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We are making a 650 mile interstate move and have a lot of stuff.
My research says that a binding quote isn't lower on delivery even if they estimated high (please correct me if I got this wrong). You pay the binding quote price.
The last move we made interstate was 20 years ago and they tacked on $1500 at delivery (i didn't know to get a "binding" quote). I refused and bargained down to $1000 extra (I think, it's been a while).
Should I get 2 companies binding quotes and compare?
Has anyone EVER gotten a lower delivered price and you paid less than the "estimate"?
I have actually never heard of a binding quote....interesting that it is available. I've only ever been offered estiamtes but not (unsurprisingly) I've never been charged less than estimate. Most have been pretty close though, if memory serves.
In five moves we have only ever had binding quotes, and never have we had to pay more than the quote (and if I recall correctly at least once we paid less).
I've read myriad horror stories where delivery crews insisted on receiving large payments before off-loading the truck, but have never heard that occurring when the move is handled through a binding quote with a BBB accredited or A/A+ rated national carrier.
Years ago I worked for a local agent of Atlas Van Lines. This was back in the days before they had binding quotes. Our estimators were really very accurate as long as they saw everything there was to move. Like nothing hiding in the attic you forgot to show them.
IIRC, if we gave an estimate and everything moved was listed on the estimate sheet, we could only charge 110% of the estimated weight if it was over. Example: estimated weight was 5,000 pounds. Actual weight was 6,200. We could only charge for 5500 pounds, and we told you right on the estimate what 5500 pounds was going to cost. But I don’t think we ever were that far off, and we did a lot of interstate moves. I have no idea if that is still a rule, but you might ask.
Still undecided on moving company. They make it really hard to compare apples to apples because each presents a different form. 3 movers have done in-person quotes so far, quoted from $6100 to $7000 including insurance at $6/lb
Quote#1 is non-binding and when I called to get a binding quote was told they don't do them, final bill done by weight.
Quote#2 says "Assured Price Protection Estimate" we are billed lower amount between weight and estimate, not any higher but there is some small print that makes me question that.
Mover #3 says "binding", is highest quote $7000 and no reduction if weighs less, they use weight/volume.
Today I called ABF and their rep said said there is really no difference between "binding" and "non-binding" quotes because other movers charge by our ship weight. ABF does not charge by weight, they charge by how many feet we use in their truck (volume). Their quote was $3700 (entire 28' space) including contract movers both ends. No insurance included, suggested I call our homeowners insurer and get "moving" rider.
This is a hard decision.
All long-distance movers (not ABF) in my area have a couple BBB complaints (and good/bad reviews on Google) mainly due to damage or overcharging the estimate. I think movers insurance is a crock because we'll be gone from the area and no way to put pressure on. Better to get great packing than try and collect a claim.
Mover #3 says "binding", is highest quote $7000 and no reduction if weighs less, they use weight/volume.
A difference between $6100 and $7000 for the assurance that someone won't turn around and charge you $10000 is worth it to me. YMMV.
BTW, the standard insurance is a joke, especially in the context of a total loss. Do better for yourself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by twinkletwinkle22
Today I called ABF and their rep said said there is really no difference between "binding" and "non-binding" quotes because other movers charge by our ship weight.
So that means you can eliminate them right-off since they lied to you.
Yes we eliminated ABF but not for your reason :-), my husband wants a full service mover and ABF's business model is either "DIY loading/unloading, they provide the truck and driver", alternatively ABF offers a joint contract with local movers on both ends of the move. We could save about 40% ABF's way but that is way more stress and responsibility than we can handle.
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