One of the first steps in planning a move is to get moving estimates and compare moving companies’ prices. Consulting with mover after mover over the phone isn’t only tedious and time consuming, it is often futile and frustrating. This is because more often than not, final moving day prices can be significantly higher than the moving quotes you signed.
Here are some answers to questions, rarely asked by clients, but important facts to understand about estimates, role of a moving broker vs. a moving company, and how do you keep your move under control and avoid risks and surprises on moving day:
What is a Ballpark Moving Estimate? Ballpark estimates are based on basic information gathered over the phone (home size, floor, and addresses) and a rough assessment of the customer’s inventory. This leaves much room for error and/or under-quote.
What is a Binding Moving Estimate really? Binding estimates are more often than not, misinterpreted, even if the sales rep says your quote is binding and will not change. It’s only binding for services and inventory listed in the estimate. If the item list or labor services needed is inaccurate or incomplete, then the Binding Estimate will be revised on the day of the move. Each item that will take up space or add weight to the truck load affects your final cost.
Furniture comes in various sizes and/or pieces and therefore the disassembled size/weight may vary. For example, a King size bed may consist of headboard, footboard, frame, or mattress, but not everyone’s king size bed has a footboard or box spring. Moving boxes come in small, medium, large and extra large sizes, ranging from 1.5 – 6.5 cubic feet, and up to 15 cubic feet for wardrobe boxes. Therefore, change in box size or bed parts may affect your final charges. When comparing estimates between companies, take into consideration the calculated total cubic feet/weight by each company to avoid “correction” and repricing on moving day. Do not sign a moving company’s estimate based on verbal agreements made that contradicts with the written terms and conditions. Ask for verbal agreements put in writing!
What is a Moving Broker? Brokers simply book moving jobs and then sell it to a moving company, who are willing to accept the signed quote. They do not employ movers, own trucks, insured or liable if something goes wrong with your move. Avoid possible risks of being a victim of an under-estimated/low-balled quote, only to pay double or triple the quoted price on moving day. Additional charges and terms will be based on the moving company’s tariff. Often times, consumers are not aware they are speaking to a broker, until the movers show up with unfamiliar company name on the contracts. Coach USA Moving is a Moving Company, we are NOT a broker.
How to Avoid Risks and Surprises? Moving Estimates from moving companies and brokers are usually 2-5 pages, sometimes more. Read them entirely before signing. Check and double check the inventory list. Prices are based on your actual inventory and include everything you will need for your move (including labor for use of stairs, elevator, distance between loading/unloading area to your door). Each piece of furniture, box, etc. is priced separately and you will be charged for each additional item on moving day. Compare moving estimates after making sure all billable services are taken into consideration.
Book your move directly with a moving company (this is who we are) and keep your move under control. Our sales team is trained to ensure no fee is left to be determined on moving day. Our quotes are NOT designed simply to entice clients with low pricing. Our quotes are designed to avoid surprises on moving day. We do not measure our success by the number of moves we perform, but by our customers’ 100% satisfaction AFTER the move is completed.