Moving is often very stressful, and it usually comes with many obstacles. Planning and packing take a lot of time, leaving no space for relaxation.
Therefore, many people decide to hire a moving company. If you’re about to hire someone to help you with your move, you must have a good negotiation strategy.
If you don’t consider yourself a good negotiator, there’s nothing to worry about. Like all other skills, negotiation is something you can learn. People often forget how powerful negotiation is – it’s an instrument that can bring great results.
It’s the tool that helps parties to solve problems, eliminate differences, find ideal solutions, and achieve satisfying outcomes.
If you aren’t sure where to start, don’t panic. We’ll share a complete guide for negotiating with movers with all the necessary steps. You’ll learn the basics and pop out like a skillful negotiator.
Reasons to Negotiate with Movers
Many people fall into a trap, thinking they can’t negotiate with movers. But moving services are negotiable, and there are several essential reasons to consider negotiating with moving companies:
- You’ll get the moving package that will meet your needs
- You’ll ensure your priorities are in focus
- The price of the service will match your budget, and you’ll avoid unnecessary costs and fees
- The moving process will be transparent
The Importance of Timing
Moving is not just creating a packing checklist and transporting things from one address to another. It’s more complex.
It requires dedication and proper planning, even when hiring someone to help. You must consider many things, including your moving dates.
Moving companies are busier during the summer because that’s the peak season. Moving during the peak season means spending more money on services. If the situation allows, try to be flexible with the dates. It could significantly reduce the costs.
Consider Your Priorities
Before you start negotiating relocation expenses and moving services in general, consider what matters the most to you. Create a list of your priorities, and ensure you focus on these once negotiations begin.
Recognize Your Preferences
Every person has a unique set of preferences when it comes to moving, and you’ll have to identify yours. Before moving further, consider moving dates, special handling for specific items, etc.
Concentrate on all the things you find important. When negotiations start, you’ll know what to discuss and in which direction to go. By doing so, you’ll avoid any inconvenience.
Think About the Services
Moving companies offer a variety of services – packing and unpacking, special handling, storage, vehicle transport, etc. Some services will be necessary for your transition to a new home, while others won’t. Consider what services are essential, and start designing a package suitable for your needs.
Be Ready To Compromise
Get Into the Bargain Right
To successfully negotiate with a moving company, you must gather as much information as possible. The first step was listing the priorities. Now it’s time to research. Before getting estimates from moving companies Jacksonville, do the following:
- Learn the costs of moving services in your area
- Check out different moving companies and explore their offer and prices
- Pay attention to discounts and special offers
All these things will help you get a bigger picture. You’ll know the situation on the market and what to expect. This will allow you to start negotiations the right way.
Focus on Trustworthy Companies
The moving industry is strong, and you’ll find many companies available. But, as in every other business, not every company is legitimate. Before negotiating or getting an estimate, you must ensure the moving company has a license and an excellent reputation.
Running a background check and reading reviews will help you avoid scams.
1 The Background Check
Running a company background check is an essential part of the process. You can do it by:
- Checking out the company’s website and its quality
- Ensuring there is an email address, phone number, and physical address
- Checking the USDOT
- Paying attention to the services and prices
- Read info about the company in the About Us section.
2. Read Reviews
The voices of previous customers can be loud. Hence, take some time to read reviews and see what others have to say. If the moving company has many negative reviews, it’s a clear sign you should keep looking. If the majority of customers were satisfied, that’s a green light.
Start Bargaining With Moving Companies
Once you explore the offer and consider your priorities, it’s time to start negotiating. That process begins by gathering estimates from various moving companies. It will end when you get an offer matching your needs and budget.
1 Get as Many Quotes as You Can
When you find several moving companies in your area, ask for estimates. When you start getting quotes, you’ll be able to explore the market rates.
Get familiar with the quotes, ensuring what fees and services each includes.
Keep in mind that every company operates differently. For example, some companies include packing materials in the price such as moving boxes, while others charge extra.
2. Remove Services and Items You Don’t Need
The contract with a moving company should only include the services you need. Feel free to remove anything you don’t find necessary. The same goes for items. By removing some of them, the load in the truck will become lighter. The same thing will happen to the cost to hire movers. The price will go down.
3. Pay Attention to Moving Insurance
When bargaining with moving companies, check the liability coverage they offer. Unfortunately, most companies offer basic insurance, which is why they’re cheaper. If something happens, for example, one of your items falls and breaks, you may experience financial loss. Quotes are higher when the level of coverage is higher.
4. Ask For Special Offers, Discounts, and Promotions
Movers offer various promo deals and discounts to attract more customers. Even if there are no ongoing promo deals, ask the movers for a special offer. Reputable companies understand that competition is fierce and won’t let customers leave.
5. Mention Competitors’ Prices
When negotiating with movers, mention the moving quotes other companies offer. That may motivate the movers to offer a more competitive price. Remember, a serious and trustworthy company will do its best to keep you.
6. Be Honest and Respectful
Successful negotiators are honest. Speak the truth, especially when it comes to your budget. Share the details with the movers to help them understand what you need.
When discussing the offer, don’t be aggressive. Be polite and respectful, and treat the other side the way you want movers to treat you. Create a positive working relationship with a positive attitude and professional approach.
7. Be Persistent
Negotiations require patience and persistence. If the movers you like most don’t lower the price, that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the discussion. Try again in a few days. Things can change in a matter of hours. The movers may regret their decision, or you may talk to another representative more willing to compromise.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Leave
Set your limits before you start negotiating with a moving company. If movers aren’t ready to deliver the work to meet your needs, walk away.
The same thing applies if the company can’t work within your budget. There are many moving companies, including long distance movers, and you’ll find the right one if you keep on looking.
9. Get the Terms in Writing
When you get to the end of the road and finally receive a reasonable offer, get the terms in writing. Getting the terms in writing will prevent any misunderstandings that may arise.
Conclusion
With all these simple yet practical tips for negotiating with moving services, you’ll be ready to plan your move. Negotiating is vital, and it brings various benefits. You’ll lower costs and customize the package according to your needs. Most importantly, you won’t deal with stress and moving problems. Just the opposite – you’ll enjoy smooth sailing to your new home.
