BBB Ratings for Movers: What Good vs. Bad Scores Really Mean

BBB Ratings for Movers, When it comes to hiring professional movers, one of the first places many people look for reviews and ratings is the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB provides letter grade ratings, from A+ to F, meant to reflect a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. But what do these BBB ratings for movers really mean? In this article, we’ll take a close look at BBB scores, analyzing the differences between good and bad ratings, and what consumers need to know about using BBB reviews to choose a reputable moving company.

Focusing specifically on BBB ratings for movers, we’ll explore how scores are calculated, common reasons for lower grades, and what to watch out for when evaluating moving companies. With helpful tips and advice, readers will gain a better understanding of using BBB ratings as an important part of vetting and selecting movers.

Understanding BBB Ratings for Movers

The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit organization that focuses on advancing marketplace trust. Companies pay a fee to be BBB accredited, which includes undergoing a vetting process. The BBB then rates accredited businesses from A+ to F based on factors like:

• Complaint volume
• Unresolved complaints
• Business transparency
• Failure to honor commitments

The BBB uses a complex algorithm to calculate ratings, but essentially:

• A+ to B = Good to excellent
• C+ to C- = Average
• D+ to F = Poor

What Makes a Good BBB Score?

For moving companies, a rating of A or B from the BBB is ideal. This indicates the company responds appropriately to customer issues and makes good-faith efforts to satisfy complaints.

An A+ BBB rating is the highest available. It means a company has had zero complaints or no unresolved complaints over the past 3 years. This prestigious rating is held by less than 1% of BBB-accredited businesses.

A or B ratings still indicate reputable movers who care about customer service. The BBB considers scores of C+ or below unsatisfactory.

Interpreting Lower BBB Ratings

Seeing a company with BBB ratings below A might make you hesitate. But context also matters. Consider:

• Complaint volume: No mover will have zero complaints. But 10 complaints over 3 years is less alarming than 50.
• Resolution efforts: BBB ratings penalize unresolved complaints. But even good companies will sometimes have customers who can’t be satisfied.
• Years in business: New companies haven’t had a chance to rack up ratings yet.

So a C+ for a 5-year-old business looks different than a C+ for a 50-year-old company. Still not great, but might be more understandable.

• Response to issues: Pay attention to the company’s reply to complaints. Do they seem to make good faith efforts at resolution? Or dismissive and combative?

A reasonable response can explain a lower score.

Red Flags in Bad BBB Scores

Scores below C- indicate ongoing customer service issues. Some red flags to watch out for:

• The high volume of complaints over damage, lost items, or billing disputes
• Many recent complaints indicate growing problems
• Failure to respond to complaints at all
• Rude, dismissive, or aggressive responses to complaints
• Misleading advertising claims getting flagged
• Extreme delays in refunding customers after admitted fault

Checking a Mover’s Specific Report

The BBB rating itself only tells part of the story. Make sure to click through and read the full business profile and customer reviews.

Look for:

• Any unresolved complaints and the nature of the issues
• Patterns in complaints that indicate larger problems
• Details on the company’s side of disputed issues
• Explanations on how they resolved complaints
• Evidence of good faith efforts to satisfy customers

Using BBB alongside Other Checks

A company’s BBB rating is one helpful metric when vetting movers, but not the only one. Also research:

• Online reviews on Google, Yelp, etc.
• Feedback from family and friends if they’ve used the company
• The company’s licensing and insurance paperwork
• Time in business and experience moving to your area
• Response time and professionalism during your communications

Thoroughly vetting moving companies on multiple factors helps surface any red flags. A less-than-perfect BBB rating doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid a company. But paired with other negatives, it could be a sign to steer clear.

Universal Relocations: An A+ BBB Rated Mover

One moving company that stands out for exceptional customer service and satisfaction is Universal Relocations. We have achieved the coveted A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

This top-tier rating demonstrates our dedication to resolving customer concerns promptly, following through on commitments, and operating with integrity. Our long history of satisfied customers and lack of unresolved complaints earned us A+ status.

So when researching movers, look for those like Universal Relocations who go above and beyond to earn BBB accreditation and top ratings. Our ability to maintain excellence indicates a commitment to customer satisfaction. An A+ mover like us is a smart choice you’re unlikely to regret.