Phone Price Quotes vs. In-House Estimates
When obtaining estimates from moving companies, you may find that some movers do things differently than others. You might or might not be familiar with the three various kinds of quotes that you get from a moving company - binding quotes, non-binding quotes, and binding not-to-exceed quotes.
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 when everything is said and done. Read on to find out the distinction in between getting a price quote over the phone or in-person at your home.
How phone quotes are performed
Phone quotes, while common, are not the preferred method for receiving price quotes from a moving business for a variety of factors, except for under a handful of situations.
The walk through. Since it looks like such an easy solution, many people will call up a moving business and stroll the sales representative on the phone through all the rooms in their house, discussing the quantity of furnishings, boxes, clothing, etc. that will be included in the move.
The quote. The moving company then supplies the consumer with a quote, which is normally an extremely low quote that seems enticing to the customer.
The relocation. All is well and excellent till completion of the move, when the customer gets the final costs and sees that it is nearly double the quantity he was priced quote over the phone. While in some cases this scenario is a part of a bigger moving scams rip-off that is developed to deceive the customer from the beginning and hold items captive up until he or she pays the full amount, it can also be due to a sincere misconception of the full scope of the relocation. This can result in extra charges and fees that were not initially prepared for.
To avoid both of these possible scenarios, it's usually best to prevent phone price quotes entirely.
Benefits of phone estimates
Of course, similar to anything, there are benefits and drawbacks to receiving an over-the-phone estimate. Here are some reasons why getting a phone price quote might work better for you:
It's quick and simple. Possibly the most obvious benefit to getting a phone quote is the fact that it's much more hassle-free to speak with a representative and receive a quote over the phone, instead of scheduling time for somebody to come news to your house and take a look at all of your personal belongings-- specifically if you're busy with your move preparation and do not have a lot of free time.
You're carrying on brief notice and don't have time for an in-person price quote. Naturally, this example is an unusual Get More Info scenario that may happen if you're forced to relocate on really brief notice. If you simply got a promo and have to move across the nation in five days to start training for your brand-new position, your only option may be to get an over-the-phone price quote.
Your move is relatively little. Another time when an over-the-phone quote might not be such a bad concept is when you do not have too much things to take with you. It can be quite challenging to inventory the contents of a big move over the phone, but if you're moving a small one-bedroom home with a few boxes and pieces of furniture, a phone price quote must be adequate.
How internal price quotes are carried out
In-house estimates are normally more structured and efficient when compared to phone price quotes
First, a customer will phone a moving company to request a quote. The sales representative on the phone will then set up an appointment when the movers can come out to the consumer's house to take a look at the spaces and the items being moved.
When the movers get to the clients house for the price quote, they will do a walk-through and go through each space very thoroughly, making notes of exactly what is included in the relocation and estimating the total weight of the delivery based on what the client is moving.
From this careful surveying of your house, the movers come to an initial rate based on all of the aspects involved.
Advantages of internal quotes.
Here are the benefits of internal estimates:
It's precise. Enabling the movers to come to your home and study your possessions provides a much better idea of exactly what the move needs, allowing them to provide you with the most precise quote possible.
Getting a precise preliminary estimate can possibly save you hundreds, often even thousands, of dollars down the road. The movers will understand exactly what you will be moving and you will not be hit with any last-minute surprises on the moving day.
You will get to meet the movers face to face. This is very useful, as it permits you to evaluate particular elements of their company that you would not be able to merely by talking to a sales agent this contact form over the phone.
You can evaluate their professionalism. Talking with them about the move and inquiring any relevant moving concerns will enable you to judge their professionalism and understanding of the moving industry. Understanding these things can save you from potential headaches later down the road.