How To Avoid Dodgy Removalists?

Nov 11, 2022 Did you know that Australia’s removalist industry has a market size of 1.6 billion? If you are moving homes and need professional help, you will have plenty of removalist services in Adelaide to choose from. But this is also dangerous, as many dodgy removalist companies will try to scam you out of your money. Therefore, it is necessary to take the necessary precautions and carefully scan your removalists in Adelaide before hiring them. Besides checking for an 11-digit Australian business number and certified name, there are many factors you must look at to avoid dodgy removalists, such as:

Look At The Online Reviews

You should first go online and check the reviews on their website and third-party sites.

• Scam removalists often make fake websites and hire people to write fabricated reviews for the company.
• That is why it is good to cross-examine and review the references on other sites.
• It would be best if you also were wary of a company with only one or five-star ratings, as they might subcontract the moving work.
• These subcontractors need to be trained in handling fragile items which could damage your belongings.
• Thus, please look at different sites and note if there are both negative and positive reviews that show a more genuine view of the company.

Check If They Are AFRA Members

When hiring these removalist services, you should look for official accreditations from the Australian Furniture Removals Association (AFRA). AFRA is an official body that provides training and insurance for removalists and certifies that they are legal. So, a company with this accreditation will be of a high-quality standard and ensure that you can move homes easily. However, some removalist services without this accreditation are also good, and you can see whether their services are worth it or not by looking at other factors like insurance provided.

See If They Include Contents Insurance

A reliable and legitimate removalist will provide insurance for your belongings so that in case anything gets damaged while on the move, they will cover it. It would be best if you asked whether they provide full or partial contents insurance and make sure you apply for it at the beginning. This contents insurance covers any damage to your household items and belongings, including your furniture. Make sure you also get a list of what is included in the contents insurance so that you can compare the insurance policies of different removalist companies and then make a choice.

Ask Them About The Payment

Another way to avoid dodgy removalists in Adelaide is to ask them about their payment methods in advance. They are reliable if they give you a written estimate and let you pay at the end. But if they ask you for cash upfront or make you sign a blank contract, they could be trying to cut corners and might not show up on moving day. It is best to avoid this situation by paying only at the end of the relocation process to avoid falling for any scam. Make sure you do not give them any personal details or card numbers so that they refrain from using your information.

Ask For Proof Of Awards

A common tell of dodgy removalists Adelaide is when they have several awards listed on their website and reviews, but they need proof of the same. They have lied about these awards to attract more people and are scamming artists. You must go to their office and ask to see their awards, and if they cannot show you any proof, you must avoid them at all costs.

Check The ABN Number

The ABN number is an Australian business number that registers your company officially with the government. You must note down the ABN of the removalist service you want to hire and then look it up online on the official government website. If it does not show up, the moving company is fake, and you must not hire them.

Additional Tips:

• Now that you know how to avoid these dodgy removalists, you should choose up to three reliable removalist services in Adelaide to help you move homes.
• Ask each of these services for a written quote and then compare them to choose the best removalists for your move.
• It is tempting to choose the cheapest option, but sometimes, this could result in lower-quality service. This is because these are likely most likely inexperienced companies who could be subcontracting the work for lower prices.
• So, look at the reviews and ratings of the company as well and pick one that provides good quality service at a budget-friendly price.
• Lastly, if you book these removalists in Adelaide in advance, you could get better discounts and can choose the date and time of your move.

Conclusion

You must be careful when moving Adelaide homes and use the above tips to avoid dodgy removalists. These tips will help you move stress-free with experienced and qualified removalists who will take care of your belongings.