Hiring packers and movers in India can feel overwhelming — hundreds of companies, wildly different quotes, and too many horror stories about damaged goods and hidden charges. Here are 10 red flags to watch for before you sign anything.
1. No GST Registration Any legitimate packers and movers company in India must be GST registered. Ask for their GSTIN and verify it on the GST portal. If they can't provide one, walk away.
2. Suspiciously Low Quotes If a quote is 40–50% cheaper than others, something is wrong. Common tricks include adding "hidden charges" on delivery day or holding your goods hostage until you pay extra.
3. No Physical Office Address Call their office number. Visit the address on Google Maps. If they only operate through mobile numbers, it's a major warning sign.
4. No Written Contract Always insist on a written agreement that specifies the inventory, dates, pickup/delivery addresses, total cost, insurance coverage, and penalty clauses for delays.
5. No Insurance for Goods Transit insurance is non-negotiable for any move exceeding ₹50,000 in value. Verify the insurance policy number and coverage amount before moving day.
6. Demanding Full Payment Upfront Legitimate movers take a small advance (10–20%) and the balance on delivery. Anyone demanding 100% upfront should be avoided.
7. Pressure Tactics "This price is only valid today" or "we have no slots next week" are classic pressure tactics. Take your time and compare at least 3–4 quotes.
8. Unbranded Vehicles Professional companies use branded vehicles with company names and contact numbers. Unmarked trucks make it harder to trace in case of disputes.
9. Poor Communication If they take more than 24 hours to respond to calls or messages, that's a preview of how they'll communicate on moving day — when things actually go wrong.
10. No Online Presence or Reviews Check Google Reviews, JustDial, and PackersBazaar.in. Zero reviews or only 5-star reviews from accounts created recently are both red flags.
The Safe Way to Hire Use PackersBazaar.in to compare only verified, GST-registered packers and movers. Every company on our platform has passed a 7-step verification including office visit, background check, and review audit. Get 3–4 free quotes and compare before you decide.