Obtaining moving quotes is often a little bit more complicated than picking up the phone and calling a list of moving companies. Although by collecting several different quotes you will be able to get a ballpark idea of what it will cost you to move, getting quotes will also allow you to avoid companies that are just trying to low ball the quote in order to get your business. Remember, if the quote sounds too good to be true, it probably is. To make your quotes worth the time it will take you to collect them, you must first understand that there are three basic types of quotes. Understanding the differences between them may save you money and a lot of headache in the near future. 

Non-Binding Quotes

Non-binding quotes are the simple moving estimates you often receive over the telephone, or the ones that are given prior to the company seeing or weighing the items you are moving. This type of quote is simply an estimate of what the broker or company thinks it will cost to move your belongings. The final costs of your move are subject to change, and probably will, at some point prior to your move being completed. The advantage to a non-binding quote is that they are quick and easy to get, especially if you are moving on short notice. These are also normally provided free of charge.

Binding Quotes

Binding quotes are legal documents that will not only outline the costs of your move in writing, but that will also list the services that you will be receiving. This is a binding legal document between you and the mover. A binding quote is generally only given once the mover has come to your home, laid eyes on your belongings, and even obtained an estimated weight of what you will be moving.

Once they have collected this information, they will often return to the office, calculate your costs, and then present you with the quote. This document should contain a list of your items, as well as what it costs to move them. Once you sign this document, you are agreeing to pay the price that the mover is quoting. Depending on where you are moving to, and the company, this document is often required to be attached to your bill of lading.

There are several advantages, as well as disadvantages, to a binding agreement. A couple of these include the following:

• Your price will not change once you have signed your agreement. This even includes if the mover underestimates the amount of material you will be moving. The flip side of this advantage is the price will remain the same even if you decide to purge some of the materials you initially thought you were going to move.
• You will know exactly what it will cost for you to move. This will allow you prepare your budget or submit your estimate to your employer for the purposes of reimbursement or payment.

Binding Not-To-Exceed

This type of agreement gives you the best of both worlds. Your mover will give you an estimated price based on their inspection of your belongings. This is a binding agreement that they will not exceed the price that you are given. Fortunately, with this type of estimate, if you choose to move less than you initially thought, or your belonging weigh less than estimated, your cost will go down.

• This gives you the security of knowing the most you will spend on your move
• Gives you the best price the mover can offer
• Allows you flexibility in eliminating items after you have started packing

When you call a moving company, such as Bekins Van Lines Inc, ask them what type of quote they are offering. If they are not offering you the type of quote you are looking for, move on to the next company.