A Public service of the Long Island Moving & Storage Association
According to a survey of professional, licensed movers on Long
Island, there are 10 ways a consumer or business can determine beforehand with
some degree of certainty if they will be satisfied with the company they select
to handle their move to a new home or office. Here are 10 ways you can spot a
qualified mover, a mover you can trust:
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Make
sure the mover you are considering is duly licensed by the N.Y. State Department of
Transportation as required by law and that his DOT certificate number is
legitimate. In the New York Metropolitan area, call 1-800-786-5368
A
responsible mover might have a few complaints lodged against him -- the more
moves he handles the more likely it is that he will have have at least a few
complaints -- but his record with the Better Business Bureau should show that he has a
satisfactory rating and that he responds to and resolves complaints. Contact
the Long Island BBB at 1-516-420-0500.
The
DOT requires such coverage. This adds to the cost of doing business but it
protects you if someone is injured during your move. Be suspicious of the very low
bidder for he may be cutting costs by cheating on this needed protection.
Paying
a visit tells you something about the mover's integrity and professionalism,
for you can confirm that his place of business is there. A few movers operate
legitimately from a residential address. The important thing is that he
actually is located there and not using a fictitious address to make you think
he is.
This
could be a ploy simply to get a sales person into your home to give you an
estimate. Be careful, do research and you decide who to invite into your home,
based on references.
A
high-quality firm with a good reputation doesn't need to knock the competition,
or to criticize other moving firms in an attempt to make themselves look
better.
If
not, it could be a legitimate new company. But it could also mean the mover's
DOT license was revoked and he's trying to operate under a new name or the name
of another licensed mover.
If
you can talk to the owner of the business, even if only by phone, you will be
able to develop a feeling of confidence that he is experienced and capable
enough to assure a professional move.
A
satisfied customer is the best sales pitch for a mover. Remember, even a mover
with a big franchised name is still a local businessman who is only as good as
his local reputation.
LIMSA
was established in 1933 to build confidence in Long Island's moving industry.
It checks a mover's DOT certificate, workers' compensation insurance coverage
and reputation before accepting him as a member.