A Moving Deposit Is 10% of the Fare, and Canceling on the Day Costs Double -- Two Hours Late Lets You Cancel and Claim Six Times, Under the Standard Terms
When people sign with a moving company, most check only the quote and the date. But if the crew arrives two or three hours late on moving day, asks for extra fees on the spot, or a wardrobe corner is cracked on arrival, the contract and its terms become the standard. This article goes through the clauses of the Fair Trade Commission's Standard Terms for Moving Cargo (Standard Terms No. 10035) and sets out which numbers apply to the deposit, cancellation, delays and damage.
First, check whether the contract includes these terms
The standard terms are a model that companies are encouraged to use as written. Under Article 5, before the contract is made the company must explain and present the terms, including the deposit, refusal of cargo, cancellation and damages clauses, and give you a copy if you ask. If the contract prints the full terms, handing you the contract counts as handing you a copy. If the terms are missing, ask for a copy and compare the company's own terms against the standard ones to see whether they are less favorable to you.
A quote cannot simply be raised in the contract
Under Article 5(3) and Article 8(2), a company may not write a higher amount in the contract than in the quote. The exception is when you change the inventory or the scope of packing and setup so that the price rises, and even then only if the extra amount was notified in advance. Article 8(3) is more direct: apart from the stated fare, no amount may be charged under any name, such as a tip. If extra charges are demanded on the day ("we need another ladder truck," "there is more stuff"), the questions are whether you actually asked for the change and whether you were told beforehand.
The deposit is set at 10% of the total fare
Article 6 lets the company charge, when it hands over the contract, an amount equal to 10% of the total fare as a deposit. On a total of 1,000,000 won that is 100,000 won. Because this deposit is the unit used for the cancellation penalties and delay damages below, keep both the deposit receipt and the contract amount.
If you cancel, it is the deposit the day before and double on the day
Article 9(1) applies when you cancel for your own reasons. Notice by the day before the moving day costs the deposit (minus any deposit already paid), and notice on the day costs double the deposit. With a 100,000 won deposit, canceling the day before costs 100,000 won and canceling on the day costs 200,000 won. Keep a text message or call record showing when you canceled, which is your evidence if the day-before and same-day line is disputed.
If the company cancels or runs late, the multiples are far larger
Article 9(2) applies when the company causes the cancellation. Notice two days before: double the deposit. One day before: four times. On the day: six times, and if the company gives no notice even on the day, ten times. Any deposit you already paid is refunded separately from these amounts. If the company is two hours or more late for the agreed pickup time, you may cancel and claim the deposit back plus six times the deposit (Article 9(3)).
If you do not cancel and the move goes ahead anyway, the delay damages in Article 14(2) may apply. If nothing was damaged, the amount is hours late x deposit x 1/2, capped at ten times the deposit, and any time under one hour is not counted. Conversely, if you cause the delay, you owe the company the same formula, capped at double the deposit (Article 15).
Damage must be reported within 30 days of delivery
The company is liable for loss or damage unless it can prove it exercised proper care in packing, transport and setup (Article 14(1)). But for partial loss or damage, liability lapses if you do not notify the company within 30 days of receiving the cargo. For total loss or delay, it lapses one year after delivery. If the company knew about damage and hid it, liability lasts five years (Article 18). Compensation is repair where repair is possible, and otherwise the value at the destination on the delivery date. Any insurance payout you received is deducted.
What to do on moving day to be in a better position
For a standard move you pay the balance once you confirm that all the cargo has been delivered, and for a packing move once you confirm setup is finished (Article 8(1)). Before paying, photograph the furniture and speak up about any problem before you sign. Cash, jewelry, bankbooks and seals are items the company may refuse to take, so carry them yourself (Article 7). Give notice in a form that records the date, such as a text message or certified mail. For money you get back after the move, see money you get back when you move out, and for what to do at the new home, see move-in reports and fixed dates and filing them online.
Summary in order
(1) Check that the contract has the terms and that its amount matches the quote. (2) The deposit is about 10% of the fare; keep the receipt. (3) If you cancel, it is the deposit the day before and double on the day; if the company cancels, the multiples grow. (4) If the company is more than two hours late, you can cancel and claim six times the deposit. (5) Photograph damage and notify within 30 days. This article is a general explanation of Standard Terms No. 10035; the actual contract and the company's own terms take precedence, and for individual disputes please consult the Korea Consumer Agency (1372) or a legal professional.
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