What is a COIC? A salesperson who is a "COIC" is someone who has received a Certified Office & Industrial Consultant credential. Started in 2001, the COIC credential represents a fundamental competency and adherence to ethical conduct of the sales force for the Office & Industrial Moving Industry. In dealing with a COIC while planning your move, you can be assured that you are working with a knowledgeable sales consultant who is committed to providing excellent and fair service.

How do salespeople become Certified Office & Industrial Consultants?
Salespeople in the Office & Industrial Moving Industry must go through an application process to become a Certified Office & Industrial Consultant. Once they apply to the program, they must sign a Code of Ethics and Professional Standards and pass a certification exam to become a COIC. Once they have passed the exam, each COIC must pay annual dues and go through a recertification process to maintain their COIC status.

How do I know if my salesperson is a COIC?
The first step is to check the list posted on the AMSA site. The AMSA list is updated every two weeks.

The next step is to ask to see their credentials. It is always a good idea to ask your salesperson for their credentials, even if you found their name on the AMSA list.

If your salesperson is NOT a COIC he/she cannot be held accountable to the COIC Code of Ethics and Professional Practices.

What if my salesperson claims to be a COIC and cannot produce any credentials to verify?
If your saleperson is not on the AMSA list and cannot produce any credentials to verify their status, please contact the AMSA at (703) 683-7410 or by email. Please be prepared to provide the salesperson's name, the company's name and a contact phone number.

NOTE: It is always a good idea to ensure the company you are considering to relocate your personal belongings is a member of AMSA. If they are a member, they are required to participate in the AMSA Arbitration program. To check on the membership status of a moving company, please call the AMSA at (703) 683-7410 or by email.

What if my salesperson is a COIC and I have a complaint?
In dealing with a Certified Office & Industrial Consultant, you can be assured that if you have a complaint against your salesperson, there exists a forum to express it. If for some reason you have a complaint against a COIC, please send a written complaint to:

American Moving and Storage Association
Attn: COIC Program
1611 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Please ensure you describe the situation surrounding the complaint, the name of the salesperson involved and the name of the company involved. Once the AMSA receives a complaint it is presented to a Peer Review Group who will research the complaint and decide on an appropriate action.

Find a COIC . . .
A list of Certified Office & Industrial Consultants is available at the AMSA site. From the pulldown menu, first select your state and then select your nearest city.