Do Brooklyn local movers require moving deposits and when do you pay movers upfront? Short answer is Yes, and it depends! When hiring a Brooklyn moving company, you might find that some movers will require a moving company deposit to prevent their clients from canceling at the last minute. Since all companies have different licensed movers cancellation policy, you will need to ask your movers for theirs.
A large number of reputable movers will require a moving company deposit in order to avoid last minute cancellation. You can look at it as a sort of insurance. A precautionary step that the movers make to protect themselves. It also allows you to reserve your spot. Especially during the busier months of the year. The amount can be anywhere between $100 – $500. But it rarely goes up beyond couple of hundred.
Every company has its own policy when it comes to a moving company deposit. It is important to learn what to expect when faced with a deposit requirement, and how to avoid moving deposit related scams. When it comes to moving deposits there is a fine line between what is considered “normal” and an outright scam.
If you find yourself wondering, “Do Brooklyn movers require moving deposits”, then chances are you have encountered a company that does and would like to learn more to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
Although charging a moving deposit is a standard procedure for a lot of movers, knowing the ins and outs of such protocol will help you gain a better understanding on when, why, and how do moving deposits take place.
What is a moving company deposit?
A moving company deposit is exactly what it sounds like. A moving deposit is a small sum paid to the movers in advance of the move. This is mostly done to prevent you from cancelling the move at the last minute, causing the movers to lose time and money. Most of the time a moving deposit is refundable and is credited towards your final bill at the end of the move.
Do Brooklyn movers require moving deposits or is it a moving scam?
While a moving deposit is normal practice, there are rogue movers that use this tactic to scam you out of money. A legitimate Brooklyn moving company will almost always ask for some type of guarantee that you will in fact use their services at the time and date originally booked for.
Especially if its during a busy time for movers. Weekends, end of the month, and summertime are notoriously busy for most legally operating moving companies. Therefore you are almost always expected to pay a deposit during these times.
How can rogue movers use the means of a moving deposit to scam you out of money?
Fraudulent moving companies often use this tactic of requesting a moving deposit, and then disappear without a trace. Companies like this will have very few traces of activity, online or otherwise, as they are constantly changing the name of their company to continue scamming people, undetected.
Other common tactics rogue movers may use to scam you:
Fraudulent movers will charge for an “additional service” or much higher than originally estimated. If faced with such dilemma, you will have few options. You will either have no choice but to pay the costs or file a claim against movers after the fact to try and get at least of your money back.
Fraudulent movers may hold your belongings hostage on their truck until you pay up the higher than originally estimated price.
How not to get scammed by rogue movers
For the most part, professional movers will ask you for a small moving deposit, anywhere between $100 – $200. At no point should a professional Brooklyn moving company ask you for a much larger deposit to be paid upfront for their moving services in Brooklyn. Any moving company that is asking you to pay a significant portion of your bill before the actual move is likely up to something no good.
Some moving companies may adjust the deposit according to the date you’re moving on. Which will require you pay a higher amount if perhaps you’re moving on the weekend. While this may be the case with some movers, the amount you pay should still be reasonable, not exceeding $500.
Deposits for Long Distance moves
A higher moving deposit is usually the case with long distance moves. Deposits for long distance moves tend to be a little higher than local moves. Interstate moves are charged by weight and distance. So this is when you can expect to be faced with a higher than usual moving deposit.
Regardless of your moving situation, you should never be asked to put down a large sum of money. This is the biggest red flag to look for when possibly dealing with fraudulent movers. Any company that is asking for a large amount is almost certainly operating a scam.
Research your movers
When hiring Brooklyn movers, it is imperative to do the necessary research on the background of the company to make sure that they have credibility and good reputation. A reputable moving company will always willingly disclose any and all information pertaining to your move and their policies.
Be sure to ask all of the necessary questions. Your moving contract is another important point of observation, which should be reviewed carefully. Make sure you know exactly what is written in your moving contract, what you’re being charged, and what moving services you’re getting.
Upon your research, at the very least, you should request from the movers their USDOT number. If they are reluctant about disclosing it to you or upon review you learn it is fake, then you are definitely dealing with fraudulent movers. Walk away!
Their license (DOT) number will reveal any previous accidents and complaints, if any. Although reviews are important when researching any service provider, you have to make sure you’re dealing with a legally operating company. Reviews can be faked, but their license number and other credentials cannot.
Do Brooklyn movers require moving deposits – Why don’t all moving companies require a moving deposit?
You may find yourself questioning, do Brooklyn movers require moving deposits? And why do some movers require a deposit while others don’t. The reason is very simple. It all comes down to the company’s policy. Some movers require a deposit while others don’t simply because the demand for their services is higher.
A well-established moving company that has been around for quite some time is surely to have a larger clientele base. Such companies are more likely to request a deposit. While smaller, up and coming company may not require a deposit. A moving company that supplies their clients with complimentary packing material upon booking with them is also likely to request a moving deposit to prevent cancellations and money lost.
What if you need to cancel the move?
Cancel your move in a timely manner to avoid losing your moving deposit! Although you’re charged a deposit to prevent cancellation, movers do have a cancellation policy in place that allows you to retain your moving deposit, even if you have to cancel the move. The time of the cancellation is of most importance when it comes to moving deposits.
Most companies will allow you to cancel 1-2 weeks prior to the move without a penalty. Meaning they will refund you the moving deposit as long as you cancel within that time frame. Know your deadline and moving company cancellation policy. If you have to cancel, be sure to do it in a timely manner to avoid losing your deposit.
