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WWW‘W‘W "agent. Check out movers first to avoid headaches By PADDY BATEMAN Special to the Beaver usiness relationships are often fraught with big promises, where the performance sometimes fails significently short of the promises. This is especially true in the service indus- tries. Times are very tight today, for busi- ness as well as consumers, and some business operators unfortunately feel it’s necessary to promise their customers and moon at the time of sale. Whether or not they can deliver it when the customer calls for it, is an entirely different story and one they tend to worry about later, rather than now. “The economy’s got everyone a little frightened today,” says Allied Van Lines’ president Mike Mason, “and with every- one vying for the same piece of business, there’s an unfortunate tendency to say whatever you have to in order to get the sale." According to Mason, consumers who believe everything they’re told without doing some checking on their own are often “poorer but wiser”. “No consumer should take everything he or she is told at face value,” he emphasizes. “Even in the best of times, when the economy is healthy, it still makes good sense to check the record and reputation of companies you’re deal- ing with before you lay your money on the line." Mason is especially emphatic about consumers checking the claims of people providing moving or storage services, despite his underlying faith that his industry is generally reputable. “Moving is an enormous expense and extremely traumatic for most people,” he says, “and it just doesn’t make sense to put all your worldly goods into the hands of someone you know nothing about. If you accept their promises at face value, you’re taking an enormous risk.” How do you check out a moving com- pany? “It’s relatively easy,” explains Mason. “Start with your local Better Business Bureau or check with Consumer and Corporate Affairs. If complaints have been registered, or other claims made on the basis of poor service or broken promises, they’ll have a record of it." The best reference any moving com- pany can have, he adds, is a list of satisâ€" fied customers that they're willing to share with prospective new customers. “Companies like Allied take pride in their customer service and are always willing to give new clients the names of past customers to whom they can talk to in private. We have no control over what those customers say about us, and that’s the way we like it." Where else to check? “Everywhere," he says, “including anyone who’s just moved into your neighbourhood. Because their move is recent, any problems will be fresh in their minds, and they usually don’t mind sharing them. If they’ve been satisfied, they’ll often be quick to share that as well." For more information about how to check out a potential moving company, contact your nearest Allied Van Lines REAL ESTATE K HELEN 22.5w ' MW BLACKMORE e7 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville Sales Representative 338-900 “DRIVE THAT EXTRA MILE” .- .s KIDNEY-SHAPED POOL Pie-shaped lot, fenced, 124’ wide at rear. Court location. A must to seel HELEN BLACKMORE 338-9000, 632-6331 CUSTOM BEAUTY 9 rooms plus family room â€" walk-out den on main. Fantastic kitchen â€" walk-out to deck. WALK-OUT BASEMENT Professionally finished, bar â€" office â€" or commuter room. Outstanding! Serious About Selling Yo 0 ur House? _ - A ,2 '- PARK SETTING Enjoy spacious two storey. 3 bdrm home with very private backyard located across from large treed ravine in West Oakville. Master bedroom has large dressing room full ensuite. 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