Understanding Quote and Estimates
As you are going through the research process and finding movers can suddenly seem like a very large place. You do have a lot of choices, and while reputation and experience are certainly important, cost will likely also be a big factor in your decision-making process. When it comes to looking at quotes and estimates provided by Toronto movers, there are some very important items that you will need to pay attention to that will assist you in determining which moving company will be right for you.
First, you will need to understand the difference between non-binding and binding estimates. Moving services will vary in a variety of ways, including their costs and the way in which they determine those costs. Certain moving companies may offer you a quote that is based upon weight that has previously been estimated, and could change based on actual data. This is a non-binding estimate. A binding estimate differs in that it is a firm quote. Whatever the estimate says you will pay is exactly what you will pay on your move day.
Second, as you prepare for your move and review estimates, it will be crucial to pay attention to any costs associated with weight, and review the price-per-pound differences, if applicable. While this is certainly crucial to understanding the estimate as a whole, when you are considering a move you should not become fixated on weight charges alone. There are a variety of factors that play a role in the overall picture and should be considered. While some Toronto moving companies may charge higher rates per pound than others, they could offer several more services than their competitors for that higher price.
Third, one of the most important factors in any moving estimate is the costs associated with distance traveled. Linehaul charges are one of the most common charges applied in estimates on top of the weight charges. These charges are essentially what the moving company may charge you per mile or kilometer. In Toronto, some moving companies may charge you less for weight and more for distance, or the other way around, depending on their own company policies.
Either way, distance is going to be a big factor when you review estimates. A good tip is to use an Internet mapping tool such as Google Maps or Yahoo Maps in order to estimate on your own the distance from Point A to Point B. That way, when you review the estimate, you know that the moving company has adequately estimated the distance and charged you accordingly.