Best Forms of Estimates

There are a few different ways to receive an official estimate of the cost of moving your household goods. It’s rare that in 2022 you are located up the street from the brick and mortar, best value moving services you need. Oftentimes, the best value requires workarounds and remote processes. There are 3 (really 4) ways to get an estimate on the cost of working your move. The 4th method is a method (not really), but one we certainly do not recommend.

In-Home Estimates

While one of the oldest methods in household goods estimation, there are a few drawbacks to this form of estimation, mostly caused by the evolution of the American market. It’s not a secret that most of our shopping in today’s world is done online. We order everything from commodities to knick-knacks on the internet to be shipped to our door. This simultaneously increased convenience for consumers and eviscerated local businesses. This same phenomenon has occurred across all industries; the moving business is no different. Like all industry shifts, businesses are forced to adapt and cut costs to remain competitive against exponentially growing online giants. This resulted in in-home estimator positions becoming a revolving door. These estimators are typically without the experience required for proper estimation, as their experience is usually limited to their short duration with the company. While this is the most traditional way, we do not recommend it as the best option.

Estimates Over The Phone

Along with the adaptations made by cross-country movers came a new form of providing estimates. To this day, the most popular method is receiving estimates over the phone. This is where you call a moving estimator and provide a verbal account of your household goods over the phone. While this method is tried and true, there are many pitfalls and drawbacks. For one, the estimator could miss something you said over the phone, or even more commonly, the customer themselves could overlook items as they are trying to get through the call. It also happens when customers miscommunicate or their reps mis-enter a description of a piece, which leads to changes in pricing if it was underestimated. While this method is at least often supervised by an office manager, there are still better ways.

Video Estimates

Utilizing the full potential of modern technology, video estimates are by far the best means of providing a detailed account of the goods to be shipped. The best part about videos is that they can be paused and re-watched. This eliminates the possibility of either person involved in the estimate omitting pieces from the estimate. There are also means of reference regarding item sizes. Video estimators are often supervised by a manager as well, so with all of these positives, it’s clear that video estimates are the most sophisticated means of estimating with the most accountability.

Ball Park Estimate

Receiving numerous ballpark estimates is really listed here for humor, as you should never go with a company based on a ballpark estimate. Receiving average pricing is a recipe for disaster as no two moves are alike. You undeniably have variables that will be specific to your move, and a thorough discussion with a professional is well worth avoiding all the stress and drama! If you’re moving soon, get a video estimate with a top-rated mover today!

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