Consumer Council received moving service-related complaints

The Consumer Council received some 30 complaints on moving services over the first nine months of this year.

In one case, a complainant booked moving services via an online platform.

After confirming the date and address, the company quoted a price of about 2,000 dollars and the complainant paid a deposit right away.

That same day, a staff member reached out to the complainant, noting there were 5 flights of stairs, which would incur an additional 10% stair surcharge.

Dissatisfied, the complainant sought a refund, but staff claimed the quotation already listed the fee.

The case was eventually resolved through Consumer Council mediation, with the deposit refunded.

Another case involved an emigrant to Australia who had a shipment originally scheduled for dispatch at the end of February.

But because the moving company had to consolidate shipments with other clients, the delivery was delayed by a month and a half.

The watchdog reminds citizens to compare prices among vendors and check quotations and terms during transactions -- while businesses should also clearly explain all terms and conditions.