Ask whether the quote is hourly, flat-rate, weight-based, volume-based, or a not-to-exceed estimate.
Cost audit
A clean estimate should explain what changes the price.
Use this page to spot missing quote details before trusting a clean-looking estimate.
Confirm crew size, truck count, minimum hours, travel time, and whether overtime or weekend premiums apply.
Stairs, elevators, long carries, parking distance, dock rules, and building insurance can all change the day-of price.
Boxes, materials, fragile packing, crating, pianos, safes, appliances, and disassembly should be separately visible.
Storage-in-transit, delivery-out fees, shuttle trucks, delivery spreads, and custody handoffs should be written out.
Deposit, cancellation policy, accepted payment methods, valuation, and claims steps should be clear before booking.
Estimate pass
Green lights
- The company name, phone, route, inventory, and service date are written into the estimate.
- Hourly minimums, travel time, and crew/truck assumptions are visible.
- Packing, storage, valuation, and special handling are separated from basic move labor.
- Payment and cancellation terms are clear before a deposit is collected.
Estimate pass
Watchouts
- The price depends on broad phrases like "standard move" without defining scope.
- Access details are missing even though the move has stairs, elevators, parking limits, or a loading dock.
- A long-distance route is discussed without authority, delivery spread, or inventory notes.
- The deposit is high, nonrefundable, or disconnected from a written scope.