There’s a lot of information to process when planning a move and while obtaining a quote sounds easy enough, it’s essential to understand that there are different kinds of estimates. You need to be aware of this information so that you don’t come across surprise fees, so ask a professional mover to come to your home and assess your belongings so that they can determine a price.
The following guide will highlight the different kinds of moving estimates so that you don’t run into any unfortunate situations:
Non-Binding Estimate
This type of estimate is not bound by a contract and is simply a rough quote to give you an idea of what your move might cost. This means that on moving day, the estimate can change, and your fee may be higher or lower than this amount, and there is no way for you to know the actual cost until that. This is not considered the best option, although many moving companies use non-binding estimates, and while it’s okay to accept this information, you need to remember that this is a rough estimate, so it would be wise to factor in additional costs because uncertainty is involved.
Binding Estimates
This type of agreement will provide you with a more accurate amount, so you will have a better idea of what you will have to pay. With a binding estimate, you will not have to pay more, even if the movers state that the actual weight is above what they estimated, so the cost of your move will not increase. If, however, it is determined that the weight of your shipment is below the estimate, you will still have to pay the contracted price. While you will not know the exact cost of your move, a binding estimate will provide you with a fairly accurate amount so that budgeting will be a lot easier.
Binding not-to-exceed
This is considered the best estimate type because the movers will have to honour the price you receive, but they will also have to lower their cost if your items are less than what was initially estimated.
Now that you have a better understanding of the different kinds of moving estimates, you will be able to make informed decisions and will feel confident with your choice. Regardless of the type of estimate you receive, it is essential that you discuss every single item with the moving company you hire, as this will allow them to provide you with a better estimate. Include every detail so that there are no surprises and always ask for a written estimate so that you can refer to this document if need be.
The experts at Econo Moving & Storage will always provide you with detailed information, so if you are looking for reputable moving companies in the North or West Vancouver areas, do not hesitate to contact us. Whether you need self-storage options, professional movers or mini storage solutions, we can help, so call us today!
