Checking out 'man with a van' removals firms

bitsandpieces

I'm moving soon, and want to hire a 'man with a van' to do it. Obviously, lots of these are sole traders/small companies with no web presence. Fair enough, and I'd prefer to use a small-ish/local company rather than a big national one.

Quite a few (even with several vans etc) seem to advertise just with mobile number. They sound trustworthy enough, but would be slightly paranoid about putting all my wordly goods in the hands of companies I know so little about :eek: Is it reasonable for me to ask the companies for landline number, address, etc - or would they likely just take offence?

SailorSam

I don't think i'd want to deal with anyone who did not have a landline, not just for removals but for anything.

olias

Why not just ask them for a checkable reference? I'm sure they would not mind, after all, they probably don't make a lot of money and will be glad of the chance of work. If they won't give references, or are evasive, then you have your answer there

Olias

Enfieldian

A "Man with a van" is exactly that, not a removal company and therefore significantly cheaper.

If you want references, indemnity insurance and the rest then you need a professional.

bitsandpieces

Yep - no expectation of indemnity insurance etc. This isn't a very big job, and nothing that expensive/fragile. Think I will ask for address/landline number, though, as that does seem reasonable (lots of 'man with van' companies here seem to have a number of vans and men, despite the name...)

bitsandpieces

Must be hard times for this type of company... Looks like I won't need to check out any more obscure-looking companies: a couple of known local ones have quoted me barely more than £1/mile all-in for the van and removal :eek:

There can't be much margin in it at that price. Moneysaving's one thing, but that's cheap enough I'd almost feel bad - would almost feel obliged to tip, as the driver etc. can't be on making too much of an hourly rate

maggie111

We used man and a van to go from Yorkshire to Manchester. Was ridiculously cheap - less than £1 pm, and I found him in the local storage company when buying some packing. I would do it again.

A fair few people tip their removal people - we gave him and his driver's mate a £50 or £60 tip - we didn't carry anything and we felt we were robbing them blind!!

alexlyne

See guys, being an MSE is one thing, but there are morals involved too, especially when people do such a great job! fantastic!