10 WAYS TO SPOT A MOVER YOU CAN TRUST
1. Call your local DOT office to
verify his license
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.
2. Check your local BBB about
constant complaints
A responsible mover might have a few
complaints lodged against him but his record with the Better Business Bureau
should show that he responds to and resolves complaints and that he has a BBB
Satisfactory Rating. Contact the Long Island BBB at 1-516-420-0500 or check
their Web site at
http://www.newyork.bbb.org/.
3. Ask if he carries Workers'
Compensation Insurance
 The DOT requires such coverage. This
adds to the cost of doing business but it protects you. Be suspicious of the
very low bidder for he may be cutting costs by cheating on this needed
protection. Call the DOT at 1-800-786-5368 to verify he has such coverage.
4. Make sure his place of business
really does exists
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.
5. Be wary of high-pressure tactics
from telemarketers
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.
6. Don't listen to sales personnel
who tell stories
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.
7. Was the company listed in last
year's Yellow Pages?
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 But it could also mean the mover's DOT license was revoked and he's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.
8. You should be able to meet or talk
to the owner
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.
9. It's a good idea to get a
recommendation
A satisfied customer is the best sales
pitch for a mover. Remember, even a mover with a big franchised name is still a
local business who is only as good as his local reputation.
10. Ask if the company is a member of
LIMSA
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.
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