Moving Quotes: Compare Apples to Apples

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Weight, Distance, and Time

Check the parameters of the quotations to ensure that all of them are for the same expected weight, distance, number of workers, as well as planned hours. If you are obtaining quotes for a long-distance move to Austin, make certain you are working with a long distance moving company rather than a moving company who is unable to relocate goods interstate. Calculations pertaining to number of personnel and also hours could differ based on the business. Several moving companies charge you a flat fee for up to a certain amount of hours, after which charge you a per hour rate per person for each hour thereafter. This may bring about a costly raise in your moving expenses. And also, miles should be plainly indicated and calculated for all quotes, to be certain that there is no per-mile addition to the quote after the fact.

Storage, Insurance, and Additional Services

While comparing your quotations, seek out added services that do not exist in all your estimates. You simply can't complete a correct apples-to-apples comparison if one estimate contains packing and supplies, and the others don't. Watch out for all other add-ons, such as insurance, storage space and time, mileage and fuel. If all the quotations are structured similarly, with the same inclusions, you are less likely to be taken in by a mover who offers a cheap estimated charge and then nickels and dimes you with buried service fees and extras. In the event that mileage or fuel rates are to be added, make sure that the provided charges are in the comparable range on all estimates.

Other Items to Watch Out For

When examining your moving bids, be skeptical of extremely high or extremely low quotes. You should have a spread of 4-5 estimates, to offer you a clear idea of the average price for your move. If a quotation is notably lower than the rest, investigate to make sure that the parameters of that estimate match the rest, and that there won't be any additional fees, mileage costs, or hourly fee limits that may add to the charge after your move is started. Similarly, if a quote is significantly more than the rest, make sure they are not overestimating hours or mileage, and they haven't added services or products which aren't contained in the other quotes. Verify to ensure that all your moving companies have honored any licensing regulations, and that they are quoting adequate manpower to complete the move in a prompt fashion. Don't forget, if an estimate appears too good to be true, it likely is.

Make Inquiries and Don't Hesitate to Inquire about Adjustments

If you find that you aren't capable of making a definative assessment due to the fact several or all your quotations possess inconsistent services, you needn't be worried to reach out to the moving companies with detailed changes to the estimates. This is your move, and it is important that you have all the information you'll need to help make the correct choice. Ask for a copy of the quote in writing, so that you can easily make comparisons. Verify that all your quotations have the identical stipulations. Last but not least, check online reviews. Previous clients will frequently leave good and bad opinions, which includes information regarding hidden fees or items they overlooked in their own rates. Looking at the feedback is a great last step prior to deciding on an estimation.

For more guidance on finding the right moving company in Austin for your move, look at A-1 Freeman Moving Group today! We provide long distance and local moving for numerous residential, commercial, and corporate customers. Email us today for a quote, and permit our skilled staff help you with your upcoming move!