Planning a move can be a big challenge. Every year Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona hears countless stories about late movers, lost and damaged goods, over-billing, and disputes over the actual weight of goods compared to the estimate.

“Consumers needs to read the terms and conditions before moving day and not rely solely on price when deciding on a mover,” says Kim States, BBB President. “Some consumer reports tell us about how costs increase halfway through the job. If the customer refuses to pay, their property is then held in storage until the bill paid in full.Last year less than 60 percent of complaints with BBB about moving companies were resolved, and movers consistently ranks as one of the most complained about industries with BBB.

Start planning ahead several weeks before your targeted moving date. Here are some quick tips to help you with your move:

1. Shop around. Get at least three estimates and keep in mind that the lowest bid may not necessarily be the best service when you consider insurance, training, experience, quality of vehicle, etc.

2. Get a written contract. Make sure you get a contract that spells out the specific terms: the dates and times of your move, holding charges, and over-weight penalties.

3. Ask about insurance. Find out how much insurance the mover has and what it covers. Ask for the insurer’s name and policy number in case you need extra insurance to protect your possessions.

4. Make a list and check it. Make an inventory of the goods to be moved. Personally supervise or have someone trusted with your inventory list watch the loading and unloading of the truck.

5. Report loss or damage. If damage or loss occurs, have the driver make a special note on the inventory and/or delivery receipt, then promptly notify the company in writing, keeping a copy for your own files.

6. If you pack you pay. Remember, if the moving company packs everything, they are responsible; if you pack things, you are on the hook for damages. If you pack, place heavy items on the bottom, lighter ones on top and label boxes.

7. Deal with insured companies. Ask for a clearance letter from the mover stating that they have insurance coverage.

Before hiring a moving company, go to www.tucson.bbb.org for a reliability report on the company. If your moving company is not responsive to a complaint you have brought to its attention, consider filing a complaint with the BBB.

If you’ve decided it’s time to give your home a facelift with new carpet, exterior siding or a new patio – or if you need repairs – Better Business Bureau can help you find a trustworthy contractor.

“Consumers should be wary if a contractor asks for full payment up front,” said Kim States, BBB President. “A reputable contractor may ask for a partial payment in advance to purchase materials, but consumers should never pay in full until the job is completed to their satisfaction.”

BBB recommends that consumers ask contractors for local references and check with those customers to see whether they were satisfied with the work. If possible, inspect completed projects as well. If customers are pleased with the jobs, they’ll probably be proud to show off the results.

Consumers can check contractors’ Reliability Reports on BBB website, www.tucson.bbb.org. The reports give a letter grade from A+ down to F that indicates a company’s performance on 17 weighted factors, including their response to any complaints. The reports also give general information, such as the company’s phone number, length of time in business and owner’s name.

On BBB of Southern Arizona’s website, www.tucson.bbb.org our“Request An Estimate” feature can connect you with contractors that are BBB Accredited Businesses. These businesses have pledged to comply with BBB standards, such as advertising honestly, honoring promises and responding to customer complaints.

When you click on the “Request An Estimate” button, you can select the type of business you are searching for and narrow your search to businesses within a specified distance from your home. (You can click on any business name to get a Reliability Report.)

At that point, you may either contact the businesses directly or ask them to contact you. “Request An Estimate” has a contact form that allows you to describe your project and ask contractors to contact you about it in the way you want to be contacted – by phone, e-mail, mail or fax.

BBB has the following tips for hiring contractors:

• Seek at least three bids from prospective contractors based on the same specifications, materials and labor needed to complete the project. Homeowners should discuss bids in detail with each contractor and ask questions about variations in pricing. The lowest-priced contractor may not be the best.
• Consumers should ask whether the company is insured against claims covering workers’ compensation, property damage and personal liability in case of accidents. Consumers should obtain the name of the insurance carrier and call to verify coverage.
• Ask whether the contractor meets licensing and bonding requirements set by the state, county or city.
• Check with local authorities to find out whether permits are needed before proceeding with the work. The contractor also should be aware of any required permits.
• Ask whether the contractor will provide a lien waiver upon completion of the job. A lien waiver is a statement by the contractor that all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid for their work.
• Read and understand the contract before signing. Get any verbal promises in writing. Include start and completion dates in the contract.
• Remember the rule of thirds. Pay one third at the start of the project, one third when work is 50 percent completed and one third after completion.

For more information to help you make smart, informed decisions about projects around your home, check with BBB by going online to www.tucson.bbb.org or by calling (520)888-5353.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona today issued a warning to businesses to avoid Fresno-based collection agency Maxwell, Turner & Associates, Inc. The agency has an F-rating for 32 unanswered complaints within the last 10 months.

Letterhead for Maxwell, Turner & Associates, Inc. lists a Fresno address of 438 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 138 along with an 888 telephone number. The street address listed is a mail drop at a UPS store located near Fresno Street and Shaw Ave. The company also has a Bakersfield telephone number that is simply a message machine with an outdated phone message.

“Victims of this company have been from multiple states, and there is no reason to believe that they will not begin targeting unsuspecting businesses closer to home,” said Kim States, BBB President.

According to complaints, the company charges businesses an upfront fee to collect on court-ordered judgments of at least $1,500 and then severs contact with the businesses. The companies and individuals owing the debt(s) have not been contacted. All of the companies fleeced out of the upfront fees were solicited by Maxwell, Turner & Associates, Inc. to use their services as a collection agency.

BBB has forwarded the complaints to the Federal Trade Commission for further investigation.