Is it possible to haggle the quote with your moving company?
Yes, you can save hundreds of dollars on your next move with some research and homework. It is pretty simple to negotiate with moving companies because they are in business to make money; however, people have three common mistakes when haggling with movers.
The first mistake is that you compare apples to oranges. Movers are not like retailers, so don’t expect to get the exact quotes you got from your favorite retailer. Moving locally should cost less than interstate moves because it is more accessible, and time for packers and drivers is valued at your expense.
Another mistake is not reaching out to enough companies to get low quotes; the internet has made it easy to get multiple moving quotes in minutes. There are hundreds of moving companies that transport household goods across the nation and around the world every day.
The third mistake is not understanding how your quote was generated; if you call one company for a quote, they can pull up your order immediately if you are on their system. A carrier will use either cubic feet, weight, or both to determine your quote.
Things To Consider When Comparing Moving Quotes.
Here are the focus points to consider when negotiating with your moving company.
Weight vs. Cubic Feet
Usually, companies that use cubic feet will have a better price, but not always the cheapest quote may be from a company that uses weight. You must choose which method you prefer because pricing between methods varies greatly. Sometimes some companies will charge you for weight and cubic feet, so always ask if they charge for both.
When you’re getting quotes from moving companies, it’s essential to compare quotes based on weight and volume. It’s a bad idea to compare a moving selection based on weight with a moving quote based on volume because the two quotes will be different. Volume is measured in cubic feet, while weight is measured in pounds.
When it comes to moving, everyone wants to save money. One way to do that is by choosing a moving company that charges you based on volume instead of weight. This is because the volume is a more accurate measure of the amount of stuff you’re moving. Weight based metrics can be influenced by the type of material, while volume is not.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a fair and accurate quote, choose a moving company that charges based on volume. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for, and there won’t be any surprises.
Binding VS Non-Binding
There is a big difference between binding and nonbinding moving quotes, with a binding estimate, the price is guaranteed, and if the company moves your items and your final invoice total more than the binding estimate, they have to cover the cost or re-deliver your items.
Nonbinding estimates are just that; a quote with no guarantees is not held against you if the company has to come out and give you a new estimate. It’s important to remember that nonbinding estimates aren’t guaranteed, so be sure that your final cost doesn’t exceed the estimate.
To avoid conflict, make sure you get a binding quote from a carrier that isn’t going to leave you stranded like an independent broker.
Extra Fees
Some movers will charge additional fees for packing, moving blankets, stairs (more than one flight), long carry (more than 150 ft.), etc. Be sure that the quote you get includes any additional fees.
Many moving companies will give you a binding quote, but it’s important to be aware of what the terms are before you sign anything. This way, there are no surprises when your final bill comes due.
Know Your Mover
When it comes to moving, many people feel stressed and overwhelmed. It’s a lot of work to pack up all your belongings and move them to a new location. This is why it’s essential to do your research and find a reputable moving company.
Referrals
Firstly, you should ask your friends or family for referrals. If they’ve had a good experience with a moving company, they’ll be happy to recommend them to you. You can also peruse online reviews to get an idea of what other people have said about a particular company.
Research
Once you’ve narrowed down your shortlist of front-runner movers, it’s important to carry out due diligence. This means contacting the companies and getting quotes. You should also ask for references and contact them to find out how the company performed. In the end, you’ll want a moving company that is reputable and trustworthy.
Getting a binding quote from an independent broker has its risks because if they go out of business or can not access your items at the final destination for any reason, you could be held liable for their actions.
Cheapest Is Seldom Best
Don’t make the mistake of choosing a moving company based on price alone. If you do, there’s a good chance that you’ll be disappointed with the service and will end up splashing out even more money than if you had chosen a reputable moving company to begin with.
Background Check – The Quick Way
The best way to do a background check on a moving company is to check them out on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) along with the American Moving and Storage Association (ASMA), and the Department of Transportation’s Movers Directory.
The BBB will have information on how long the company has been in business, what kind of complaints have been filed against them, and whether they are currently involved in any legal disputes.
ASMA will tell you if the company is a member and whether or not they are registered on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide interstate moving services. If they are registered, then their information will be listed in the Movers Directory.
The DOT Movers Directory will list all licensed moving companies and their state and federal complaint history. It will also tell you if they’ve received any violations or if their authority has been revoked.
The Best Ways To Haggle With Your Mover
Shop Around
To make sure you get the best price possible on a moving company, it’s important to get estimates from multiple companies in your area. Once you receive these quotes, compare them to each other and then choose the moving company that’s right for you. By asking multiple companies the right questions, you’ll know exactly what to expect on moving day. If an overcharge does occur, having everything documented will help ensure they honor your quote. This will help you negotiate with the moving company that’s the best fit for your move.
Get It In Writing!
One of the more paramount aspects of your move you can do is ask for a quote in writing. A written estimate rather than a verbal one is preferred because it ensures that everything was discussed and understood before any moving company services were provided. If an overcharge occurs, you’ll have proof in black and white that states they agreed to the price you stated.
Moving day is always the most stressful part of any move. After all, your belongings are in someone else’s care and you may not know how much things should cost. One way to learn more about what you’re responsible for paying for is to ask the moving company to break down their estimate into what you will be paying for.
For example, you might be asked to pay a set fee per box, a surcharge for furniture items, and extra charges if the volume of your belongings exceeds a certain amount. Knowing upfront what each cost will be can help prevent an unpleasant surprise on moving day.
Insurance Coverage
When hiring any type of professional service, one thing you should always do is get insurance coverage. This will protect your belongings from damages, spills, and other issues that may occur during the loading or unloading process.
What Exactly Do You Need From Your Mover?
When it comes to saving money with a mover, the best way to do so is to figure out what tasks you can do yourself and what jobs are best left to the professionals.
Box It Yourself
For example, you can pack your own boxes and load your own truck, which will save you a lot of money.
However, it’s best to leave the heavy lifting and moving of furniture to the movers. By figuring out what tasks you can do yourself, you can save yourself a lot of money on moving costs.
However, not all moving companies will allow you to do this. Some movers will say that they only work with full-service moves, which means you can’t bring your own boxes or pack your items yourself.
Fortunately for some people, though, some moving companies are now allowing customers to opt out of certain services in order to save money. One of these services is packing up all your items yourself, which can result in a lot of savings.
But the one service that you should always do yourself is to bring your own boxes and pack everything yourself because this is something which is within the physical grasp of most moving clients, except for the elderly or disabled.
If you want to save a lot of money with a mover and don’t mind doing everything yourself, then this is one way to save a lot of money on moving costs. However, if you’d rather have someone handle these tasks for you, then most movers will make full packing service moves, which will cost you more.
You may want to consider looking at the prices of each mover and judge for yourself whether or not the offered service is worth it.
Remember, movers are in the business to make money so they might charge a little more for this service.
Avoid The Shuttle
Do you know what a shuttle fee is? It’s when the moving company needs to hire a box truck because their long-distance trailer can’t get to your new address. That’s usually a starting fee of $350-$500 and will cost more depending on the size of your shipment.
There are a few ways to dodge paying shuttle fees when moving. One way is to hire your own truck at the delivery point. This will allow you to avoid having to pay for the services of a shuttle from the moving company. You can also try to negotiate an even better deal with the moving company or find one that offers a lower shuttle fee.
However, you are still responsible for moving everything into your new home. This solution is only suitable for small moves.
Be Open About Competitors’ Rates
It is always important to be straightforward with your moving companies and let them know what the other companies are charging. This will allow them to fight for your business fairly and provide you with the best possible price. If you are moving long-distance, you need to get the best price that is available for your move.
When it comes to negotiating with moving companies, it’s not a good idea to keep your prices a secret. If the other companies don’t know what you’re being quoted elsewhere, they won’t believe you when you say you received a lower price. It’s always behooving to be as transparent as possible and let the other companies know what your budget is. That way, they can see if they can work with you or not.
Keep Moving Companies Guessing Until You Are Ready
When negotiating with moving companies, make it seem like the deal is almost ready to be signed. However, before you sign it or put your signature on paper, make sure that you are happy with the price. If not, then find another company and tell them that they’re the best option for you because of their competitive rate.
This way, you can avoid potential headaches and get the best price for your move. Just be sure to shop around and find a few moving companies that can work with your budget and needs before settling on one specific company.
You need to know how much something is going to cost before signing any official documents or paying your deposit.
How Much Is Your Deposit?
When moving, it’s essential to be aware of any scams that may be out there. One common scam is when a moving company charges a small price for your move but then demands a disproportionately large deposit – sometimes 30%-50% of the balance – to secure your date. This is often a sign that the company is not legitimate, and you should avoid doing business with them.
While it is important to shop around for the best quote, but it is also important to be aware of the different ranges of deposits that companies may require.
Many companies will ask for a non-refundable deposit to secure your reservation. This can be a large sum of money, and it can be challenging to get your money back if you opt to cancel your move.
In contrast, other companies will ask for a smaller, flexible security deposit – usually $100-300. This deposit may be refundable, or it may be applied towards your final bill. This type of deposit is often much more reasonable, and it allows you some flexibility if you need to cancel your move.
When dealing with a moving company, it is crucial to be sure that you understand precisely what any security deposit will entail. A flexible deposit will always be the best way to ensure that you get good service for your money.
What To Do If Your Mover Is Unyielding In Their Quote
In some cases, you may be unable to get a specific moving company to budge on their price. This is often the case with long-distance moves, as many variables can affect the cost of your move. In these situations, it’s best to be pragmatic and consider if the charges you are being expected to pay are justified.
When you are looking for a decent and reputable mover, you should always ensure that they can explain and justify all of your moving costs. This way, you will be left with no doubt that you have received a fair price, even if it may not be the price you were hoping for.
Binding Not To Exceed
When moving, it’s essential to know what you’re getting into financially. One way to do this is to get a not-to-exceed quote from your moving company. A not-to-exceed quote is a fixed price rather than a variable estimate, so you’ll know exactly how much you’ll be spending.
This can offer peace of mind and help you manage your expenses. However, it would help if you were ready for them to try and negotiate. Here are some tips on how to do that successfully:
Let the moving company explain what “not-to-exceed” means
Be very clear about your budget when hiring a moving company. When they present you with a not-to-exceed quote, tell them what your budget is. If the quote they offer you is over what you can afford, ask for an explanation. Maybe they can give you a more suitable option or help you find another moving company that will fit your needs and within your financial framework.
Don’t fall for hidden fees
When hiring a mover, be very cautious about unspoken and unwritten additional charges. Do not pay anything until your contract is signed, and make sure you know exactly what you are paying for. Some companies offer attractive rates to get your business only to slip in extra charges during the move. Avoid this by clearly explaining what’s included in their service and asking lots of questions if something doesn’t sound right.
Make A Claim When You Need To
You should not hesitate to make an insurance claim with your mover if you discover any damages to your furniture. Many moving companies offer insurance plans that will cover the cost of any damages that may occur during the move. By filing a claim, you can get your furniture repaired or replaced without having to pay for it out of pocket.
When you make a justified insurance claim, you are essentially asking the company to reimburse you for some or all of the money that you have lost. This can be an extremely helpful way to claw back some of your expenses, and you should not wait!
If you have fallen victim to theft, for example, you may be able to get reimbursed for the value of the stolen items. Just like if your home has been damaged in a fire, you might be able to get reimbursed for the value of repairing or rebuilding your home. There are many different types of moving claims that you can make, and each one will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
So don’t wait – contact your moving insurance provider today and get started with your claim!
Move What You Can Personally
One way to save on costs when moving is to try to move some items yourself. This can include moving your own boxes or moving small pieces of furniture. You may also be able to get friends and family to help take some of your items for the move, which can make the process easier and cheaper.
However, there are some items that you cannot take yourself. One of these is the furniture that comes into your home when it is first purchased. It cannot be easy to move heavy or oversized pieces of furniture without hiring moving companies.
Call Us Today And We Can Save You As Much As Possible!
Denver Moving Companies want to help you save money on your move. We are always willing to deal with you in finding a moving date and time that works for both of us, and we will also help you choose the right packing and moving services to suit your needs and expense budget.
Our rates are highly competitive and we offer a wide range of services. You can also save more on your move by accepting our free boxes and wrapping supplies! Get a free moving quote now and see how much you can save on your move!
