removal companies question

claire70

We are due to move a week on friday and have a removal company booked already. As far as one can tell, they seem a reputable local company (though not BAR members unfortunately - they seem to be about 50% more expensive), but they have asked for payment in advance, which seems a little odd to me. Can anyone tell me if this is normal? Couldn't they just run off with all your worldly goods?!

Yorkie1

I didn't have to pay up front, don't think this is reasonable at all. What happens if they don't do the service to the required standard (assuming you've got a written contract about all of that)? You've got no comeback at all.

I'd get other quotes if I were you, if possible in the short timescale available.

claire70

I just checked the small print of all three companies who quoted us (one of which is a well-known national chain), and they all say the same...

boo2410

I paid 20% up front and the balance once they'd unloaded, I don't think I'd really want to pay it all in advance.

shar46y

We paid upfront. In fact, because they stored our stuff for 3 weeks between moving out and moving in, we paid twice - we sent them a cheque in advance for the moving out, then when we had a confirmed moving in date we informed them so they could calculate the full storage cost, then sent them another cheque for moving in.

It was a established, BAR company though.

Ulfar

I paid 10% up front, the remainder on the day.

westv

I've always part paid beforehand and the rest on the day.

casper_g

If you do pay in advance, use a credit card if possible (to obtain protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act).

spirit

I moved 2 weeks ago and did not pay a bean til they had actually moved me in.

DizzyDasher

I am pretty sure I paid 50% in advance, the rest on the day.

Skint_Catt

Stupid question but do you get removers from the area you're moving TO or where you're moving FROM - or doesn't it matter?

Thanks, C xx