liability the carrier assumes in the event of damage to the goods. According to the FMCSA, consumers often make mistakes with the type of liability they sign for. Advise them to fully understand everything before signing.
When Clients Should Book Movers After Going Under Contract
Once the contract is signed, the client already has an estimated closing date. This is the basis for planning the move. Advise them to start collecting quotes from several companies as soon as the date is confirmed.
The mover should provide a written estimate. Consumer Action recommends that the company conduct an on-site estimate at the client’s home. Both facts are crucial, as the price adjustment should be based on this estimate.
Before booking, the client should clarify the terms of postponement and cancellation. The closing date can change and the client should know what will happen if it does. How far in advance the move should be booked depends on the company’s workload. This question should be asked directly to the company.
Common Moving Scams to Warn Clients About
Clients should remember four warning signs.
Large upfront payments. One common scheme involves a company demanding a large payment in advance and then failing to show up on moving day.
Holding belongings hostage. A company may give a low initial estimate, then hold the customer’s belongings and demand much more money before releasing them.
No USDOT number. A company that does not display a USDOT number in its advertising is an immediate reason to look more closely.
Incomplete paperwork. Clients should never sign blank or incomplete documents. If the estimate changes, that should happen before loading begins, and the client should approve the change. Tell them to keep a copy of every signed document or take a photo of it.
If a client runs into a problem, they can file a complaint with the FMCSA, Better Business Bureau, or the appropriate state consumer protection agency.
Moving is one of the final steps in a client’s home-buying or selling process, and your advice can follow them all the way there. A vetted list, four basic questions, and an understanding of common scam warning signs can help clients avoid many problems.
