Getting What You Pay For: The Dangers of Cheap Man & Van
Moving is a stressful process for any person to have to undergo. Packing up your life into a series of boxes and letting people that you do not know take care of them, even for the briefest time, is an exercise in trust. This is why hiring a reputable, trustworthy mover is of the utmost importance, and why hiring the mover with the lowest hourly rate may not be the soundest idea in the long run.
It is easy to understand the appeal of hiring a very cheap mover. In an economy as unpredictable as the current one, saving money wherever you can seems like the best option. There are hosts of advertisements for movers who charge £25 per hour, or possibly less. The possibility for saving money by using these companies is certainly out there. But is it worth taking?
In England today, it will cost around £10 per hour to hire a driver for a truck. This is the first of many expenses that a moving company encounters in their day-to-day operations. Fuel, vehicle insurance, medical insurance for the driver, maintenance of the vehicles, taxes: these all need to be paid for. How is it possible that a company can fit all of these expenses into a margin of £15, and still make a profit? There are a number of possible scenarios.
Corner-cutting
The first possibility is that they are cutting corners, and simply not paying one or more of their expenses. Their vehicle could not be insured to the appropriate level, and the business would not be covered for your goods during their trip. Their vehicles could be poorly maintained, increasing the risk of an accident or breakdown occurring during your time dealing with the company. The company could even not be paying their taxes, a duty that should not be shirked by any citizen in good standing. Hiring a moving company that offers extremely low rates could mean leaving your precious belongings in the hands of people who cut corners to get ahead, or worse.
Scamming
If a moving company has very low rates, it is also possible that they are a front for a criminal organisation, set out to steal your hard-earned valuables the moment you hand them over. A company has to make a profit somehow, and sometimes this means fraud and theft. It is a heart-breaking experience to have to rebuild your home from the inside out simply because you wanted to save a small amount of money.
How can I avoid these problems?
There are a number of ways in which you can minimize the risk of having an extremely negative moving experience. Arguably the most effective measure you can put in place is simply to get educated, learn about the company you’re planning to hire. Furthermore, you can use a company like handy removals, that can offer you excellent moving service for fair prices.
So, if you are looking to move your belongings, remember that the cheapest quote is not always the best. Be careful of companies that cut corners or could potentially aim to steal your belongings from under your nose. In order to ensure that you have a hassle-free moving experience, contact us today. Happy moving!