How to not get ripped off by movers?

[spearmint]

If you are moving interstate there is a law that holds movers to their quote. Intrastate, nope. Last time I moved stuff inside California the movers pulled that nightmare stunt that they were not going to unload my stuff until they got hundreds more than the estimate due to special circumstances. Any hints?

[cbelt3]

Well, it's different on the Right coast- all you need is a couple of beefy Italian friends, and they don't eff with you much.
On the Left coast, I dunno, maybe telling them that you will be personally moving your anti-psychotic drugs and collection of full-auto military assault weapons....

When we moved, we ran into 'extra time'- it was all T&M basis. And you know what- it was OK- those guys humped. Prior to that we moved ourselves with help from three guys who worked for cash and beer. Of all the moves, that one went the best and cheapest. Nothing broke, and we knew where it all was at the end.

[spearmint]

Too old to do the do-it-yourself lifting and I can't drive a truck. Also my friends told me to take a flying leap when I hinted at help. San Diego to San Hosie getting my stuff out of storage.

[wurm]

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/lbs/

Actually, I guess that doesn't tell you how not to get ripped off, but it will give you some options. Get references.

[swampy]

Hire a reputable mover. Find out who moves the military families. They are usually good.

[Mr645]

What I have done is to rent one of the portable storage containers. Such as www.pods.com

Then I hire workers to load the Pod and when it's done off it goes. Have the Pod delivered and hire another set of workers to unload it.


Jon

[shadow]

spearmint Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Last time I moved stuff inside California the
> movers pulled that nightmare stunt that they were
> not going to unload my stuff until they got
> hundreds more than the estimate due to special
> circumstances.

Here's an easy solution to that.

What are they going to do? Go to the police?

- Shadow

[SteveO]

That pods thing sounds like a good, realistic solution. Otherwise, I'd go with the heavy reference thing. Make sure you get THE SAME TWO OR THREE guys who had the good reference, ask for them by name and let them know that you tip well based on a good move (and then do that). If they are professionals (and likely they are if they rec'd good reference), they will act accordingly.

There ARE good, honest vendors out there.

[JoeBob]

In line with Shadows suggestion, why not block the truck in with your vehicles, and call the police?
That should entail a quick change in attitude.

[trisho.]

I second this. It's not you, but I'm constantly amazed at how many people don't get authorities involved when that's really what their job is: to handle borderline legal disputes. The movers can't go back on their WRITTEN estimate. It's illegal.

If you tell them that, they may try to break your stuff while moving it into your place. I would just step aside for a bit, call the police, return to the group, and quietly wait for the cops to arrive.

EDIT: Oh, and after they're done moving your stuff, don't tip them. I'm a HUGE tipper. Really, both of my brothers worked as waiters and I know the importance of tipping. But any jerk ass who's trying to stiff me for few extra hundred dollars extra after the agreed upon amount deserves to be shafted back. That's what you get for being greedy.

If the situation were where you told them x amount of furniture that weighs x pounds and you totally underestimated or lied, then I can understand them hinting or asking for more. In that case, then tip them super generously, like $50 a person to kind of make it equivalent. If it's just shady, then screw it.