Difference between a non-binding estimate and binding estimate

Good morning, thanks for visiting Movers.com for help with your question about binding and non-binding estimates. 

Binding estimates
A binding estimate is essentially set in stone. The moving company will assess your shipment and provide you with an estimate of the cost to move them. A binding estimate won't change depending on the actual or final weight of the items being moved. Here are some pros and cons of a binding estimate:

• The cost of your move won't increase despite changes in weight. If your actual shipment weighs less than what was estimated, you'll still pay the agreed-upon price, and it won't be discounted. 
• You will know exactly how much your move will cost ahead of time and you won't be blind-sided when it comes time to pay. 

Non-binding estimates
Non-binding estimates are basically the opposite. The moving company will evaluate your goods and provide you with an estimate of the cost. However, they won't be able to give you an actual cost until everything is weighed on moving day and once everything is calculated, the movers will adjust the cost accordingly. 

Moving companies may offer non-binding estimates over the phone because of how flexible they can be. 

The downside to non-binding estimates is the fact that can fluctuate from the time you receive them to the time you pay. 

For more information about binding and non-binding moving estimates you can read through our guide on Movers.com.