Moving is part of everyone’s life at some point, and some people have to move even as often as few times a year. And since moving is expensive, they end up spending a lot of money for this purpose. We all know that the price of diesel fuel increased by 55%, making everything else increase in price. Relocations also ended up being more expensive, making people even more eager to try and cut costs. Pursuing this goal, many people will avoid hiring costly moving help, even when reputable companies like Number 1 Van Lines will offer value for this price. If you find yourself doing this, you should learn how to spot and avoid a lowball moving estimate.
What is a lowball estimate?
A lowball estimate is a price estimate that movers give you that is too good to be true. If you follow the advice when moving from Toronto to Hamilton, you will be looking at more moving companies. All these will give you their estimates, and the prices will be similar. But more often than not, one will have an estimate that is considerably lower than the others – a lowball estimate. It will seem like a good offer, but these people try to lure unwary customers in and end up disappearing with the deposit or requesting more money to proceed with the move. Another scenario is completely incompetent movers, who charge a low price because they don’t know what they are doing.
How can you spot a lowball moving estimate?
Apart from the obvious price difference, other red flags can help you spot and avoid a lowball moving estimate.
- Movers don’t request details about your move; the details are the basis of a trustworthy moving estimate. No two moves are the same because no one will have the exact same types and amounts of items. If a company gives you an estimate over the phone or email, don’t even bother with them. Reputable moving companies in Hamilton will always send a representative to take a look at your moving inventory first.
- You won’t have a written contract; the moving contract is a very important part of every move. It will list important information about the price and the services, and both the customer and the service provider can refer to it. If there is none, what guarantees you that you will pay the promised price?
What can you do to avoid this type of estimate?
In your search for relocation assistance before moving to Ontario, you will certainly stumble across fraudulent movers’ estimates. By reading reviews and asking for recommendations, you will manage to avoid them for sure. Recommendations are the most reliable form of finding good movers, as your friends will have no benefit from lying to you. Reading reviews is another, less attested method, but it can also help. Invest time into reading all the reviews a company has, since a huge number of 5-star ratings is also a red flag by itself.
Final thoughts on how to spot and avoid a lowball moving estimate
When moving, the value of your time is immeasurable. Every day counts, and you will likely spend at least one trying to spot and avoid a lowball moving estimate. But if you succeed, you will be rewarded with a memorable move!