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Working with a removals company can streamline the moving process by taking one of the most complicated moving-related tasks off your to-do list. With that said, while there are many removal companies Somerset residents can turn to, not all are created equal. Some offer detailed quotes and an exceptionally high level of service that make their customer’s lives easier. Others provide vague quotes that nearly always end up being significantly higher than anticipated. At Britannia Lanes, we have more than fifty years of experience in the Somerset removals sector, and during that time, we’ve learned a lot about the good, bad, and ugly of removals quotes. With that in mind, we thought it’d be a good idea to put together an in-depth guide on how to compare removals quotes in Somerset, and what movers need to know before they make their final decision on which company to work with.
What To Look For in Comparing Removals Quotes From Companies in Somerset
All removal companies want customers, but how they go about actually acquiring those customers can vary. Some are upfront and honest about their services and how much they charge. Others try to entice customers with low prices, only to later jack up the cost when it’s too late for the customer to find an alternative removals company to work with.
The bottom line? You can learn a lot about a removal company through the quotes they provide. Here are a few things to look for so that you don’t end up getting stung.
The Difference Between A Verbal Estimate and a Detailed Written Quote
A verbal estimate gives you a rough idea of how a removal company will charge you for their services. A detailed written quote is a precise, binding figure.
Virtually all companies provide a verbal estimate; however, not all of them are quite as willing to provide a detailed written quote. While there’s a chance that a verbal estimate will closely match what you end up paying, there’s a pretty high chance that it’ll be a lot lower than the final figure. In any case, with many companies offering a detailed, written quote, there’s no reason to work with a company that doesn’t.
What Is — And Isn’t — Included As Standard
Your removals quote should give a detailed breakdown of what’s included in the price.
For quotes from reputable removals companies, the price will likely include the cost of loading and unloading, fuel and mileage, all personnel, the van, and basic protective materials for your items.
Dismantling and reassembling furniture, handling specialist items (like artwork or a piano), and waiting time are unlikely to be included. In any case, the written quote should provide a breakdown, so you know exactly what to expect.
Questions to Ask Before Committing
First things first: if a removal company is reluctant to answer your questions, then it’s recommended to continue your search. A reputable company will welcome questions, since they want to assure their customers that they’re choosing the right people to work with. Before committing, ask the following questions, if they haven’t already been answered.
- Do you have insurance, and what level of protection does it cover?
- How do I know that my items will be safe during the move?
- How much experience do you have?
- What happens if there’s a delay on moving day?
Photo by Nina Payne on Unsplash
Red Flags to Be Aware Of
It can be difficult to determine which removal companies are legitimate and which are cowboys from afar, but there are a few red flags that can reveal that a company isn’t to be trusted. These include:
- No Home Survey: A home survey (either online or in-person) is crucial for putting together a detailed quote. Without it, the company is essentially just making up a number.
- Vague Answers to Questions About Insurance: That suggests that they don’t have any, and that your belongings will not be protected.
- No Website or Online Reviews: A professional website and positive reviews are a good sign that a company is the real deal.
Common Ways Costs Can Creep Up After Booking
Many movers set a budget for their moving costs and select a company based on a quote that allows them to stay within that budget.
However, in some cases, home-buyers can end up paying more than they expected, even after they’ve accepted a quote and made a booking. If you have concerns about any of the following issues, then it’s recommended to clarify whether they’ll incur any charges — and how much — before moving day.
The Presence of Stairs
Some companies price their fees based on the assumption that they’ll be unloading at ground level. If you’re moving into a flat that’s above ground level, then check whether carrying up the stairs is included.
Long Carries
It’s not always possible to park next to a property in Somerset, especially in the city centre. Some companies, especially those with less local knowledge, can charge extra for carrying belongings further than they expected.
Packing Materials
Most removal companies do not include basic packing materials as standard in their quotes, nor do they include packing services. If you need assistance packing your belongings, then that’ll be charged as an additional service.
Delay Charges
Moving day rarely runs as smoothly as homebuyers would like it to, and there can often be delays. Some companies charge extra for even the smallest of delays, while others provide a delay window in which they will wait without charging extra. Clarifying the company’s approach to delays before the move can help prevent unexpected problems on moving day.
Britannia Lanes: Somerset’s Trusted Removals Partner
At Britannia Lanes, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with transparent, detailed quotes with no hidden surprises, giving Somerset residents full confidence that they’ve chosen a removals company that has their interests at heart.
If you’re looking for removals quotes Somerset, then don’t hesitate to use the handy estimate quote feature on our website. From there, we’ll perform an in-person or video survey and put together a detailed quote for our services. With us by your side, there’ll be one less thing to worry about on moving day.
