Online Brokers are companies that will find a moving company to service your move. Usually they’ll get your details over the phone or the internet, then let moving companies bid for your move. Online Brokers can be the start of a nightmare move, so always insist on talking to moving companies directly when shopping for a mover.
The issues boiled down:
- Many times, online brokers will try to make you think they are a moving company to get your business.
- Brokers sometimes charge “deposits” which are usually just extra fees.
- Brokers might give you an estimate over the phone based on what you tell them you are moving. Phone estimates are usually red flags for scam/rogue movers.
- Brokers do not have the incentive or responsibility to make sure your estimate is accurate, since they won’t be the ones moving your stuff.
- Brokers do not have an incentive to make sure your move goes to the highest quality moving company.
Check out this Article from ABC News that explains some more dangers of using online brokers.
Note: One Simple Move is not an Internet Brokerage or Lead Generation website. One Simple Move allows users to contact moving companies directly and anonymously, pre-screens any moving company in our network, and does not charge moving companies “lead fees.”
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This is good advice.
Although it is important to clarify that using the internet to find a mover is not taboo, you just need to be on the lookout for the red flags listed above.
Many long established and reputable movers have abandoned the Yellow Pages as a way of finding customers and have turned to the internet.
Insist on an in-home estimate, and use your common sense when contacting any company you find on the web. How can anyone give you a cost estimate without discussing the details of your move? Who will pack? Is your home accessible to a large truck? Will you need storage? Are there any items that require crating? When do you need to be out of your current home? When can you take delivery?
Basically, moving is a big event and there are many things to consider before a professional mover can prepare an accurate cost estimate that meets all of your needs.
Best of all, these in-home estimates are free and without obligation. Take advantage of it.
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