If you’re going to hire a house-clearance company, it’s essential that first you do your research and verify that it is a professional and reputable firm.
If you fail to do this, you may end up using a rogue company – and the consequences could be serious.
Here is a short guide to the problems that arise if you use a rogue firm and a simple way to find a professional and fully licensed clearance company.
What is a rogue company? It’s not just inefficient, unprofessional and unreliable. It’s much more than that. Its aim is not to do a job well and give the customer good value and good service. Its aim is to make as much money as possible for as little as possible.
In some cases, such a company will intimidate people – Builders Waste Clearances Walsall particularly those most vulnerable – into paying out more than the price that was agreed initially. It will come up with spurious reasons for this, and some people find it hard to argue their case.
Worse than that, a rogue clearance company may be dishonest. Its employees may steal from you. If they have access to paperwork and other items, they may steal your identity or that of someone close to you, and obtain money fraudulently.
Equally, or more, seriously, the company is unlikely to be properly licensed to carry waste and may fly-tip the items it collected from your property – and you, the customer, may end up being prosecuted for not using a licensed company.
Reputable firms damaged by rogues
In the UK, house-clearance and waste-disposal companies have all been damaged by the actions of dozens of rogue firms and fly-by-night operators.
As a result, many people hesitate to hire even a reputable house-clearance or waste-disposal company.
How to find a professional clearance company
There are ways, however, of ensuring that a clearance or waste company is professional and responsible.
A group of companies concerned with the damage that rogue firms were causing set up some years ago the UK House Clearance Association. It seeks to protect both the interests of customers and the reputation of professional house-clearance companies. It has on its website a list of fully vetted house-clearance companies. All are fully licensed and insured.
Because a company is not on the list does not mean it may not be honest and reliable. But those companies that are members find it a useful way to give evidence to customers that they are part of an organisation that enforces a strict code of practice that puts customer satisfaction first.
Before you hire a clearance firm, it’s best to go through a professional group such as the UK House Clearance Association. Select a company listed on its website. Then research further by looking at the company’s website and checking the testimonials.