Hints for using a comparison site for removals
Comparison sites are everywhere. We're used to using them to switch our energy supplier, check on better rates for our home, car, and pet insurance, find a better mortgage, loan, or credit card Comparing prices for products like these offered via comparison sites is relatively straightforward. You tell them what you're looking for, answer some questions or make selections on must-haves for the product, and you're presented with a chart allowing you to compare like-for-like among the companies on offer.
When you use a price comparison site for removals, your experience is different. You provide the comparison site with some very basic information about your move and you're given the names of various removal companies (usually 3 or 4) and an indicative price for your removal. You often don't know what's included in that price (packing materials, insurance, waiting time, etc) until you've spoken with the removal company.
Also, the price isn't binding - a removal company should be, at a minimum, asking you a lot of questions about how much you're moving, what you're moving, etc - and only once they know the full scope of your move can they give you a full and binding quote for your removal.
Price comparison sites for removals are different
On the face of it, removals can appear to be an unskilled job. The reality is quite the opposite. Yes, the men are moving heavy pieces of furniture and boxes, but if you've ever moved yourself, you know how easy it is to damage something by carrying it the wrong way - from scraping your floor or walls, to dropping and breaking what you're carrying.
Then there's loading the truck - the men often describe it as being a bit of a game of Tetris as you need to think ahead, plan out how to best fit everything in, and then do so in a way that leaves no gaps and is a tight fit so nothing bounces around in the back of the lorry. Our men undergo a considerable amount of training throughout their careers to ensure their skills are up to best practice, and the latest and best techniques are used.
Hints for using a comparison site for a removal quote
- Is the indicative price given inclusive of VAT?
- Is the removal company VAT registered?
- Are they adequately insured? If not, and their truck with your belongings was involved in an accident that wasn't their fault, your items may not be insured!
- How long have they been in business? Will they still be in business when your move takes place?
- Are they a member of a trade organisation such as the British Association of Removers (BAR)? BAR members are inspected annually for not just good practice in the removals industry, but also for their finances and creditworthiness. In the unlikely event a BAR member's business fails after you've paid for the move (but before you've moved), the BAR will ensure your move takes place or a refund is issued under their Advanced Payment Guarantee
- Provisional bookings - some removalists take provisional bookings for future removals, only to cancel them at the last minute when a better paying job comes along, leaving you in the lurch trying to find a replacement removal company often the day before your move is scheduled. We don't take provisional bookings, but do offer you insurance options to avoid costly changes should your moving date need to change
- Are the quotes like-for-like? Because you don't know exactly what's included in the prices you're given from a comparison site, you'll need to find out exactly what's included in their price (insurance, boxes, packing materials, etc) - these things will vary from company to company, regardless of their size
- Will they come to your home to perform a survey to see exactly what's being moved, check the access at your home for the lorry, and make sure there aren't any issues with very tight stairs or corners that would require a bit of extra work to remove your belongings?
- Be sure to fully check the binding quote you're given after you've spoken with the removal company to ensure you're receiving a quote for everything you require for your move. Use this as a comparison, rather than the indicative prices you initially receive
Removal quote appointment booking service
Bradshaw Moving Services can help your move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 0116 289 9011 (Leicester), 0115 965 6555 (Nottingham), or 01283 243001 (Derby & Burton) and speak with one of our removals specialists.
How are our appointments carried out
In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.
See what our customers think of us...
Polite and organised at all times
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Used Britannia previously
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Positive previous experience
How would you rate your move team?
9/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Polite and organised at all times
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
N/A
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
All services I needed in one place
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
I needed collection and storage, having both services done by one company is convenient. Found the details online
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
8/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
9/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
All services I needed in one place
How would you rate your move team?
9/10
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
9/10
Iit was clear you would be caring, adaptable and patient
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Leaflet through my parents door initially
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
When you visited my parent’s property to discuss the move it was clear you would be caring, adaptable and patient in helping them achieve the move that was right for them.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Everyone was amazing and went above and beyond- the support and reassurance provided in advance of the move itself to my mum was absolutely outstanding- even offering to store for free if there were further complications- not needed in the end but it made a huge difference to how calm my parents were. The team during the move were so kind, endlessly patient, calm, good humoured and incredibly hardworking. They were a fantastic team, each bringing different qualities and skills. We are all so grateful.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
As a team you all made a potentially stressful experience so much smoother than we expected it to be- a huge thank you to everyone please!
Got on with the job - not wasting time on phones and tea breaks
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Local, got details from internet
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
9/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
9/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Happy with quote
How would you rate your move team?
9/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Got on with the job not wasting time on phones and tea breaks
How would you rate our communication?
9/10
How can we improve our service?
Good as it is
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
9/10
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Please note: Our Price Guide tool is intended for moves within the UK Mainland only. If you're moving to or from the UK mainland please speak to one of our friendly team who will be able to provide you with a bespoke quote.
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