Often when customers talk to moving companies in West Palm Beach about an estimate, they get a variety of different costs. While it is normal to have a slight variation between companies, it is also critical to understand the type of quote provided. Without this understanding it may be easy to go with the lowest cost estimate, only to end up paying significantly more than what you thought was the highest.
If this sounds confusing, it actually can be. The top moving companies don’t try to bring customers in by providing low estimates. Instead, they provide the most accurate quote possible based on the items in the home, the estimated weight, distance and any other requested services.
Non-Binding
You may find that some moving companies will provide a quote over the phone or through a checklist form you complete online. Some of the top companies will do this to give you a ballpark figure, but this is never called an estimate, it is just a guideline.
If the company writes an estimate that is not specifically indicated to be binding, and they require a final weight on the truck before the price is determined, there is a real risk for the consumer. These companies may offer very low “estimates” and then, after the truck is loaded, let you know that they estimated low on the weight and that the cost is significantly more.
Binding
All reputable moving companies will have no trouble in providing a binding estimate, which is similar to a contract. It will provide the amount you pay, without any additional costs if nothing is changed before or after the move.
Should things change, such as stairs at the other end not reported, the need to park a long distance from the new location, or even a request for packing or unpacking services, the costs will be added on.
Not-to-exceed Binding
This is a good type of binding estimate for the consumer. With this estimate, it is the same as the binding contract but, if the load weight is less than anticipated, the consumer pays the lower of the two costs.
With this option, as with the binding estimate, moving companies provide the information in writing, and you sign the agreement, before the loading items on the truck. As with the binding estimate, additional services or factors not included in the original agreement will be added if they occur, but it does provide for easy budgeting and financial management for a West Palm Beach move.
