Helpful points for comparing moving quotes

When we analyse customer feedback and reviews after a move, it is striking how often there are still miscalculations in moving quotes. As a moving company, you naturally want to win the job, which is why low prices are often offered to lure customers in. There are therefore a number of things to keep in mind if you want to compare moving quotes:

Moving quote with a flat rate or fixed price

Since a move usually involves more than just the pure moving costs, a flat rate gives you a certain planning security. With flat rates, however, experienced moving companies require certain agreements that have to be kept. If, for example, you agree that all small items will be moved by you so that the price is a little lower, you absolutely have to stick to it, otherwise the agreed fixed price becomes void. A move can always bring up the unexpected: a piece of furniture may have been assembled on site and you can barely get it back down the stairwell. In such a case, time can quickly slip away and the moving service takes longer than planned. With flat rates, moving companies factor such things in. So if everything runs smoothly, the moving company tends to earn more. If it takes longer, the customer has the advantage.

Moving quotes with hourly rates

Very often, the moving company states a generous estimate of the time it will need for the move in the quote. If, as a customer, you expect to be considerably faster because you are perhaps confident about your own preparation, you can request hourly billing.

Cost ceiling

Moving companies often set a cost ceiling when they make hourly offers, although in fairness it has to be said that, as a customer, you are far better off with such an offer than the company is. If everything works out well, the moving company gets exactly what it has worked. If there are difficulties, the company bears the entire risk. Such things can also be matters for which the moving company is completely blameless: for example an accident on the road, or another party wanting to move into the apartment building at the new location at the same time. It is therefore worth showing understanding that a cost ceiling may well turn out higher than a possible flat-rate quote.

No cost ceiling

If you do not request a cost ceiling, you are entirely at the mercy of the moving company's skill and a little of the day's luck too. Either it goes optimally or it does not. If you are not absolutely sure that everything will run smoothly and easily, you should refrain from this option.

The fine print of moving quotes

There are a few points to keep in mind when you want to compare moving quotes. We have compiled the most important ones for you here:

1. Transport insurance

   Check whether the moving company offers insurance for the transport of your furniture. Make sure you understand exactly what this insurance covers. Further down we explain again in detail how such transport insurance works.

2. VAT

   Some moving companies quote the price without VAT so that it looks cheaper. If this is the case, we recommend studying the moving quote thoroughly to see whether other such tricks are being used. A quote without VAT is only customary in the commercial sector.

3. Services included

   Clarify exactly which services are included in the moving quote. Is the furniture reassembled? Does the moving company also handle disposal afterwards?

4. Payment terms

   How is payment to be made? Certain companies require cash payment once the work is completed. That is customary. However, not everyone is comfortable carrying a few hundred or even a few thousand francs around with them. Many companies therefore now bring a card terminal with them. Moving companies often do not offer payment by invoice.

5. Reviews

   Be sure to read the company's reviews. We would also like to recommend our own reviews here. Since you can only leave a review if you were matched with a company through our service, the possibility of fake reviews is rather small.

6. Heavy goods

   Many companies charge a surcharge for heavy goods. If the company has inspected your apartment beforehand, it should recognise itself which furniture counts as heavy goods. These should definitely be listed in the moving quote.

7. Price calculation with hourly rates

   Check on the moving quote from when the time is counted. Is the journey there and back also charged or not? In addition, there are companies that state a minimum number of hours. For example, 4 hours are always charged, even if the move only took 3 hours.

The crux of transport insurance

An insurer is a profit-oriented business. As soon as a moving company calls on the insurance too often, the insurer has various options to minimise the risk: increase the annual fee or the deductible, or cancel the policy.

Since a moving company is aware of this, it tries to make as little use of the insurance as possible. It therefore tries to cover certain damages itself. Or it will meet you halfway on the price for minor damage. What it will only do as an absolute last resort, however, is report your damage to the insurer.

So what should you do?

If your furniture means something to you, we recommend engaging a slightly more expensive company that has good equipment and experienced people. The vehicle should be a box truck and not an ordinary van. The company should bring enough packing material, such as bubble wrap, stretch film and moving blankets. Ask how the company protects your furniture. You will in any case be better off if no or only minor damage occurs during the move, rather than relying on the transport insurance. That only kicks in for really serious damage.

Trust your gut feeling

Last but not least, we recommend listening less to your wallet and much more to your gut. During a move, you entrust all of your belongings to a moving company that will handle them more or less professionally. If you have a good feeling about a company and you stick to the agreements during the preparations, the move usually becomes a stress-free experience.