When requesting moving estimates from moving companies, you may find that some movers do things differently than others.
There are three different kinds of estimates that you receive from a moving company such as binding, non-binding, and binding not-to-exceed estimates.
But how moving companies give out estimates also differs and can greatly impact not only your initial quote, but the total amount of money you pay for the move on moving day.
Let's find out the difference between getting a phone quote and getting an in-house estimate.
Phone Estimates Are Often Low and Inaccurate
Although phone estimates are common, they are not the preferred method for receiving estimates from a moving company due to a number of reasons.
The phone walk through
Many people call up a moving company while walking through their home.
They explain the salesperson about the amount of furniture, boxes, clothes, and other items per room that should be included in the move.
The low quote
The moving company then provides the customer with a quote, which is usually a very low estimate that might seem tempting.
The high cost move
All is well and good until the end of the move, when the customer gets the final bill and sees that it is considerably more than originally quoted over the phone.
While sometimes such scenario is part of a larger moving scam designed to deceive the customer from the beginning.
But, it can also be due to an honest misunderstanding of the full scope of the move.
If you don't properly explain the layout or number of things to move, you'll be susceptible to additional charges and fees.
TIP: Prepare an inventory before you call, have measurements for large items. They will ask you a bunch of questions.
Sometimes, a Phone Estimate Can Be Beneficial
Phone estimates may work better for you.
Quick and easy
The most obvious benefit to receiving a phone estimate is the convenience of speaking to a representative over the phone.
Otherwise, you'll have to schedule time for someone to come to your house and take a look at all of your belongings which is hard, especially if you're busy planning your move.
Short notice move
If you're moving on short notice, you won't have time for an in person estimate.
If you just got a promotion and have to move across the country in five days to start training for your new position, your only choice may be to receive an over the phone estimate.
Relatively small move
Another time when an over-the-phone estimate might not be such a bad idea is when you don't have too much stuff to take with you.
It can be pretty difficult to inventory the contents of a large move over the phone.
But if you're moving a couple of boxes and pieces of furniture, a phone estimate should suffice.
In House Quotes Are More Accurate
In house estimates are generally more structured and efficient when compared to phone estimates.
In house appointment
First, a customer will call up a moving company to request a quote.
The sales agent on the phone will then set up an appointment when the movers can come out to the customer's house to look at the rooms and items being moved.
Supervised walkthrough
When the movers arrive at the customer's house for the estimate, they will do a walk-through with you.
As you go through each room very carefully, they will ask questions, make notes of what is included in the move and estimate the total weight of the shipment based on what the customer is moving.
Accurate estimate
From this careful surveying of the house, the movers arrive at an initial price based on all of the factors involved.
This will include long carry and stair fees, but ask about anything extra that could pop up.
In House Estimates Are More Beneficial than Phone Quotes
In house estimates are always the best option.
Accurate budget
Allowing the movers to come to your home and survey your belongings gives them a better idea of what the move requires, enabling them to provide you with the most accurate estimate possible.
With a realistic estimate, it's easier to plan your moving budget.
No extra fees
Getting an accurate initial estimate can potentially save you hundreds even thousands of dollars down the road.
The movers will know exactly what you will be moving and tell you what will incur extra charges.
You can avoid or prepare ahead of time, so there won't be any last-minute surprises on moving day.
Face to face
You will get to meet the movers in person, so you can have an idea of their professionalism.
This allows you to gauge aspects of their company that you wouldn't be able to simply by speaking with a sales agent over the phone.
Talking with them about the move and asking them any pertinent moving questions will also save you from potential headaches later on down the road.
Conclusion
While phone estimates are helpful in some cases, they lack the precision most of the time to get you a dependable moving budget.
An in-house estimate provides movers with a realistic view of what your move entails, which helps you evade any hidden costs and ensures the move will go as smoothly as possible.
For the most accurate moving quotes and to compare trusted movers for free, check out movers.com to start planning your move with confidence.
