So you’ve decided to hire professional movers. That’s a wise decision. Long-distance relocation isn’t something you can easily pull off by yourself. However, remember that no two moving companies are alike. There’s always going to be a difference in the way they operate, their customer service, and of course, prices.
With that said, an accurate moving quote is your best friend when it comes to hiring movers. Not only will you obtain a definitive price, but you can learn a lot about a company just from the way it conducts estimates. Want to learn how? Check out this comprehensive list of must-knows below.
What Is an Estimate?
An estimate or quote is just like what it implies – a calculated guess. In other words, it’s an approximate price or cost of relocating your belongings, typically provided by a moving company after evaluating your inventory. Estimates are not final and are subject to change depending on weight, distance, expedited delivery, and additional services.
Types of Moving Estimates
Before jumping to the tips, Consumer Affairs suggests that you familiarize yourself first with the three types of estimates:
- Binding: Comparable to a flat fee, a binding estimate means the movers must stick only with the price they initially provided as long as nothing else regarding the move changes.
- Non-binding: This is the true definition of an estimate. The movers will guess the cost of your move, put the details on paper, and then hand it out to you for contemplation. Keep in mind that shipment weight and extra services will be the primary contributing factors to the final price.
- Binding-not-to-exceed moving estimate: This is basically a binding estimate, but you’ll have to pay less if your inventory weighs less than the calculated price.
Considering these conditions, a binding estimate is the safest option to avoid possible misunderstandings. Non-binding quotes provide more opportunities for movers to charge hidden fees.
Tips on Getting Long Distance Quotes
Here are tips for getting accurate quotes.
Collect Quotes from 3 or More Companies
People say, never settle for less. You might regret it later if you go with the first company to hand you an offer. That’s why you’ll want to have plenty of options to choose from. Get quotes from at least three unique movers, compare their prices, services, reputation, and then select the most suitable one that meets your needs and budget.
Make Sure You Get an In-Home Estimate
When your potential company tells you the cost of your move over the phone, don’t think twice about dropping the conversation. Think about it. How can they provide an accurate price when they haven’t even bothered to check your home? Smells like a scam.
However, you shouldn’t let your guard down just because the company sent an agent over to survey your belongings. As an added precaution, make sure to ask the right questions like:
- Can you provide a binding estimate?
- How long have you been in the moving business?
- Do you have a website that I can visit?
- What other services can you offer?
- Can you tell me how you operate from the beginning until the end of a move?
Observe how the agent responds to these questions. If he sounds nervous or unsure or that his answers don’t make sense, you might be on your way to doing business with a rogue moving company.
Research, Research, Research
If you finally find movers you like, it’s time to examine their credibility. First, ask for their USDOT number and run it on the FMCSA mover search tool. You can find a lot of info about them by doing so. Next, visit the company’s website and assess their online presence. Don’t forget to check the reviews on trusted sites like Yelp and Google. Lastly, reach out to the Better Business Bureau and inquire if there are any existing complaints regarding your potential company.
Final Tip: Review the Contract Before Signing
If you were told not to trust strangers as a kid, then you shouldn’t easily have faith in a random piece of paper. Don’t mind if it takes a while or if your potential movers are in a hurry. Be sure to take time reading over the document they provide. If you must, read it twice or thrice. Watch out for certain phrases like ‘supplementary measures’ that could indicate hidden charges. The only time you’ll scribble your signature is once you’ve made sure there’s no loophole in the contract.