Moving Overseas? Comparing International Removal Quotations
Posted on November 13, 2024
Here at ClickMoves Towers, we get a load of questions from confused clients as to how best compare International Removal Quotations. Let me start by saying that we strongly recommend that clients do get alternative quotations to compare against ours – it keeps us honest, and we like clients to have a choice. Anyhow, we thought that we’d put some thoughts together in a post.
Check that you’re comparing “apples with apples”
Once you have the quotes in front of you, the first instinct will be to look at price before anything else, but be cautious not to jump straight in for the cheapest quote.
Five main things to check:
- The volume of items to be moved – Are they all the same? Volume is the primary indicator for movers when they are calculating price, and remember that movers are giving a price at thise stage based on an “estimated volume” – estimated being the key word. The final price will be based on the actual volume packed. So one tactic is for Movers to estimate a lower volume, in order to offer an attractive price, but you’ll pay more when the final volume is calculated.
- Additional Fees – check the small print – I know its boring, but its important to make sure that everything you need is included. Some Movers might not include the packing charges, or the customs clearance costs, or some of the port charges. International Movers like ClickMoves will include everything, but some companies may not be so forthright, and you’ll get a nasty surprise when yu get the final invoice.
- Transit time – part of this could be down to the method of shipment (see below) but part can be down to the shipping time selected and the route of sailing. Often slower sailings are available that are cheaper. If speed is important, check the door to door transit time, and bear in mind any costs you might incur elsewhere for waiting longer, like hotels, eating out or furniture rental.
- Method of shipment – air, sea or land freight, this will have an impact on the transit time, and in some cases the security of your consignment. In recent years (since COVID lock downs really) the cost of air freight for small consignments (generally upto around 200kgs) is much cheaper than sea freight, and of course much quicker. But there are also some downsides to air freight services for husehold goods and personal effects, as gereally you’ll need to do the packing yourself.
- Services – Are all the removals companies basing their prices on the same level of service? What packing is included? Is there a shuttle vehicle or outside elevator needed due to poor access? are they including any parking fees (if applicable) or other additional charges?
If you’ve already got a quote from us, we think that you should should get an alternative shipping quotation from one or two of these reputable firms:
Make sure that you get a proper formal quotation
This is imprtant because its legally binding, whereas a price sent to you by text or email, or worse still verbally is not neccessarile legally binding. You need a formal signed quotation, showing clearly the criteria on which the price is based, and listing what is included in that price, and what is not. The quotation should show, address(es), contact details, and the name of who prepared the quotation. It should also show details of any accreditations, or affliiations that they may have.
Compare the quality
You’ll get a feel for the quality of the Mover from the representative that you have meet, or discussed the move with. We also think that speed in which you receive the quote, and the speed at which they respond to your enquiry and then questions, will give you a very good idea as to the quality of the removals company. Also have a look at Trust Pilot (this is really the only genuine reviews website), and see what previous clients are saying about this Mover.
Compare the price
However tempting it is no decision should be driven purely on price. Look for value for money based on what you can afford and what you’re prepared to pay to meet your moving goals – are there additional safeguards, services or credibility that one mover has over another that adds value to you in terms of peace of mind and lower risk?
Cutting corners to get a cheaper price could result in:
- Damage or Loss which means time-consuming claims process or worse, not getting your money back at all.
- Stress during your move if something goes wrong and your company doesn’t have the resources or experience to respond quickly.
Transit Insurance
Although damage or loss of your consignment is unlikely, we strongly recommend that you purchase additional transit insurance to protect yourself against the risk. Most Movers offer 2 types of insurance:
- Total Loss cover – this will cover you in the event that there is a significant incident (such as a major traffic accident) and your consignment is totally lost. This is the cheaper cover, but you cannot make a claim on individual items that might be damaged.
- All-risk Itemized cover – this will cover each item that you are shipping for any damage encountered. You will need to complete the attached inventory with the replacement value for each item. This is the top cover, but more expensive.
We hope that’s been helpful.
ClickMoves is an International Mover with offices around the world, we specialize in providing high quality services at affordable rates. So if you are planning a move overseas, please feel free to drop us line with any questions that may come to mind enquiries@clickmoves.com