A household move can certainly be a big expense for a family. With this in mind, it's crucial that you get an estimate from your residential movers when planning a relocation. Estimates help you budget and plan for the total cost of the move, and prevent you from getting any surprise charges.
In general, there are two types of estimates - binding and non-binding. While both give the customer an idea of how much their move will cost, each operates in its own way. There are a variety of different circumstances where one type of estimate may make more sense than the other, so knowing the key features of each is important.
What is a Binding Estimate?
Binding estimates provide the customer with an up-front quote that does not change throughout the moving process. With this type of estimate, your long distance movers will go over with you how much their services will cost when accounting for the size of the move and distance. Generally, these are priced in a fixed-rate structure.
The main benefit of a binding estimate is that it will never change. You and the mover are contractually locked into that price until the move is over.
What is a Non-Binding Estimate?
Non-binding estimates are a bit more variable. They are calculated based on the total weight of all a home's goods. The moving truck is weighed with everything loaded up, and when it's been unloaded. The difference is then multiplied by their per-pound rate, which results in a final cost.
Non-binding estimates are not contractual. While your mover will give a rough idea of how much everything will cost, the exact amount won't be determined until after the move is over.
Which is Best for My Move?
It can be tough to decide which type of estimate is right for your move. A few scenarios that you can use for reference are outlined below:
- Families who need to budget their move and need to know the exact cost will best benefit from a binding estimate.
- Families who have smaller moves with fewer items will generally benefit most from a non-binding move.
- If searching for convenience, a binding estimate will be the easiest to handle. However, a non-binding estimate can be cheaper.
Contact Covan World-Wide Moving for a Quote Today
For over 100 years, Covan World-Wide Moving has been respected as the top long-distance movers. We provide all of our customers with accurate estimates for their household, commercial, international, government, and corporate relocations.
We're accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating and are trusted members of the American Trucking Associations' Moving and Storage Conference, so there's no doubt that we're the best team for your move. Request a free quote today!
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