The Big Move: What to Look for in International Moving Companies
Moving to another country is a huge task. Not only does it involve traveling to a foreign land. There is also the lengthy and wearisome task of packing all your belongings, arranging the logistics, and make sure that everything is delivered on time, in perfect condition. Considering all these, it is important to choose an international moving company that can ensure that safety and good condition of your possessions while in transit, as well as their timely arrival at your destination. If you want to know what makes a good moving company, here a few tips to get you started:
- Compile a List
One of the first things you must do is make a list of all the companies you are considering for the move. Compiling a list of potential service providers will give you a chance to compare the services available, pricing, and availability. Take note of the services they provide, the packages they offer, the prices they have pegged per package, and the scope of their services. If you can, ask for a quote from each company and have it put on paper. Being able to see everything on paper will make it easier to compare one company with another. If you are moving antiques and works of fine art, remember to look for specialised services, as general moving and packing services are not fit for highly valuable and fragile packages. Consider both price and service capabilities in choosing your service provider.
- Do Background Checks
Doing a thorough service history review on each company will give you an idea of how well they tend to the needs of their customers, particularly in the areas of quality assurance and customer satisfaction. Go online, look up your list of potential choices, and check the customer reviews of each one. Customers who are truly satisfied with the quality of their work will most often provide glowing, genuine customer reviews. Steer clear of companies that have bad reviews, especially those who do not take time to reply to customers and address their concerns. This shows a lack of concern for the needs of customers, and more importantly, a lack of initiative to improve customer experience.
- Identify Accreditations
Accreditation and certification bodies have strict quality guidelines they require member companies to follow. Periodical assessments are also conducted to ensure regular compliance with quality guidelines. Most accreditation bodies also require customer protection measures and insurance programmes in place to maintain a high quality of service to customers. Check if a service provider is certified by any international governing body, and confirm their membership from the certification body directly.
At the end of the day, what’s most important is to use your discretion in making your decision. You can never be too careful. Do not be afraid to ask questions, and take the time to study each option available to you.