Contrast between movers and liaisons
Moving liaisons are not licensed to undertake relocations neither do they own the necessary equipment required to conduct one. They act as a go-between that brings together the client and the moving firm. They are equipped with the task of marketing a relocating firm and acting as the actual agency that will handle your relocation.
Relocating firms are the agencies that handle the relocation. They come with the requirements to handle the move – licenses, vehicles, tools, and relocating experts. Unlike go-betweens, relocating firms will have one of their own come to your home and take a look at the items being moved to provide an accurate quote. Additionally, they provide the opportunity for you to question the relocation specialist on crucial issues related to the move: this is better than a discussion over the phone.
Cons of opting for a liaison
When looking for a moving agency, always ask if you are dealing with a go-between or a relocating firm. If it happens to be the former, Winnipeg Movers have compiled a list of cons you may encounter when dealing with one.
- Lack of coverage for your belongings
A liaison will not provide insurance for your items, and it will be left in the hands of the moving agency. Many a time, if any damage happens to your belongings, the go-between will blame the moving agency, which will, in turn, blame the liaison. In the long run, you will end up incurring the cost of fixing or replacing the damaged items.
- Unusually fluctuating quotes
Mostly, honorable relocating firms will send one of their agents to see the items to be relocated and give you a quote fitting what they have seen. Due to their high level of expertise, the quote provided is usually quite accurate.
Negotiators, on the other hand, will provide a quote over the phone or through emails. Normally, they will ask you to describe your belongings, and since you have no expertise in providing such vivid information, it may be hard for you to give a clear picture. Therefore, the cost that is presented by the moving firm may end up being higher than the original estimate, which will bring complications to you.
- Huge deposits not directed to the relocation
Many a time, liaisons will request for a huge deposit before the move is carried out. Most honorable moving agencies ask for a small amount to reserve the moving date and nothing more. This amount is usually directed to the go-between’s charge or the moving arrangement between you and the relocating agency.
- Lack of information on your relocating firm
In some cases, the go-between may lack a relocating agency to hand your move to. This may be due to lacking one to work on the requested date, or law payment quotes. These hurdles may leave you stranded on the big day. The broker will also limit your chance to do your homework on the best relocating firm to suit your needs. Depending on the agency the go-between chooses for you may end up being disappointing. You cannot be sure that the agency you choose is authorized to operate or not prepared to handle the belongings you have.
Cons of opting for a relocating agency
Before making anything official, ensure you exactly who you are dealing with. Here are some shortcomings of dealing with a relocating company:
- Limited route services
Relocating agencies normally have limited options in terms of serviced routes. You may have a tough time finding a suitable relocating agency if the route to your new home is rough or the move occurs during the busy season. Also, finding an agency to handle a move in a hurry will be a challenge.
Liaison, however, may know a lot of people in the business and have an agency handling your relocation in no time. Additionally, they can find a firm that handles all types of routes without any trouble.
- Fewer extra services
High-end relocating firms offer a wide selection of additional services to suit various needs presented by customers. Smaller firms, however, do not present this luxury. This means that you will lose a lot of time crossing off such agencies from your list to find the right one. A broker will be able to find the right type of agency for you without much trouble.
In Brief
Even though negotiators are not authorized to handle moves, there are various licenses they should hold to run their operations. These include an agreement on paper with the relocating agencies that agree to work with them, which can be presented to the client upon request.
Once you weight these cons, you can make an informed decision on whether to go for a liaison or a moving company. It is advisable to conduct adequate research on all your options so that you are not duped.