Why should you only choose a removal firm that is a member of the national guild of removers and storers?
Formed in 1991 The Guild’s priority is consumer protection in an industry where there are no specific laws to protect people who are moving home. The Guild’s efforts in respect of consumer protection were recognised by Which? Magazine who suggested that its readers look out for a Guild member when moving home.
Further still The Guild is regularly consulted by the National Media on matters relating to the removals industry.
As recently as 2013 The Guild were asked to contribute as industry advisers by ‘Watchdog’ on episodes featuring removers.
The Guild also pioneered, and introduced into the removals industry, a number of consumer protection “firsts”.
One of which was its greatest achievement to date by helping to found the removals Industry Ombudsman Scheme (RIOS).
RIOS remains the only totally independent and free dispute resolution service in the removals industry and membership of RIOS is only open to removal businesses that meet their stringent criteria.
This criteria is met by all Guild members. In fact The Guild insists that all its members must be members of RIOS and pass an annual inspection routine that is uniquely approved by RIOS and carried out by RIOS approved and accredited inspectors. The Guild’s Code of Practice and Quality Monitoring Programme are also fully approved by RIOS.
The Removals Industry Ombudsman Scheme is both a full and voting member of The Ombudsman Association.
There are a huge number of removal companies out there that are not members of the guild or in the RIOS scheme. It is these companies that may be offering you removal quotes that seem too good to be true – that’s because they probably are!
Usually they do not have the correct insurances to cover your possessions during your move and in circumstances of accidental damage, your goods are not covered and you do not have any grounds for complaint! Moreover they have not been subject to stringent inspections to ensure they are professional and reliable to carry out your home move.
Here at Town and Country Removals we are full members of the guild and are part of the RIOS scheme so, not only are your possessions fully insured, you have the peace of mind that you have a scheme in place in the unlikely event of any accidental damage.
