Choosing a Junk Hauler
January 9, 2018
12 Tips When Choosing a Junk Hauler (2018)
Choosing a junk hauler can be tricky, and choosing the right junk removal company to work with can sometimes be overwhelming. In most cities, there are a number of shady operators, scammers or unreliable companies to watch out for.
The good news is:
We decided to put together our list of twelve important things to look for when you start your search for a junk remover.
Lets jump in:
Tip #1: Customer service
Your first experience with a company can give you a great idea about how they treat their clients. The best junk removal companies know that good service is the cornerstone of their business and have well trained employees ready to help you. When you call, are you greeted by a friendly voice? Do they speak professionally and provide clear answers to your questions?
Take a look at their website. Is it professional and informative? Does it provide more than one option for getting in touch with them? Does it give you the option to schedule your removal online? Do they provide no obligation quotes with upfront pricing? If you answer is yes, these details go a long way to help establish credibility.
Let’s keep it moving:
Tip #2: Capabilities
Throwing away a few old boxes of books and lamp is one thing, but what if you need a shed removed or a full house clean out? Your job may be simple, but it’s good to check the range of work the company is capable of. A wider range of available services is a good judge of the company’s expertise.
Are they full service? Will they go anywhere in your home or on your property to complete your job? All professional junk removal companies will, you shouldn’t have to lift a finger other than to point at what you would like removed and let them do all the work.
Let’s talk about trucks:
Tip #3: Equipment
For a junk removal company their trucks are what keeps the company operating smoothly. Are their trucks and equipment well maintained? Ask what size trucks they operate and how many they have in their fleet. This can help you figure out how well-suited they are to complete your job in an efficient and timely manner. The hauler should supply all the tools necessary for the removal like trash bags, hand trucks and power tools.
Safety, safety, safety:
While we are talking about equipment, what personal protective equipment are the employees wearing? Are the wearing gloves, steel toe boots or safety glasses? A company that cares about the well being of their employees, is a company that will care about your personal property.
Tip #4: Cleanliness
Despite the fact they are removing junk all day long, a good company will have clean, branded trucks that are well maintained. They would not pull up in a truck that’s is riddled with rust and looks like its about to fall apart. The employees should be in full uniform, with tucked in shirts and look professional. Your hauler should clean-up after the job is completed and leave a broom-swept floor. This is a best practice for junk haulers and should come at no extra cost.
I know what you’re thinking, what about the cost:
Tip #5: Cost
As with everything else in life, you get what you pay for. True you should be careful not to be overcharged for any removal project, you should also expect that any low-ball discount prices in this industry are likely that way for a reason. Most reputable companies offer fully transparent, upfront pricing. Industry standards are that you should be charged upon how much room the items you are looking to get rid off take up inside their truck.
Estimates should be given in person by a crew or representative of the company. You will show them the items for removal and they will provide an estimated cost to have your desired items removed. Prices are always finalized before work begins. In addition, be alert to any attempts to charge based on uncontrolled variables like time or manpower.
What do they do with my stuff:
Tip #6: Eco-friendly
Many junk removal services have implemented environmentally friendly policies for the contents they remove from your home or business. By recycling and donating your items to non-profits or charitable organizations they will keep those items out of local landfills and help other families in your local community. Check on the recycling and donation practices of the junk hauler you are looking to hire and make sure they help save our environment.
Tip #7: Experience
Hiring an experienced professional can make all the difference in the quality of work and the amount of time it takes to get your job completed. To ensure your job is handled safely and without unwanted damage to your property, check into their background. Ask questions about past work that’s similar to the job you need completed. Check their website to see if the have a dedicated page about your particular needs. Look at testimonials and on review sites (more about this later) to see what previous clients have said about their work.
Look online:
Tip #8: Web presence
A strong online presence can be a good indicator of the business. Do they have a website? Can you find them online? Are they engaged on social media? All legitimate companies nowadays have multiple channels of digital engagement allowing them to reach out to new customers and keep in touch with previous clients.
If their website isn’t up to date or they have little information about their services it’s probably a bad sign. If their social media accounts are inactive or have expired, again a bad sign. If they are receiving bad reviews from online reputation sites like Yelp or Angie’s List, again another bad sign.
That’s a great intro for our next tip:
Tip #9: Reputation
Word of mouth is always a great way to learn about a junk remover. If you don’t know anyone who has had junk removed in the past, then you want to look online at sites like Yelp, Angie’s List, The Better Business Bureau, Google reviews and others. These review sites are a great resource and a starting point for choosing your hauler. It’s simple, look for the guys with the best reviews and your probably in good hands.
But, when can they get here:
Tip #10: Availability
Most of time when your looking for a junk hauler you are ready to have your items disappear like magic! Scheduling a removal should be easy. Reputable companies will have a number of time slots available each day to accommodate your needs. A good junk removal company should be able to schedule your pickup with in 1 to 2 days of your call. Keep in mind during busy times like spring, scheduling a removal may take a little longer.
Who do they surround themselves with:
Tip # 11: Associations
Check to see what kinds of groups or associations the company belongs to. The company you keep often tells you a lot about a person, its the same in business. Have they built relationships with other industries that benefit from junk removal services? A few common industries that fit well are professional organizers, real estate agents and movers to name a few. If other businesses are working with or recommending them, that’s a good sign.
Finally:
Tip #12: Insurance protection
Hiring a hauler that is not insured is inviting trouble into your home. Make sure that your junk removal provider is fully insured in case all doesn’t go according to plan. It provides great peace of mind knowing if anything does go wrong during your job, that you will be covered.
And now you’re set:
By using the twelve tips provided previously, you should feel more confident about hiring a junk removal company. No matter what size job you have, large or small don’t hesitate to contact us at BumbleJunk. Our experienced and friendly staff can handle all your hauling needs.