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Type of Estimates From Movers
There are three major types of
estimates you can get from a moving
company. Each of these has it's
own advantages and disadvantages.
1.
Binding. The mover offers a guaranteed
price. Usually there is a small percentage of
deviation for unforeseen circumstances.
The estimate is based upon a complete
list of items to be moved and the amount
of services to be performed.
2. Hourly Rate or Non-Binding. This is not
an estimate at all. It's basically
a price list. The rates are based upon the movers'
previous experience of jobs similar to
yours.
3. Not-To-Exceed. This quote is binding
for the mover. The final price for
the move cannot exceed the estimate
figure. If the move comes in under
the estimated amount then you will end
up paying the lesser
price. This is important for
people who are on a very limited budget
and need to know the absolute maximum
cost involved.
According to Moving.com the best estimate that you can get is
the "not to exceed" estimate. Like
binding estimates, "not to exceed"
estimates are based upon an accurate and
complete list of items that you expect
to have moved. In contract
though, the "not to
exceed" estimate gives you a little bit
of leeway if you happen to decide on
bringing extra items with you moving day.
Please note that all if all the
extra items exceed the "not to exceed"
estimate, you will be charged more.
If the final bill comes out to
be lower than the estimate, you pay the
lower price and nothing more.
If you get the Not-to-Exceed contract
make sure to get it
in writing.
One item to be aware of when dealing
with a "not to exceed" estimates.
If
the movers sees that the job will cost
more than anticipated, they may try to cut
corners on the packing of your items.
It's important for you to ask the movers
how they will pack each item to try and
prevent any corner cutting measures.
You may have done everything perfect but
the movers still may have misjudged the
estimate.
Insurance for any type of move is
essential. By law, the movers must
provide you with insurance. Get the best
coverage for your items, depending on
what they may be. Movers will provide
you with minimal coverage. Here is
an example of one way the insurance is
evaluated in case of a loss. If
the movers damage your 200 pound dining
room table the insurance might only
cover a cost of 55 cents per pound.
So in this example you'll receive only
$110 which could cost you hundreds of
dollars. Only
items with damage visible to the naked
eye will be insured. Internal problems
with electronics will not be recognized
under the minimal coverage. This
is why if you need something protected
you need to make sure you purchase
additional insurance coverage. Or
if you're movers come with a great
reputation than you might want to take
that risk because but accidents do
happen.
In general, not-to-exceed estimates are very
popular for long distance moves, but not
popular for local moves. Long distance moves
are mainly based on weight and distance
and
time is not much of an issue.
Whereas
with small moves across town time is everything. Typical
problems such as heavy traffic and bad
weather prevent local movers from
offering you this type of estimate.
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