FAQs
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
WHY VIP CUSTOMERS Choose VIP Moving and Storage? Our VIP (VERY INTELLIGENT PURCHASER) know the following: 1) Brokers should NOT be considered as an option "Internet brokerage" middlemen who give you low-ball estimates and sell booking to questionable movers. According to Consumer Reports, in a recent moving trade group web search survey, 8 out of 10 brokers utilize unlicensed movers; Once the job is sold You will have no recourse against the company should something go wrong. Moving brokers ARE NOT professional estimators. Since brokers have no moving trucks and have no idea how much space boxes and household goods take up on a truck, they aren't skilled at giving an accurate moving estimate. And, if your moving estimate isn't accurate, you could end up paying thousands of dollars more for your move, depending on what type of quote was given. No vested interest. A moving broker has no vested interest in your actual move o; they only have an interest in booking your move. Therefore, they will not do anything to make certain the price of your move doesn't go up. In fact, there have been many individuals who've gotten caught in this predicament: the moving broker gives a low-ball quote and the moving company can require additional monies on delivery due to certain loopholes in the law. ELIMINATE the "Brokers "-- Ask if your shipment will be brokered and insist on learning the identity of the licensed mover. The Department Of Transportation actually set up a great resource for exposing brokers since the companies don't legally have to tell you if you ask. It's called protectyourmove.gov and it logs all formal complaints filed against moving companies. More importantly though, it tracks the number of trucks, tractors, and trailers a company has. All you need to do is enter the company's DOT number into the link at the top of the page that says "search movers and complaint history." If they don't have a DOT number, that's the first red flag since legitimate moving companies legally have to show you one. 2) Know the company you are dealing with: The website looks very professional, but you never heard of the recommended movers......... Make sure that the company you consider holds their license under their name. And has been in business (under the same name) for at least 5+ years. Many companies that have their license revoked or worst are known to shut down only to open another company under a different name VIP Moving Moving and Storage is proud to be in business for over 10 years Also, while you have the sales rep's attention, get as much information about the company that you can such as: Full company name and any DBA names (doing business as) How long they have been in business Company's Physical address ( avoid PO Boxes) Phone numbers (local and toll-free) DOT and MC license numbers Company web site address 3) Know the cost and how it's calculated. This will help you keep the move on budget. The cost of your move is determined by the following 4 factors 1. How much space your move will occupy - This is the most important factor -The best way to determine this is by having an onsite estimate. As an option to an onsite is to provide your moving consultant with a detailed item list. Most carriers will have an item list form you can fill our or you can just send them e-mail. Name all of the large items and sizes; for example: King size bed, Table and 4 chairs. And include estimated number of boxes and size of boxes. The more specific you are the more "BINDING" and accurate your rate is. Send your item list in writing via e-mail to ensure you have a record of the items you have provided to the carrier and there are no discrepancies 2. Services Required - cost of pick up team, any labor and material used for packing 2. Distance transported - How many miles the destination is from point of origin 3. Move Date - Are you moving during the peak season? In the summer months where the demand is greater moving cost is higher. A reputable moving company may be completely booked 2-3 weeks in advance. it is highly recommended to book your move in advance to avoid the possibility of losing the reserved date 4) If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is... While honest movers are competitive and their prices differ, they will be within a reasonable range. If a mover comes in with an estimate way below all the others, that should send up a red flag that this is someone to avoid. Avoid Hidden Costs and Low Ball Estimates Consumers today are becoming increasingly savvy in their purchasing decisions. We welcome this trend and hope to assist potential clients in making an educated choice for this complex and sometimes confusing evaluation process. We would rather educate you than to mislead you. With that objective in mind, we recommend an outlook of "Price isn't everything, but make sure everything is in the price." Price is a major factor in your decision, and it should be, as long as you understand that the price quoted is not always the price you are going to pay at the end To avoid these "hidden costs" request that all of your rates be provided in writing, and ask your moving consultant to include all costs charged by the carrier. When comparing rates always compare apples to apples some companies will provide you a rate of a very small capacity just to seem more competitive. They know in advance that overflow charges will apply Does the quote include extra charges? For example - flight charges, long carry charges, appliance charges, parking charges, storage charges, fuel charges, awkward objects, etc. What's not included in most rates? Packing of personal items in boxes - this is usually an additional charge unless specified in the quote Cargo Insurance and full valuation - Your rate includes the basic valuation coverage of 60 cents per article per pound your moving company may offer an upgrade at a reasonable price. You can also work with 3rd party insurance providers to cover the move. Overflow charges - any additional capacity added to the capacity reserved either in weight or CFT While honest movers are competitive and their prices differ, they will be within a reasonable range. If a mover comes in with an estimate way below all the others, that should send up a red flag that this is someone to avoid. 5) Spend the time to make and educated decision and save money ... The Industry consists of Moving Companies with different business philosophies and working ethics. Admittedly, the following is an oversimplification dividing these companies into two groups. The "Bad Group" Companies that base their sales on the public's lack of experience, preying on customers "wishful thinking" and bargain hunting. These Movers use "Low ball" pricing, relying on profits from additional charges prior to pick up or delivery. Remember - If it looks too good to be true, it usually is. International moves involve many parties who will handle your shipment. There are unavoidable costs in every international move. Every company will collect these costs, no matter what they quote you. They will not pay for your move out of their pocket. They will guarantee no hidden costs, but will always leave gray areas enabling them to charge for extras, and if all fails, they simply will not pick up the job. The "Good Group" Companies aiming for the long term and operate honestly and ethically. They educate the customer, teach how a move is constructed and priced, and do their best to provide all costs and exclusions in advance. They have a good reputation. They will pick you up at the scheduled time, "hold your hand" from start to finish, and they don't under quote and will be able to keep to the price and terms quoted. RISK FREE EVALUATION: Feel free to e-mail us any competitive rate from a licensed carrier and we will show you what to watch for or recommend their services. OUR CONSULTATION IS FREE SO Please... FEEL FREE TO US
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Important questions to ask You have probably been bombarded with calls from moving companies regarding your upcoming move. We apologize for your experience and want to serve you as best as possible. Below are important questions that can assist in qualifying a reputable mover 1 Are you a licensed moving company? What licensing do you have place and what are your license numbers? 2 Are you a broker? Do you subcontract your moves? 3 What is your estimation process? do you provide FREE in-home estimate and a guaranteed price ( Binding estimate) 4 What is EXCLUDED from the rate? 5 Do you provide a DETAILED estimate in writing? 6 What type of packing services do you offer? What measures do you take to protect my items? 7 Will the rate change on my move date? What will be the charge for the additional items over the reserved capacity ? 8 What is the estimated delivery date? 9 How can I contact you during the moving process? Will you provide me an after hours cell# 10 Can you supply me with references? As with any moves, we understand that it can be one of the most time consuming and stressful things in life, I am available to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the moving process. I know the process is stressful and there are many options out there, but I am positive if given the chance I will be able to provide you with some insight to the moving industry so you can make the best choice for your move. If you prefer email over phone, simply respond to this email and I will be able to answer your needs directly.