8 Tips Doing Background Check to a Moving Service Company in Selangor
Introduction
When you need a moving service, complete a
background check of any moving company in Selangor. Since they will be in your
home and are responsible for transporting your personal possessions, you will
want to feel safe. It’s a good idea to be aware of their track records and to
find proof of moving service in Selangor.
When you’re searching for a moving company in
Selangor, you may be worried about unskilled staff, unprofessional service and unethical business practices. Making sure that a moving
company is qualified, experienced and trustworthy is an important part of
planning your move to ensure everything runs smoothly. If you’re concerned
about hiring an unreliable and incompetent company for your move, the following
tips will help you choose a mover that meets your needs.
1. Verify the moving company’s licensing
credentials
Professional movers are required by law to be
registered and licensed to perform moves – especially if they ship goods over
state lines.
Individual state requirements vary, but if you are
hiring movers for an interstate relocation, it should be regulated by the
federal government. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association requires
that these movers register for a USDOT number which ensures they are
inspected and regulated. Before hiring any long distance
mover, verify the USDOT number on the FMCSA website.
By obtaining a company’s USDOT number, you can find
out a lot of vital information about them, and this information is the key to
doing a routine background check. Any reliable and reputable moving
company will be happy to provide you with their USDOT number.
2. Search for the mover through the Better Business
Bureau
Any company accepted by the BBB will most likely be
a reputable company to use when moving. In order to be accepted into the BBB,
the company must meet all of the following eight criteria:
·
Build trust
·
Advertise honestly
·
Tell the truth
·
Be transparent
·
Honor promises
·
Be responsive
·
Safeguard privacy
·
Embody integrity
Did you know…?
If the BBB determines that a company meets each criterion, then that company
will be able to put the BBB seal of approval on their website. However, BBB
accreditation does mean that the business’s service has been evaluated or
endorsed by the BBB. Rather, the BBB makes the determination based on the
company’s business practices.
Verify the company’s BBB
accreditation or memberships with any moving organizations with your
own research. Their profile on the BBB website
will display a rating as well as any outstanding complaints and
customer reviews.
3. Check to see if the company is blacklisted
You certainly don’t want to be hiring a moving
company that has been blacklisted, so it’s a good idea to look
at that kind of information before hiring them.
Blacklists identify untrustworthy individuals
or moving companies that should be avoided at all costs. Search the moving
company’s name online to find out whether a company is blacklisted. There
are websites dedicated to blacklisted movers, such as MovingScam and
BlackListedMovers.
4. Search for any outstanding complaints against
the movers
Just as you wouldn’t want to hire a moving company
in Selangor that has been blacklisted, you also want to stay away from movers
that have a large amount of complaints filed against them.
·
Top Movers has an extensive collection
of moving reviews and is a great source for
researching this information
·
There are also many secondary sources where reviews of various moving companies can be
found such as Yelp and Yahoo Local
·
Review sites will
contain hundreds of customer testimonials — either
attesting to a company’s stellar or subpar service
TIP: Reading
customer reviews can be a great way to gauge a company’s performance. It is
important to look over these reviews and see the varying experiences that
people have had with a particular moving company. Unfortunately, many
dishonest companies do actually pay people to write favorable reviews, so be
sure to be on the lookout for telltale signs that a review is illegitimate.
5. Ask the moving company
for references
Another way to learn about previous customer
experiences is by asking for references. You should treat the situation
as professionally as possible and politely ask for at
least three references from former customers. Ask for both work and cell phone
numbers for each reference as well as the city and state they reside in. You
can also ask for letters of recommendation, but these are very easy to forge.
TIP: When a moving
company gives you references, make sure that they don’t appear to be immediate
connections to the movers (like references that have the same last name or
share a phone number).
Before you can trust a reference from a moving
company, you should ensure that the reference is genuine. Here are some steps
for checking to see if a reference is authentic or not:
·
If a reference calls you, be
suspicious. Tell him or her that you are unavailable
at the moment and schedule another time to call them back.
·
Have your potential mover supply you
with a full name, company phone number and e-mail address for all
references. Be sure to get three references per
vendor.
·
Personally call all the references and
talk to them. Though this takes some time, you’ll
avoid wasting time and money on the wrong moving company.
·
Perform an online search to ensure that
the reference is real. For individuals, try checking the
White Pages and other phone directories specific to the region you’re calling.
The references shouldn’t be located near the mover’s office(s).
·
Call the reference’s place of work, if
possible. You can confirm his or her employment status,
locate any ties to the mover and ensure that they are genuine.
·
Leave a voicemail and send an
e-mail. Follow up your calls with a thank-you e-mail.
6. Research the moving company’s statistics
Every good moving company should have statistics
about the number of moves they have performed, their years in service and other
relevant numbers. These numbers, when verified against other independent
sources, create a timeline that paints a vivid image of the mover and can
either bolster or destroy their credibility.
Treat the statistics carefully and look for any
logical flaws. For instance, if the mover insists they have performed 200 moves
in the past month but only has two trucks, there is a problem.
7. Ask the moving specialist about their experience
When receiving your in-home estimate from a moving
company, it’s important to ask questions about the company’s experience
performing various moving services. If you have any special requests, such as
packing an antique china cabinet or moving a piano, it’s crucial to inquire
about the company’s familiarity with these tasks.
Questions to ask include:
·
How long have you been in the moving
industry?
·
What kind of training do your movers
undergo?
·
Do you have any screening process for
hiring?
·
What are your methods for packing and
wrapping furniture? Antiques? Artwork?
·
What kind of packing materials/moving
tools do your workers use?
·
Do you have experience
moving special items (piano, pool table, treadmill, safe, shed)?
8. Compare quotes from at least three movers
company
The more on-site estimates you receive from
different moving companies, the more knowledgeable you are about the going
rates for comparable services, the easier it is to spot an unqualified mover or
scam company. You should always receive at least three in-home estimates from
different movers before choosing one for hire. You can get started comparing
free quotes today, right here at Top Movers! Simply fill out our fast and easy
quote form with just a few details about your move, and you will be contacted
by up to seven companies in your area.
Since your movers will be handling everything you
own, it is worth the extra time to check up on your moving company. By choosing
movers with good track records, solid references and a history of good service,
you can feel confident in their abilities as they transport your belongings.
10 Important Questions to Ask Moving Company in KL
Malaysia
Introduction
The best way to
manage a move is to research the moving company and set realistic expectations.
A professional moving specialist will be receptive to your questions and answer
quickly without hesitation.
A reliable moving
company will also ask YOU questions, such as:
·
What are you moving to? Your shipment size determines your cost.
·
Do you need packing services? This includes specialty item packing and
crating.
·
Do you have any stairs? Stair carries cost extra!
·
How big is your property? Long carries between front door and parking
cost extra!
·
Do you need insurance? Full Value Protection costs extra!
While you should be
able to answer your moving company’s questions, here are the top 10 questions
you need to ask moving company in KL,Malaysia while looking for the best
choice.
1. How long has the
moving company been in operation in KL Malaysia?
If the moving company
only has a few years of experience in KL Malaysia, you may want to check the
business’s background more thoroughly. A moving company that’s been in business
for a while proves that they provide quality service — and that they operate
lawfully. A new moving company will not have a paper trail, so it will be
difficult to find reviews, legal action or other open complaints against them.
2. What is the
mover’s reputation?
Checking a company’s
credentials is important, but you might want to supplement online customer
reviews with other references. Ask if the moving company can provide you with
some other proof of good service in KL,Malaysia. The mover’s readiness to
provide you with references will be an indication of their reliability and
professionalism. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the American Moving &
Storage Association (AMSA) are professional organizations that can also provide
additional insight into a moving company’s reputation.
3. Is the moving
company licensed and insured in KL M’sia?
If your moving
company does not provide proof of their license and insurance on their website,
ask for a copy of their Certificate of Insurance. You can also check for their
USDOT number on the FMCSA’s website. Verifying the legitimacy of a mover
ensures your items are transported safely and legally while also saving you
from rogue companies and moving scams.
4. Does the mover
offer a binding not-to-exceed estimate?
While locating a
mover, you are probably working on your moving budget, too. Determining
estimates and fees from potential movers can help you find a reliable mover with
affordable rates. A binding not-to-exceed estimate means you only must pay for
an agreed upon price, even if your weight exceeds the estimate.
5. Are there any
specifics to your move that will cost extra?
This question is
about the moving charges related to your specific relocation. It’s good to keep
in mind the following information:
·
Long-distance and
interstate moves are charged by the weight of the shipment
·
Local moves are
usually charged hourly per worker
·
International moves
are usually charged by the shipment’s volume
Knowing these details
before you speak to your moving specialist can also help you ask questions
about additional policies related to these different types of moves.
6. How will the
moving crew prevent damage to walls and carpets?
You want your new
home to be protected on moving day. The mover should be able to provide you
with information about their moving techniques and the type of protective
coverings they use. Large appliances require moving pads, sliders and a dolly.
Furniture should be dissembled and wrapped in blankets. It would also be wise
for the moving company to measure your doorways and plot out a pathway before
the move day.
7. Does the company
provide a trained moving crew?
The mover should use
regular employees, not contractors. Not only will regular employees be
professionally trained and experienced, but they will undergo background checks
and be covered under workers’ compensation. If the moving company doesn’t
provide insurance or workers’ compensation, then the customer is liable for
injuries that occur on their property.
8. Do you train your
moving staff to safely pack and handle goods?
Assess how your goods
will be handled and protected during the move. The mover should tell you about
the types of packing materials they use, precautions they take during the move
and the range of their insurance policies. Every employee of the company should
go through the same rigorous preparation, so it doesn’t matter which crew
members are assigned to your move.
9. What is the claims
process in case of lost or damaged items?
In addition to
locating information about the mover’s insurance policy, inquire about their
claims procedure. No matter how many precautions your movers take, there is
still the possibility that something will get broken or misplaced during the
move. Know the company’s policy in advance, so you’ll be ready to handle claims
as soon as they happen.
10. When will your
belongings arrive at your new home?
For local moves, it
shouldn’t take weeks to transport your belongings, but it may take that long
for long-distance and international moves. Get a good idea of when to expect
your items and keep in contact throughout the process. A seasoned mover will
appoint a representative to your move, and they should call you with updates
until you receive your belongings.
Use our printable
moving company questionnaire when comparing movers
Before hiring a
moving company in Malaysia, you will want to do your homework. Save and print
this worksheet to track their information and know which questions you should
ask. Afterward, you can compare their responses and make an educated hire –
knowing your valuables will be taken care of and your wallet won’t be taken
advantage of.
5 Steps to Find a Best Movers in Selangor &
Kuala Lumpur
Finding a moving
company that fits your move criteria and your budget takes some careful
consideration and smart comparison shopping. To make sure that your belongings
are placed in the hands of an experienced team of movers, you’ll need to follow
the right steps to narrow down the field and we’ll show you how to do it in
five easy steps.
1. Get
recommendations four to six months in advance
You should begin
looking for movers at least several months in advance, especially if you are
moving during peak season (May to September). Moving companies’ schedules fill
up quickly during this period, because it is the most popular time of the year
to move. To ensure you can secure a reservation, give yourself a sufficient
amount of time to compare and research potential companies.
The market is flooded
with moving companies competing for your attention and your business, so it can
be easy to fall prey to an unprofessional, unethical company with all the movers
that are vying for your dollar. Knowing how to search is key.
·
Start online. With endless amounts of information at your
fingertips, you can start with a general search for movers in your area, then
narrow your search based on further research on the companies you find. Use the
Top Movers quote form for FREE quotes from up to seven different moving
services in your area.
·
Verbal recommendations. Any information from people you trust will be
helpful, so ask neighbors, family members, friends and coworkers if they have
moved recently. Someone may offer a good company for your consideration.
·
Customer reviews. Reading reviews and testimonials
from real customers can be extremely valuable. The more info you can glean
about a certain company, the better your decision-making process will go. It’s
important to see what other people are saying about the particular companies
you’re considering.
2. Narrow your search
down to at least three movers
The best way to
narrow your search for a moving company is to find three movers in your area
that you believe best fit your criteria for your move. Then, from those three,
break down the pros and cons of their services to help you decide. The more options you have to compare, the better your chance will
be to secure the best price as well as availability on your
chosen date.
Ask each company you
are considering plenty of questions, including if they charge extra fees for
stair carries, long carries and packing supplies.
While everyone wants
to save a little money, you should always be skeptical of a mover that
offers an unusually low quote. This often a red flag for a common
moving scam – the company offers an enticingly-cheap estimates, secures the
customer’s service and then hikes up the price exponentially prior to delivery.
If the customer refuses to pay, the mover will hold the goods random and deny
delivery until the bill is paid in full. If the price seems too good to be
true, it probably is.
3. Show a surveyor
what you plan on moving
The best way to get
estimates is in-person. Simply put, an in-home
estimate is when the moving company comes to your home to assess your
belongings and give you the most accurate estimate possible. Be wary of moving companies that insist on phone estimates only.
It’s helpful to
familiarize yourself with the moving estimate process before you begin this
step, as well as with the different types of estimates that you will typically
receive from moving companies.
There are three main
types of moving estimates that you may encounter during this process:
·
Binding estimates: The price quoted in the estimate is the amount you
pay, even if your shipment weighs more than the estimated amount or less than
the estimated amount.
·
Non-binding estimates: Most commonly given by moving companies, non-binding
estimates means the price presented to you is a projected cost for your move,
provided to help you anticipate the cost. It is not a
guaranteed price, just what the company thinks the
final price of your move will be based on the inventory and services you
discussed.
·
Binding not-to-exceed estimates: They stipulate that a moving company cannot charge
a customer more than what the original estimate states, but they can charge
less if the total shipment ends up being smaller than what was initially anticipated.
4. Comparing more
than just the estimates from movers
Don’t make a decision
solely based on price. Although rates can be a major factor, the company that
is the cheapest does not necessarily provide the best service. You can end up
sorely disappointed if you choose based on the number.
Other things to consider when comparing
quotes:
·
Years of operation in
the industry
·
How their employees
are trained
·
Any oustanding
complaints on the company
·
Experience with
specialty items
·
What they include with
their service
5. Verify the moving
company’s credentials
Once you’ve narrowed
down your search and gotten estimates, the next step is to do a background
check to make sure they are operating legally. Depending on the laws in your
state, your local moving company is required to have certain licensing
credentials to operate. Ask any potential moving
company to provide proof that they are properly licensed and registered.
·
Most states require
that local carries have a USDOT number.
·
Others only mandate
the company is registered with the state department of transportation.
·
If you are moving
across state lines, the company will need to have relevant licensing in both
states.
·
Find out if they are
accepted by the Better Business Bureau.
·
You can also ask the
companies for references; most reputable moving services will have plenty of
customers or affiliates that can vouch for great service.