What should a removal company’s quote include?
The NSW Government says to always ask for a written quote before hiring a removalist company, and to make sure the quote is itemised so the company can account for every charge. Official lists from four consumer bodies say what else a quote should state; this page lays those items out line by line.
2 A household inventory of the goods being moved
The inventory in the quote: the NSW Government says the contract should contain a household inventory of the goods being moved. The Northern Territory’s Consumer Affairs says a full list of the goods is needed, including the number of boxes and their contents, signed by both parties, and that you keep a signed copy; the list is essential even when the removalist does the packing, and it may be the only record of what was transported. The Queensland Office of Fair Trading says to read the contract and check whether anything is missing from the inventory. Before the move it also suggests preparing an inventory that notes any scratches or dents, photographing your items and boxes, and numbering each carton and item.
3 The price, and what it is based on
A quote is not just a number on a page. In the Northern Territory, Consumer Affairs says a quote normally binds both sides once it is part of a contract, and it becomes a binding contract when the trader offers the work at a fixed price and the consumer accepts, conditions included. If it binds, the price it states holds: paying more is only possible where special circumstances were written into the quote, or where you agreed to a variation. Once made, neither side can pull out of it or change it without the other’s agreement. And extra work is only chargeable if you approved it.
What to ask about the price. The NSW Government: make sure the quote is itemised and the removalist can account for every charge. The Queensland Office of Fair Trading’s list, asked before you accept: what is or is not included in the price, such as packing and unpacking; whether the cost is based on the time it takes or the quantity of goods; where the company counts the journey as starting and ending; whether there is an extra cost for storage if moving day is delayed; and what the surcharge is for using a credit card or debit card. Consumer Protection WA adds the shape of the proposal: on company letterhead, containing a copy of the terms and conditions, and setting out an hourly rate or a fixed price.
What a quote should state
Item by item, from the official lists. The NSW Government’s list for the contract, read closely before signing: the complete details of the service being provided; a household inventory of the goods being moved; the pick-up and delivery address, dates and times of the move; how payment is to be made, for example whether payment is required to be upfront; and whether there are any extra costs for storage in the event of delays. The Northern Territory’s Consumer Affairs, for the quote in writing: what freighting the goods will cost in full, the pick-up and delivery dates, and any storage costs; the quote should carry your particular instructions and fold them into the price; and a bigger load than quoted for at pick-up means the quote is adjusted, in writing. The Queensland list adds what is or is not included in the price and what the card surcharge is; Consumer Protection WA says the proposal should be on company letterhead with a copy of the terms and conditions and an hourly rate or a fixed price.
The three questions the NSW Government says to settle before you accept a quote: ask for the quote in writing first; give the removalist every detail about the move so the quote is accurate; and, if something is not clear, ask before accepting.
A quote, line by line
Each line below is one item an official list says a quote should state, and the margin names the advice that item answers. The lines are deliberately left unfilled: hold a real quote against them and check that every one is settled before you accept it.
The complete details of the service
The NSW Government: read the contract closely and make sure it contains the complete details of the service being provided.
What is, and is not, included, with packing and unpacking named
The Queensland Office of Fair Trading: ask what is or is not included in the price, such as packing and unpacking.
Whether the cost runs on the time it takes or the quantity of goods
The Queensland Office of Fair Trading: ask if the cost is based on the time it takes or the quantity of goods, and where the company counts the journey as starting and ending.
The pick-up and delivery dates
The Northern Territory’s Consumer Affairs: a written quote should include the pick-up and delivery dates.
The cost of freighting the goods, in full, and any storage costs
The Northern Territory’s Consumer Affairs: a written quote should set out what freighting the goods will cost in full, and any costs of storage.
An hourly rate, or one fixed price for the job
Consumer Protection WA: a proposal should state plainly either the hourly rate or the single fixed price for the whole job.
Quotes and estimates
A quote and an estimate are different things, and the difference is the price. The Northern Territory’s Consumer Affairs says an estimate is an approximation, made before anyone knows just how much work is involved or exactly what the materials will cost; it is usually given verbally, and it can look as detailed as a quote, so check which one you have been given and, if you can, follow the estimate up with a written quote. A quote usually fixes the price for the services, parts and labour. If you go ahead on an estimate, be ready for the amount to vary: providing the work is satisfactory you pay the account even when it lands well above the estimate, because there is no fixed price agreement between the parties as there is on a quote.
A price that rises after you agree to it. The same fact sheet says the price a binding quote states holds: paying more is only possible where special circumstances were written into it or you agreed to a variation, and extra work is only chargeable if you approved it. If the account comes in above the quote, it says to raise the difference with the trader at once and put your concerns in writing.