Types Of Moving Estimates
Posted on: 4 January 2017
When looking for a moving company to move your things from your old home to your new one, it's smart to get estimates from a couple of different companies before you make your decision. However, not every type of moving estimate is the same, which can have important implications on the amount of money that you end up spending. Understanding the differences between the three main types of estimates that moving companies can give you will allow you to more easily determine what you'll actually end up paying.
Non-Binding Estimates
Non-binding estimates are based off of the weight of your moving boxes, but like their name would suggest, moving companies can increase the amount of money that they charge you and are not bound to their initial estimate when billing you. This is important to keep in mind: if you get an extremely low estimate from one company, it is likely to go up during the move. Ask individual moving companies for the policies on non-binding estimates and price increases: some will only increase your cost for specific reasons, or within a specific range of the original estimate, but there is a great deal of variation between individual companies.
Binding Estimates
Binding estimates, like their name would suggest, provide a binding agreement between you and the mover that you will pay the amount of the estimate regardless of the weight of your things. This means that if your move weighs less than estimated or takes less time, you still have to pay the full amount. However, binding estimates can't be increased as non-binding estimates can: there needs to be a valid reason to increase a binding estimate, such as adding additional services or items to be moved to your order. As such, binding estimates tend to come with a little bit of a premium attached.
Not to Exceed Estimates
Not to exceed estimates are unique when compared to binding and non-binding estimates, and are the most common type of estimate offered by large chains of moving companies. With these types of estimates, you are guaranteed a flat fee for your moving expenses as long as you agree not to exceed a certain weight threshold. If you do exceed this threshold, you will be charged more, usually on a per pound or per hour basis, depending on the moving company. This makes this type of estimate ideal for smaller moves, as you won't have to worry about additional charges and expenses that can arise, and they tend to be cheaper than binding estimates.
For more information contact a company like M Dyer & Sons Inc.
Share