The National Guild of Removers and Storers Explained
When choosing a removals and storage company, you should ensure they are trustworthy and reliable. They are responsible for transporting your household goods. As a result, you need to be assured when using their services.
One way to verify a removal company is to research whether they are part of the National Guild of Removers and Storers (NGRS). The guild regulates its members and ensures they are meeting the Guild’s Code of Practice. It has high standards, and its members are expected to maintain excellent service.
What is the National Guild of Removals and Storage (NGRS)?
The National Guild of Removals and Storage (NGRS) is an independent body, that provides quality monitoring for removals and storage companies. This ensures they are meeting the Guild’s code of practice. It was set up in 1991 to regulate and protect the removals industry and covers the UK only.
The NGRS ensures consumer protection. Customers are treated fairly by independent companies. Any storage and removals company can apply to be a part of the guild.
As it’s not a compulsory membership, there is a set criterion companies need to meet, and expectations they need to uphold.
Storage and removals companies that are part of the guild are responsible for providing a regulated and approved service. They will need to pass the inspection procedure before being accepted into the guild.
As a result, companies that have been accepted into the guild are trusted and verified. This is similar to the British Association of Removers and FIDI which are independent trade associations for removal and international removal companies.
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The Benefits of Choosing A Guild Member
Here are several benefits of choosing a guild member:
1. Customer Feedback
Customers are sent a questionnaire to fill in about their experience. This questionnaire allows the NGRS to keep track of their guild member’s performance. The questionnaires are sent to the Guild and bypass the removal and storage companies.
2. Regulated Services
As the National Guild of Removers and Storers is regulated, you can rest assured knowing the company is legitimate and complies with the Guild’s standards.
3. The Removals Industry Ombudsman
If a removals or storage company is part of the NGRS, customers can contact the Removals Industry Ombudsman with any complaints. The Ombudsman will then investigate this.
4. Higher Quality Service
By choosing a company that’s part of the National Guild of Removers and Storers you will receive a higher quality service. You are covered if anything goes wrong with your move, and the company you have chosen can be relied upon.
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NGRS Code of Practice
The NGRS has a specific Code of Practice that all members are required to follow. Here is a brief rundown of this:
- Inspections - The Guild carries out regular inspections of members. This ensures they are meeting the criteria and are providing accurate information to customers.
- Complaints - Complaints need to be responded to as quickly as possible. Members need to provide all the relevant information if the complaint is passed on to the ROIS.
- Proving Quotes - Companies have to provide written quotes and estimates for customers. The terms and conditions of business should be included.
- Insurance Details - Insurance documentation and details need to be provided as proof of cover. Insurance needed includes - goods in storage, goods in transit, public and employee liability, and vehicle (fleet).
- Correct Training - All employees need to be adequately trained.
- Storage Standards - The facility needs to be safe, secure, and weatherproof. An inventory of goods stored needs to be provided to the customers.
- Vehicle Standards - Vehicles should annually meet the Department of Transport’s regulations and be passed by licenced inspectors. This is to ensure their vehicles are operational by law.
Take a look at the NGRS Code of Practice for a full rundown on the specific details.
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Approved Inspection Procedure
To become a member of the National Guild of Removers and Storers, members need to pass the approved inspection procedure. Here’s an outline of what the inspection procedure includes:
- Insurance Verification
- Operational Qualifications
- Vehicles
- Storage Facilities
- References
- Customer Testimonials
- Trading Standard and Health & Safety Compliance
Take a look at the NGRS website for a full rundown of each section of the procedure expectations.
How to Make a Complaint
If you need to make a complaint about a removals or storage company, if they’re part of the National Guild of removers, your complaint will be taken seriously.
To begin with, contact the removals or storage company. If they aren’t able to meet your expectations and provide a resolution, you can then contact The Removals Industry Ombudsman. They will then investigate your complaint.
For more information, read our article on how to file a complaint against a removal company.
Finding a Trusted and Professional Removal Company
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