Negotiating Prices with Removal Companies

Get Your Quote in Writing

Receiving a verbal quote for a price to move your furniture to your new home is a start. However, if you don’t get that quote in writing you have no way to verify the actual amount you were told.

Always ask to get your quote in writing. The quote should be on company stationery and include the ABN or ACN, along with the company’s full contact details. A professional removal company should also be accredited with AFRA (Australian Furniture Removers Association), as they’re required to abide by strict regulations and policies.

Check Exactly What’s Included in Your Quote

Ideally the quote you get from your removal company should itemize exactly what’s included in the service you’re paying for. The company you choose may charge a call-out fee just to get the truck to your house and back to the depot before they move anything at all. You may also be charged an hourly rate to shift all your furniture out of your old home and into your new house at the other end.

Check what other charges appear on your quote. If you don’t understand anything, ask questions. After all, it’s your money so check that you get what you’re paying for.

Check the Fine Print

Even if you do get a quote in writing, be sure to check the fine print before agreeing to anything. Some companies may sting you with additional charges on the day that aren’t included on the original quote.

For example, some companies may charge extra if there are stairs or lifts involved at the pickup or delivery. Some may charge an allowance for handling and moving fragile items, while others may charge various rates for different days of the week or during peak times and holidays.

If those additional items aren’t clearly listed on your quote, you could be in for a surprise on moving day.

When the Cheapest Quote is the Most Expensive Option

Many people will simply choose the company that offers the cheapest quote on the day. However, the cheapest quote could turn out to be the most expensive option if you’re not careful.

Imagine if a couple of guys in a truck turn up to your home to move your furniture and demand payment for their services upfront. You pay their fee and they load all of your furniture into the truck, only to disappear into the sunset never to be seen again.

Rather than being the cheapest quote, the con artists in this scenario could end up costing you all of your furniture and personal belongings. If you didn’t have transit insurance lined up, you won’t be able to claim for the loss of those items, so you’re out of pocket to replace all your furniture.

To make matters worse, you paid those thieves in cash before they stole your furniture, so you have no way of tracking where your money went.

Rather than trust your precious belongings to someone offering a seemingly-cheap quote, always take the time you are actually getting what you’re paying for. Compare the quotes you receive and discuss your move with the removal company at length so they understand the extent of the work involved. In the end, you could end up saving yourself more money than you expected.