Moving into a new home or office can be a thrilling adventure; however, when it comes time to find the right packer and mover, most consumers will find that the costs associated with hiring help to relocate can be daunting. Many people think moving costs are static, and therefore, no negotiating can take place on their behalf. The truth is, however, with the right approach, it’s often possible to lower your moving costs while still receiving superior service.
This blog post will outline various practical negotiation techniques that will help you obtain the best possible price for your next move by utilizing the services of professional movers.
Research the Market Before Negotiating
Successful negotiations begin with good research. Researching your market’s prices and services offered by various moving companies before making contact will provide you with leverage when negotiating with potential packers and movers or whatever type of relocation provider you select.
Once you have had an opportunity to research your local area’s pricing and service levels as well as receive quotations from three to five different moving companies, you can now utilize those quotations as negotiating tools. The more quotations you receive, the better able you will be to assess, compare, and use a lower quotation against a higher one during negotiation with the moving company of choice.
Additionally, through research, you can discover reputable companies that provide productive moving services at reasonable prices.
Request Multiple Quotes
A smart way to negotiate is to have several estimates from more than one moving company. Having multiple estimates will usually encourage movers to give you a lower price due to their knowledge that you are comparing their quotes against those of their competition.
Be sure to request an itemised estimate so you can evaluate all costs individually, including:
- Cost of packing
- Cost of transportation
- Cost for loading and unloading
- Cost of insurance
- Cost of additional services
An itemized breakdown makes it easier to negotiate either a specific component of the price or the overall price.
Negotiate Based on Inventory
An additional key strategy used in ‘packers’ & movers’ negotiation tactics to increase your advantage is negotiating based on the number of items being moved, because the greater the number of items you move, the more it usually costs you.
Before asking for quotes, prepare a complete item list of what is going to be moved; eliminate anything that’s either unnecessary or not being used so that you can reduce the number of items being relocated. The fewer items there are to move, the lower the transportation and packing charge will be, which, of course, increases the strength of your position in negotiations.
This negotiation tactic will not only result in lower total costs to you but will also make for a quicker and easier moving experience.
Choose the Right Moving Date
Moving costs depend heavily on the timing of your move. For example, moving companies normally have the highest volume of moves on weekends, holidays, and at the first of the month and at the end.
One of the most useful ways to negotiate with packers and movers is to schedule your move on an off-peak day. Since there is less of a demand for moving services during the weekdays and the middle of the month, moving companies usually offer better rates during these times.
Being flexible with your scheduling will make you a very powerful negotiating tool because moving companies will be more likely to give you lower rates in order to secure your business.
Compare Services, Not Just Price
While negotiating, instead of looking for the lowest price, it is important to find out the values associated with different services so you can make your decision based on value, rather than just the lowest price. In fact, sometimes very cheap offers indicate lower-quality service or may even indicate that there are additional charges not disclosed in the offer.
Successful packers’ and movers’ negotiation tactics include balancing price with quality of service. Before finalizing the deal with a company, check their reputation, the amount of time in business, and reviews from customers.
Packers and movers that have a good reputation will pack your goods safely, handle them carefully, and deliver them on time.
Build a Positive Relationship
Negotiating isn’t about being pushy or aggressive with your moving needs; however, having an amicable and professional dialogue throughout the entire process can lead to better possible outcomes for both parties involved in moving.
Companies that build rapport and communicate respectfully with their customers will be far more likely to allow for flexible pricing options than those that do not. Creating trust and fostering understanding is one of the most underutilized negotiation tactics among packers and movers.
By being friendly, many times one can get additional services or discounts from their moving company.
Conclusion
Relocating can be expensive, but by negotiating wisely, you can save a significant amount of money on the process. You can also find a deal on the moving services needed by doing some research, getting various estimates, timing your relocation right, and asking for discounts.
Using these effective negotiation tips when dealing with packers and movers allows you to balance your need for cheap services with your desire for high-quality services. Simply plan and communicate effectively, and you should be able to find reliable movers, allowing you to have an easy, stress-free move.
