One of the most common complaints people have when hiring moving companies is the challenge of getting an accurate estimate for the move. There are three different types of estimates or quotes movers in Memphis may offer. Understanding what is meant by the three different quotes will help residential moving customers to choose the best company for their moving needs.
In-Home or Estimated Household Move
To get an estimate or quote for a move, all movers will need to have an understanding of the amount to be moved. Some companies will provide a simple online checklist to provide a general idea of what is involved in the move.
The obvious drawback to this option is the lack of specificity in detailing the contents of the home. Do they include all large furniture items? Do they underestimate the amount of furniture and possessions in the move?
The other option is an in-home survey. The moving company will send a trained representative to the home to complete a visual review of what will be moved. This allows the movers to provide a more specific quote.
Non-Binding Estimates
For the do-it-yourself types of inventory listings, most moving companies will only provide a non-binding quote. This means the weight on the truck will determine the exact amount the customer will pay. Unscrupulous moving companies can use this to significantly under quote for their services, then dramatically increase the price on moving day.
Binding and Not-To-Exceed Estimates
Binding estimates are provided by movers to provide a clear picture and a final price for the customer. However, if additional services are requested or additional factors influence the move logistics, the price may go up.
The binding not-to-exceed quote is less common, but it provides the maximum amount the customer can expect to pay, with the possibility the actual final cost may be lower. This will happen if the weight on the truck is less than estimated, but it will not increase if the Memphis moving company underestimated the weight.
