Consumer Traps & Tips #20 - Moving Estimate – Get It in Writing!

For immediate release: April 13, 2009
Contact: Dennis Moore PBC Consumer Affairs Division, (561) 712-6600

Trap

Laura and her family were moving from Lantana to a new home in Jupiter. With only a week before the move, she decided to look for a moving company. She called several and asked for estimates.  All but one company offered to evaluate the items to be moved prior to providing a written estimate.  That mover gave her a “low ball” estimate by phone of $999 to move everything.  Trying to save a few dollars, Laura selected this company.  On moving day, the truck came and removed all her property. Upon arrival at her new home, the movers demanded $4,000 and threatened to hold her property until she paid in full.

Tips
The Consumer Affairs Division licenses and regulates companies conducting residential moves in Palm Beach County.

• Movers must prepare a written, signed and approved estimate for the consumer detailing all charges (e.g., boxes, tape, blankets, etc.) associated with the move.
• Prior to the loading the truck, the mover must provide the consumer with a signed contract for service (bill of lading) which verifies the complete breakdown of all moving costs.
• A mover must relinquish household goods and place them inside the consumer’s home when payment is made in the amount specified on the contract (bill of lading).  It is a criminal offense for a moving company to hold goods hostage when the contractual payment is made.  Movers must accept two of the following three forms of payment: cash, imprinted personal check or credit card (Visa/MC).
• A mover must also provide a household disclosure form explaining “evaluation” coverage options and the damage claim process prior to a move.

Consumers can check for licensed moving companies and consumer complaints by going to our Web site at: www.pbcgov.com/consumer.  For more information, call Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362).