How is the Movers Federation of India protecting the interests of industry and customers' concerns?
MFI (Movers Federation of India) is a non-profit organisation and the largest autonomous body of pre-owned and trained relocation companies in India. We solve the issues between Industry and Customers and reach out to the Government for Industry concerns.
It has never been more essential for moving companies to stay connected, generate business and keep up with the latest news. As a Voice of the Indian Moving Industry, MFI offers the tools one needs to run and maintain a successful moving or packers movers company.
MFI is a dedication to protecting the interests of moving companies and their customers by maintaining industry standards, customer awareness, fostering innovation, and lobbying national and regional government authorities.
As the voice of Indian moving, we bring decades of industry experience to this mission.
Movers Federation of India is striving to protect the interests of moving companies and it aims to provide the consumers with the best. It is one of India’s largest Autonomous body for Moving professionals who are serving millions of consumers with more than 300+ fleets. We with the support network of our members are serving industries and organisations across 550+ locations with 2 million+ happy customers in India.
1. We make industry customers aware of how to avoid being scammed online or offline.
Usually, scoundrel movers and packers target customers by offering low-bid estimates. They commit to giving moving services at the lowest price in the market. Innocent customers get fooled and finalize the service. But they charge more money later in the name of extra charges, surplus belongings, and so on. MFI helps innocent customers against these fraudsters.
Although, moving scam is a rare event but can be a scary and distressing encounter. So, it is better to "stay safe" than "say sorry." MFI helps you in staying safe rather than sorry.
2. We save our Customers from the Upfront Deposit Harassment.
Asking for an advance deposit is one of the standard practices across several industries. The moving industry is not an exception. Professional packers and movers may request a nominal upfront payment before beginning the moving process.
Mostly, professional movers and packers ask for little advance money as a token before beginning the relocation process.
However, some scammers or fraud-moving companies misuse it in good faith by taking a significant amount in advance and disappearing. It's a very shallow scam done by fraud companies. But you can avoid it if you contact MFI before choosing your packers and movers.
However, customers should keep in mind that you must not agree to pay a hefty amount upfront.
If you are giving a considerable amount of moving charges in advance, make sure you don't pay the same cash. Make upfront payments always by Cheque or by transferring the money to a bank account.
3. We avoid the Bait-and-switch.
The bait-and-switch is a moving scam in which customers are "baited" by a low-price estimate of packers and movers, but when customers reach the movers, they are pressured to hire services at higher prices in the name of more excellent quality services. In this kind of scam, packers and movers may accept relocation services at the cheapest price but may put you at risk.
You may encounter many painful and scary experiences such as stealing goods, damages of goods, and demanding additional money in the name of more workforce employed, additional work done, and extra time taken. MFI being the Indian movers association keeps in mind, that the lowest estimate is one of the main signs of moving scams. So, we make you aware of that. We won't let you get trapped in a bait-and-switch scheme.
4. We save Our customers from Unclear Contract or Blank Contract or No Contract.
If you are hiring one of the professional packers and movers' legitimate relocation services, you will have to sign a contract. The contract you will sign before moving must include the details such as the estimated price, types of offered services, required packing materials, delivery date, insurance, and inventory of your item.
The contract should also clarify that there will not be extra or unexpected charges after the move. MFI provides you with the best accredited & verified relocation companies and makes sure you sign a formal contract before hiring them.
If there is an unclear contract or no contract or a blank contract, it can be a scam sign. We save you from signing a blank contract, even if the company is recommended by one of your close friends or relatives.
We give you everything in writing and make sure to read the contract thoroughly before signing it. If you have any difficulty understanding the terms and conditions written in the contract paper, we must clear the same before signing it.
One thing more, we make sure that the contract must be printed on their official letterhead, not on ordinary paper.
5. We save our Customers from No Insurance.
Insurance is essential and mandatory for moving home from one place to another. All reliable packers and movers companies are required to provide insurance options for the goods that they transport.
But sometimes, scammers play a massive game in the name of the insurance charge. They charge for the insurance, and in reality, they don't create insurance for goods and keep the money in their pockets. In this case, if your goods are unfortunately damaged, then you may have a painful experience. So, we make sure that you must get insurance from relocation companies.
One of the biggest misconceptions among people is that movers and packers provide full insurance to transport goods. But in reality, they give insurance coverage for just listed insurable items. There can be a few items that cannot be insured for transport. So, MFI makes it mandatory to opt for the genuine Insurance policy for all its members (packers and movers) and their respective customers.
We make certain you get the proper insurance on your moving before signing any contract or legal agreement of professional packers and movers. No insurance is a sign of a scam.
6. We avoid Over-billing scams.
You may encounter unexpected higher costs than the expected cost. Over-billing will be made in the name of additional time consumption, heavy items, more items, weird taxes and many other excuses. Well, MFI has got your back for the same.
7. We save your money on Fake Taxes and uncertain GST charges.
It is distinct from over-billing. Scoundrel packers and movers may charge various types of GST and taxes Ranging from 5 to 18% (Sometimes they charge on Fake or BOGUS GST No.) In this situation ask for the Original Copy of PAN and GST Certificates. For better clarity on GST, you may refer to the blog - https://www.gsthelplineindia.com/blog/2019/09/06/gst-for-packers-and-movers/
8. We avoid Delayed delivery of goods at the destination place.
You may encounter delayed delivery of your belongings at your new destination place. Delay may occur depending upon the road circumstance, but delaying for extra two or more days can be a serious concern if you booked in FTL (Full Truckload). MFI aids you in avoiding such delays by providing a GPS Enabled Autonomous tracking feed.
9. No insurance coverage.
Dishonest moving companies levy extra charges in the name of insurance service. But really, they don't insure goods for transport to keep the money. MFI saves you from such additional charges by referring or suggesting the most reliable relocation company in your local area.
10. We save you from Low-quality packing materials.
More often than not, false movers and packers provide the lowest price estimate just to grasp the business. But to lessen the moving cost, they use very low-quality packing materials and supplies. They simply load the goods on the truck. Such a type of moving can be unsafe as the chances of damage to goods in the transit are high. We have set Standards of Packaging for all members.
11. We Verify the credentials of packers and movers
We make sure the moving company you will be going to hire has a physical address. We visit their office in person. Take them into question. See what kinds of packing materials they usually use. See the transportation vehicle. Check if the vehicle has a brand name or logo on it or not. While interviewing, we make sure the company is licensed, insured, and registered. We Don't believe only in their words. In fact, we ask them to show proof of license and company registration.
Report Fraud
Some MFI investigations of household goods moving schemes have resulted in defendants fleeing prosecution after being charged with fraud. Consumers seeking to file a complaint against a household goods moving company, broker or other carriers may contact MFI for supportive guidance after filing a First Information Report (F.I.R) at their local Police station.
Filing a Complaint
MFI does not have the authority to resolve claims against a moving company.
However, you may file a complaint against a mover by visiting > https://help.moversfederation.org
or calling +91 7090-678-678 *Monday - Saturday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. IST for better assistance.
Your Report will help us to create and share the statics with the government/authorities to drive better politics for your safety and service betterment.