There are a lot of disreputable moving companies out there and if you happen to work with one, there can be big problems. While hindsight is 20/20, there are steps you can take to report a bad moving company, potentially get restitution and prevent others from making the mistake of hiring them.
The moving experts at Cowboy Moving & Storage put together this list of steps you can take to report a disreputable mover.
1 Be Sure To Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documentation, including contracts, receipts, correspondence and any video or photographs that demonstrate the mover's misconduct or negligence. Of course, the more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
2 Check Licensing And Regulations: Be sure to do your research. Find out whether the mover is properly licensed and regulated by the authorities in your city and state. This information can usually be found on the government's website or by contacting the relevant agency.
3 Start By Contacting The Mover: Before taking any formal action, reach out to the mover to express your concerns and attempt to resolve the issue directly. Be sure to document all of the conversations you have, including dates, times and summaries of the conversations. Save any emails or texts.
4 File A Formal Complaint With The Mover: Many reputable moving companies have an established complaint process. Look for the "complaints" or "customer service" section on their website or contact them directly to find out about their complaint procedure. Provide them with a detailed account of the issues you encountered.
5 File A Formal Complaint With Relevant Organizations: Depending on where you live, there may be specific organizations or agencies that oversee the moving industry and handle complaints like yours. Research and then contact these organizations to file a formal complaint. Provide them with copies of all the evidence and information you have gathered. Contact the Better Business Bureau as well.
6 Post Online Reviews: Share your negative experience on relevant review platforms and consumer websites, like Yelp and Google. By warning others about the disreputable mover it could potentially pressure the company to address the issue.
7 Contact Consumer Protection Agencies: If the mover refuses to resolve the issue or talk with you, contact your local consumer protection agency. They can provide information regarding your rights as a consumer and may be able to intervene on your behalf.
8 Consult An Attorney: If you’ve experienced significant financial loss or damage, you should get legal advice from an attorney specializing in consumer protection or contract law. They can guide you on the best course of action and help you pursue any legal remedies that may be available to you.
9 Act Promptly. It’s important to act promptly when dealing with a disreputable mover, as some legal remedies or complaint processes may have specific time limitations.
Talk To A Moving Expert
If you’ve had a negative experience with a moving company, there are some things you can do in the future to make sure you choose a reputable one. Check out online review forums like ReviewBuzz and Google.
For example, Cowboy Moving & Storage in Denver has more than 2,500 five-star reviews! Choose a mover with a great reputation and longevity in the marketplace. Cowboy Moving & Storage has been serving Denver and all of Colorado since 1968! Make sure you choose a mover that has employees and not contractors.
Cowboy Moving & Storage employees are moving specialists that are drug and alcohol tested and background checked, so you can trust them with your belongings. Call 303-789-2200.