5 Signs Your Removal Company Is a Rogue Trader
The removal industry is largely unregulated. Anyone with a van and a phone can call themselves a removal company. Most are genuine. Some are not. Here are five warning signs that should make you walk away before you hand over your deposit.
1. No fixed business address
A legitimate removal company has a traceable address. If the only contact detail is a mobile number and a Gmail address, that is a red flag. Search Companies House for the business name. If they are not registered, ask why.
2. Cash-only payment and no written contract
Every professional removal company will provide a written quotation and accept bank transfer or card payment. A company that insists on cash only and cannot produce a written quote is giving you no protection if something goes wrong on moving day.
3. No goods-in-transit insurance documentation
Ask for the insurance certificate before you book. Not a verbal assurance - the actual certificate with the policy number and insurer's name. If they cannot produce this, your belongings are unprotected during the move.
4. Prices significantly below every other quote
The removal market is competitive but not that competitive. If one quote comes in at less than half the price of everyone else, the service being offered is not the same service. Rogue operators quote low, then add charges on moving day when your belongings are on the van.
5. No verifiable reviews
Check Google reviews directly on the business profile - not testimonials on their own website. Look at the profile of reviewers. If all reviews are from accounts created in the same month with no history, they are likely fabricated.
Medway Kent Removals is fully insured, registered and transparent with all documentation on request. Call us on 01634 971005 for a free, no-obligation quote.