Avoiding Moving Scams: How to Identify Reliable Removalists in Sydney

In this guide, leading Sydney removalists ZOOM Removals provide expert tips that customers can use to protect themselves against poor quality or fraudulent moving companies.

Introduction

Moving is traditionally a stressful time for individuals, families and even businesses.

Unfortunately, like in many other industries, the moving industry is not immune to fraudulent schemes and scammers. For this reason, if you are planning on hiring professional assistance when relocating in Sydney, then choosing the right removalist is crucial.

Did you know that according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an estimated 2.5% of Australians were exposed to a scam in the 2022-2023 financial year?

Key Takeaways

• Researching moving companies is key, this includes checking their online presence and customer reviews.
• Being wary of very low quotes, unclear contracts, and requests for large deposits.
• Be sure to check a company’s licenses and accreditations.
• Carefully read contracts before signing them and trust your instincts.

Why Is It Important To Do Your Due Diligence On Moving Companies?

Being caught unaware by poor quality or dishonest companies can increase stress levels and even become a financial burden if you’re not careful. To avoid negative consequences, being well-informed and highly vigilant is key when shopping around for a removalist company.

Reasons for being careful include:

• More Protection For Your Belongings: Poor-performing removalists may handle your items with less care than a professional company. Worse still, they may not even have the proper training or equipment when it comes to moving heavier or fragile items such as artwork, sofas, fridges and pool tables. This may result in belongings being damaged when on the move.
• Fewer Disruptions: Reputable movers (such as the teams we use at ZOOM) are highly-trained, experienced professionals. They have performed thousands of jobs every year in Sydney alone and will have the necessary knowledge to navigate through Sydney’s roads minimising delays and disruptions to journeys.
• Honest Pricing & Better Deals: Customers should always do careful research on prices before employing a company’s services. This way, you can effectively compare the costs involved, reducing the odds of being overcharged and overpaying for services. Comparing prices also helps to spot companies that provide ‘drastically lower than normal’ quotes which can be a red flag, or who add hidden fees at the end of a job.
• Overall Satisfaction: A top-rated moving company will always provide customers with an efficient and stress-free relocation. They will have a well-drilled moving process, turn up on time and ensure no damage comes to items when transporting them.

Types Of Moving Scams

Be on the lookout for scams and red flags when employing a removalist company. These can come in many forms, but some of the most common ones include:

• Unrealistic Quotes: This is sadly extremely common practice, where the mover offers an extremely low estimate on the final price to encourage customers to book with them. Then, after the job is completed, they may sneak in additional hidden fees later on. Be wary of estimates that seem too good to be true, because they usually are.
• No Written Estimates: A reputable mover will always provide clients a written estimate which provides a detailed breakdown of all the costs associated with their services. If your mover refuses to give you a written estimate, it’s best to walk away.
• Deceptive Pricing: Some movers may try to confuse customers with over-complicated pricing structures. For example, they may quote jobs by cubic feet instead of weight, which can be more expensive. When booking with a company, be sure you fully understand how the overall price is calculated before agreeing to anything.

• Cash Demands or Larger Than Average Deposits: While putting down a deposit for a job is normal practice for a moving company, be wary of movers who do not return your deposit after completing the job. Worse still think twice about using them if they require a large upfront deposit of 15% or over, especially if they demand payment in cash. Also, reputable moving companies do not normally ask for payment in full until after the move has been completed.

• Hidden Fees: To make more money, scam companies may add on unexpected ‘additional costs’ such as toll fees, stair charges, fuel surcharges or other questionable fees. Be sure to get full clarification on any potential fees upfront and get them in writing.
• Fake Moving Companies: Scammers might pose as movers and keep customer deposits before disappearing leaving them out of pocket. Worst still, they might even keep belongings! For this reason, always do a thorough background check on them before booking.
• Poorly Behaved Movers: Without careful research, you may end up with a company that has an unprofessional approach. They may, for example, show up late to a job or not at all, and have little regard for your belongings resulting in damages. Additionally, they have a customer service team with a low response rate or disrespectful attitude to customer queries. Finally, they may also refuse to return items until customers pay additional fees that were not agreed upon beforehand.

Tips To Booking With A Reliable Removal Company

With many factors to consider and decide on before booking, here are some top tips to help you with your decision-making.

Tip 1: Research the Company’s Background Thoroughly

The first step to dodging scammers or dishonest companies is through careful research. Shortlist a few moving companies you want to consider and then scrutinise their history and reputation. While doing so, be extra mindful of two things:

• Companies with little to no online presence: Check to see if they are listed on various platforms and directories online. Well-known review platforms you can use include Google, TrustPilot and ProductReview. You can also use local business directories in your area. Check if the company has a local address and contact number. If all these turn out to be bogus, it could be a sign that they’re not a legitimate business.
• Companies with a large amount of negative reviews: This suggests they may have a poor history of providing a quality service.
• Check For Accreditations or Awards: It is also important to check to see if the company has received any industry awards or whether they are accredited by any organisations or bodies such as AFRA (Australian Furniture Removers Association). For example, at ZOOM Removals we have been recognised by AFRA and have several awards.

When doing research, try to give yourself plenty of time (we recommend at least 2-3 months before your move) to find a suitable company for your relocation needs in Sydney. Finally, remember that a reputable removalist company should be easy to spot online by using all of the tips above.

Tip 2: Check Additional Company Licenses

When looking for a reputable company, it is also a good idea to check whether they are fully licensed and insured.

This step is often overlooked by people, but it is another crucial way to protect yourself against scammers. License numbers are usually displayed on a company’s website. Alternatively, you can also verify their information by asking the company directly for their license number. If the company is legitimate, they should be able to provide this information upon request.

Secondly, you can also perform an ABN lookup (Australian Business Number) to see if they are registered.

For more helpful information, visit the NSW Fair Trading website.

Tip 3: Spot Estimates That Stand Out Or Look Strange

Once you have gathered a few quotes from companies, you will start to notice a general pattern in prices, as they will often compete at a similar price.

If you come across a quote from a removalist company that is considerably lower, be extra cautious as this could be a scam especially if you only receive the quote over the phone and not in writing.

Remember, while it can be tempting to book with the cheapest option, lower prices can lead to misconceptions.

Tip 4: Read Contracts Carefully

Before signing anything, it is crucial that you fully understand the agreement and all the terms and conditions in your contract. While reviewing it, look for additional hidden fees they may try to sneak in such as inflated prices on packing materials or travel time charges for moving services.

Other details to check for include exact delivery dates of belongings, payment methods (and whether they incur additional charges) as well as cancellation policies.

Above all else, if anything looks unclear or vague, always ask the mover for additional clarification or amendments to the contract.

Tip 5: Ask For References

Aside from doing a background check online, you can also request additional references from previous customers.

By reaching out to past customers about their experiences, you can better judge a moving company’s professionalism, timeliness and overall customer satisfaction.

Tip 6: Think Twice Before Using A Removalist Company That Has Changed Its Name Multiple Times Over A Short Time-Period

While this may not be an immediate cause for concern, frequent name changes can be a sign of a red flag, especially if the company in question has changed their name many times in a short space of time.

This may mean that it has less to do with rebranding and more to do with avoiding being stuck with negative client reviews for their services. Worse still, they may have changed their name after past run-ins with previous customers.

It may also suggest that the company might be hiding something.

Tip 7: Ask About Moving Teams and Equipment

Professional moving companies always employ well-trained and experienced staff to coordinate moves. They will also use modern equipment and trucks.

To learn more about a removalist team, don’t be afraid to request more information on their experience, qualifications and the level of training they receive from the company if you are suspicious.

You can also ask for more details on the vehicles that are used to transport furniture. If vehicles are unmarked/unbranded, then this could be another red flag.

Step 8: Trust Your Instincts

Finally, always trust your instincts when choosing a removalist to go with.

If something feels off, it’s okay to be cautious and reconsider your choices. Pay special attention to how companies communicate with you, their level of professionalism and their willingness to cooperate with you when you have concerns.

If they seem evasive or promises seem too good to be true or their staff are overly aggressive in sales tactics, it may be time to look elsewhere.

Your intuition can be a powerful tool in identifying potentially fraudulent movers.

What To Do If You Suspect A Scam?

If you are a victim of fraudulent activity, there are a few things you can do:

• Direct Resolution: Try to work with the company to directly resolve the issue.
• Report The Company: Make a complaint to NSW Fair Trading. You can also inform Scamwatch.
• Take Legal Advice: Consider seeking legal advice or assistance from consumer protection agencies.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications and transactions with the moving company.

Summary

Moving is a big deal, as is entrusting the services of a company. Selecting the right removalist is therefore key step in ensuring a move without complications. By following the advice above, you can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to moving scams.

Remember to take your time when conducting research by starting early when verifying credentials and always read contracts carefully.

Trusting your instincts and being well-informed about potential red flags can make all the difference.