The UK removals industry is unregulated, which means anyone with a van can advertise as a removals business. This leaves customers vulnerable to bad business practices and even outright scams.
It is becoming ever easier to advertise online and create websites and social media accounts that look legitimate and provide what appear to be great reviews. With the rise in using AI for marketing, it is likely that it will become more difficult to distinguish between genuine moving companies and potential scammers.
There is a way you can avoid the scammers and ensure your house move goes according to plan.
Removals Trade Associations
There are two not-for-profit Trade Associations for UK removals companies. These are the British Association of Removers (BAR) and the Association of Independent Movers (AIM).
There are many other groups, clubs and collaborations that are industry specific, but they can not be legally defined as Associations. The business model of such groups is usually to charge membership fees and get as many members on board as possible. This incentivises a low entry criteria, so may be a poor indicator of the members credentials or credibility.
Trade Associations such as AIM have strict entry criteria and a Code of Practice to which all members must adhere. As they are not for profit, the professionalism and integrity of their members is far more important than their financial contributions. Members are investigated if there is a complaint about them and may be expelled if the complaint is upheld.
Choosing a mover that is a member of a Trade Association eliminates the risk of hiring a rogue trader and ensures a reasonably good level of service.
Insist on Clear Pricing
It is important to get an accurate written quote for your move, which means the moving company will need to conduct a survey and ascertain the full scope of the work. They will then issue a Quote Acceptance for you to sign and return. At that point, they have entered an agreement with you. While there may be additional costs for unusual circumstances, these will be explained in the removers Terms & Conditions. For example, it may be impossible to unload the vehicle at the new address because you don’t have the keys. Many movers offer a Late Key Waiver, so you can avoid that extra charge.
