Binding vs Non-Binding Estimates
The Hidden Language In Non-Binding Estimates That Signals You'll Be Overcharged
Don't Get Fooled By Tricky Moving Company Language!
Are you worried about getting ripped off by moving companies? You should be! The Hidden Language In Non-Binding Estimates That Signals You'll Be Overcharged is something every person who plans to move needs to know about. Moving is already hard. You pack boxes. You say goodbye to neighbors. You feel stressed. The last thing you need is a surprise bill that makes you cry!
Hi there! I'm Jae Burnham, owner of Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving. As a YouTube influencer and published author, I've seen too many folks get tricked by bad moving companies. That's why I started my own company on January 1st, 2024. We already have 75+ five-star reviews on Google, Thumbtack, and Moving Helper because we NEVER trick our customers.
Today, I'm going to show you all the sneaky words and hidden tricks that shady movers use in their non-binding estimates. By the time you finish reading, you'll know exactly how to spot trouble before it costs you a fortune!
Ready to become a moving estimate expert? Let's dive in!
What Is A Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimate? The Basics You MUST Know
Before we get to the scary stuff, let's make sure you know the difference between these two types of moving estimates:
Binding Estimate: Your Friend In Moving
A binding estimate is like a promise with a price tag. When a moving company gives you a binding estimate, they are saying: "This is exactly what you'll pay. Not a penny more!"
With a binding estimate:
The price WON'T change even if your stuff weighs more than expected
The moving company CAN'T add surprise fees later
You know EXACTLY what you'll pay on moving day
You feel SAFE and in control
Non-Binding Estimate: The Danger Zone
A non-binding estimate is NOT a promise. It's just a guess. When a moving company gives you a non-binding estimate, what they're really saying is: "This is what we think it might cost... but we can charge you a LOT more later!"
With a non-binding estimate:
The final price CAN change based on weight or other factors
The moving company CAN add extra fees and charges
You DON'T know what your final bill will be
You might feel SHOCKED when you see the final price
Now, this doesn't mean all non-binding estimates are bad. Sometimes they make sense for certain moves. But you need to be super careful and know what to look for!
The 7 Scariest Words In A Non-Binding Estimate (And Why They'll Empty Your Wallet!)
Let's get to the juicy part! Here are the hidden words and phrases in non-binding estimates that should send you running for the hills:
1. "Subject to Final Weighing"
When you see these words, alarm bells should ring! This means the company can claim your stuff weighs way more than estimated. And guess what? You can't prove them wrong because you won't be there when they weigh the truck!
Here's what happens:
They give you a nice low estimate based on "expected weight"
They load your stuff and drive away
They "weigh" your items (or just make up a number!)
They call you with a price that's 2-3 times higher than the estimate
They refuse to deliver your stuff until you pay the new, higher price
You feel trapped and have to pay!
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we NEVER play these games. We use clear, honest pricing from the start.
2. "Additional Services May Be Required"
This innocent-looking phrase is a blank check for the moving company to add whatever services they want and charge you for them! Did they decide your couch needs "special handling"? That'll be $200 extra! Did they think your boxes needed "additional wrapping"? Another $300!
The worst part? You'll never know until after they've done the work, when it's too late to say no.
3. "Accessorial Charges Apply"
What in the world is an "accessorial charge"? Most people don't know! And that's exactly why shady movers use this term.
Accessorial charges can include:
Long carry fees (if they park far from your door)
Stair fees (if you have steps)
Elevator fees (if you have an elevator)
Narrow doorway fees (if your doorways are... doorways)
Heavy item fees (for things like furniture that all moves include!)
Basically, they can add fees for normal parts of EVERY move!
4. "Based on Current Inventory List"
This phrase means if you add even ONE small item that wasn't on your original list, they can tear up the whole estimate and charge you whatever they want!
Did you forget to mention a small lamp? Or decide to take your microwave at the last minute? Well, that tiny change could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars!
5. "Shuttle Service May Be Required"
This is a favorite trick of dishonest movers. They claim their big truck can't reach your home, so they need to use a smaller "shuttle" truck. This shuttle service often costs $500-$1000 extra!
The problem? They often decide this AFTER giving you the estimate, even if they could have known about access issues during the estimate.
6. "Storage-In-Transit Fees May Apply"
Watch out for this one! Some companies will claim they can't deliver your items on the promised day. They'll say they need to put your stuff in storage overnight (or longer). Then they charge huge fees for this "service" that you never wanted!
Even worse, your items might "mysteriously" get damaged during this extra handling.
7. "Final Charges Based on Actual Time/Labor Required"
This is the king of all vague phrases! It basically means: "We can work as slowly as we want and charge you for every minute!"
Have you ever noticed some movers move REALLY slow when they charge by the hour? That's no accident!
5 Real Stories From People Who Got Scammed (And How You Can Avoid Their Mistakes)
Let me share some heartbreaking stories from real people who fell victim to these hidden language tricks:
Sarah's Nightmare: $3,200 Turned Into $8,700!
Sarah moved from Michigan to Ohio last year. She got a non-binding estimate for $3,200. Seemed reasonable! But when the movers had all her stuff on the truck, they called and said her items weighed "much more" than estimated. The new price? $8,700!
When she complained, they said, "It's all in the contract you signed. Pay up or we keep your stuff." She had to take out a loan to get her belongings back.
What Sarah missed: The estimate said "subject to final weighing" and "weight-based adjustments may apply." She didn't understand what these phrases really meant.
Mike's Disaster: The "Shuttle" Scam
Mike was moving to a normal suburban house with a normal driveway. The moving company gave him an estimate of $4,300. But on moving day, the driver claimed his truck was "too big" for the neighborhood and needed a shuttle vehicle. This added $950 to his bill!
The crazy part? Other moving companies had delivered to his new home with the same size trucks with no problems at all!
What Mike missed: His estimate included the phrase "shuttle service fees apply if necessary, at driver's discretion." That last part gave the driver total control.
The Johnson Family: Held Hostage By "Additional Services"
The Johnsons were moving across town. Their estimate was $2,800. But when the movers arrived, they claimed every piece of furniture needed "special crating" that wasn't included in the estimate. The new price? $5,400!
When the family refused, the movers started unloading their half-packed belongings onto the front lawn! They had to agree to the new price to save their stuff from being dumped.
What the Johnsons missed: Their estimate said "additional packing materials and services may be required at crew's assessment." This gave the company total power to add anything they wanted.
Jennifer's Heartbreak: The Storage Scam
Jennifer was moving from an apartment to her first house. The movers picked up her items as planned but then called to say they couldn't deliver for 4 days. Her items would need to go into storage, costing an extra $1,200! She had no choice but to pay.
What Jennifer missed: Her estimate had tiny print saying "delivery dates are estimates only" and "storage-in-transit fees will apply if needed."
Robert's Shock: The Disappearing Discount
Robert got a great estimate with a 25% discount for booking during the company's "slow season." But when the final bill came, the discount was gone! When he complained, they pointed to language saying "discounts apply to base rate only, not additional services or fees." Since they had added so many extra fees, the "base rate" was only a small part of the total bill.
What Robert missed: The estimate had tricky language about what the discount actually applied to. The company designed it to disappear!
The Ultimate Checklist: How To Read A Non-Binding Estimate Like A Pro
Now that you know the scary stuff, here's how to protect yourself when reading moving estimates:
1. Get EVERYTHING in writing
Never accept verbal promises
Make sure all services are clearly listed
Get a detailed inventory list attached to the estimate
2. Look for these specific guarantees:
"No additional charges will be added without written consent"
"Price will not exceed estimate by more than 10%"
"No weighing fees will apply after loading"
3. Question these red flag phrases:
"Subject to"
"May require"
"At company's discretion"
"Actual weight/time"
"Additional fees may apply"
4. Ask these direct questions:
"Is this the absolute maximum I will pay?"
"What could cause this price to increase?"
"Can you put a maximum cap on the final price?"
"What happens if I disagree with extra charges?"
5. Know your rights:
Movers must give you a written estimate
For interstate moves, they can't charge more than 110% of a non-binding estimate on delivery
You can be present when they weigh your shipment
You can request a reweigh if you think the weight is wrong
Why Are Non-Binding Estimates Sometimes Used By Honest Companies?
Not all non-binding estimates are scams! Sometimes they make sense, especially for these situations:
Long-Distance Moves Where Weight Is Hard To Estimate
For very long moves, honest companies might use non-binding estimates because it's hard to guess exact weights. But they'll:
Explain everything clearly
Give you a worst-case price
Allow you to be present at weighing
Keep the final price close to the estimate
When You're Not Sure What You're Taking
If you're still deciding what items to take or leave behind, a non-binding estimate gives flexibility. Good companies will:
Update your estimate as you finalize your inventory
Provide a final "not to exceed" price before loading
Never surprise you with huge increases
When Special Circumstances Might Change
Sometimes access issues, weather, or other factors can legitimately affect moving costs. Honest companies will:
Explain potential additional costs upfront
Inspect both locations to minimize surprises
Give you options to control costs
How Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving Does Estimates The RIGHT Way
At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we do things differently:
We Prefer Binding Estimates When Possible
We believe you deserve to know exactly what you'll pay. That's why we prefer giving binding estimates whenever possible. No surprises, no games, just honest pricing!
Our Non-Binding Estimates Come With Guarantees
Sometimes a non-binding estimate makes sense for your situation. When we provide one, it comes with:
A written guarantee it won't exceed 105% of the estimate (better than the industry standard of 110%!)
A detailed explanation of any possible additional charges
The option to convert to a binding estimate at any time
Our "No Surprise" promise in writing
We Do Thorough In-Home Inspections
We never give estimates without seeing exactly what needs to be moved. Our team takes the time to:
Count every item
Measure large furniture
Check doorways and stairs at both locations
Note any special handling needs
We Explain EVERYTHING
We take time to walk you through every line of your estimate in plain English. We explain:
What each charge means
What could cause the price to change (and what won't)
How to avoid any additional costs
What your rights are
Our Transparent Pricing Structure
We don't hide costs in confusing language:
Our labor rates are clearly stated
Our materials costs are listed individually
Our truck fees are explained in detail
Our specialty service costs are upfront
The Questions Everyone Asks About Moving Estimates (Answered In Simple Terms!)
Let's answer the most common questions people have about binding and non-binding estimates:
Should I choose a binding or non-binding estimate?
If you know exactly what you're moving and want price certainty, go with a binding estimate. If you're still deciding what to take or leave, a non-binding estimate gives you flexibility – but only use one from a trusted company with good reviews!
How accurate are non-binding estimates?
From honest companies like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, very accurate! From shady companies, they can be wildly off – sometimes by thousands of dollars. Always check reviews before trusting an estimate.
What is a binding estimate?
A binding estimate is a guaranteed price that won't change, even if your stuff weighs more or the move takes longer than expected. The price you see is the price you pay – period!
What is a non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate is the company's best guess at what your move will cost. The final price can change based on the actual weight of your items or the time the move takes.
What are the different types of moving cost estimates?
There are three main types:
Binding estimates (guaranteed fixed price)
Non-binding estimates (can change based on weight/time)
Binding not-to-exceed estimates (can go down but not up)
Can a mover add additional charges to a binding estimate?
Only if you add items or services that weren't in the original estimate. Otherwise, they must stick to the price they quoted!
What happens if my belongings weigh more than the binding estimate?
With a true binding estimate, you still pay only the estimated amount, even if your stuff weighs more. That's the beauty of binding estimates!
What happens if my belongings weigh less than the binding estimate?
With a standard binding estimate, you still pay the full estimated amount, even if your belongings weigh less. With a binding not-to-exceed estimate, your price would go down!
What information should be included in a binding estimate?
A proper binding estimate should include:
A complete inventory of items to be moved
All services included (packing, unpacking, assembly)
Any special handling requirements
Pick-up and delivery dates
Payment terms and methods
Statement that it's a binding estimate
How is a binding quote different from a non-binding estimate?
A binding quote guarantees your final price as long as your inventory doesn't change. A non-binding estimate is just a starting point – the final price can change based on actual weight, time, or other factors.
What questions should I ask before accepting an estimate?
Ask:
Is this binding or non-binding?
What could cause this price to increase?
Are there any potential charges not included?
How do you handle additional items?
What happens if access is difficult?
Can I see your license and insurance?
What should I look for in a written estimate?
Look for:
Company name, address, and contact info
Your pick-up and delivery addresses
Detailed inventory
All services included
Clear statement if it's binding or non-binding
Payment terms
Valuation coverage for your belongings
What are binding not-to-exceed estimates?
This is the best of both worlds! The price can go down if your stuff weighs less than estimated, but it can't go up – even if it weighs more!
What elements must be included in a binding estimate contract?
A binding estimate must include:
Statement that it's binding
Complete inventory list
All services provided
Dates of service
Payment terms
Signatures from both parties
Can I add items to my shipment after receiving a binding estimate?
Yes, but the estimate will need to be revised. The company should provide a new binding estimate or addendum covering the additional items.
Why are most interstate move estimates non-binding?
Because interstate moves are priced by weight, and it's hard to estimate exact weights before loading. Good companies make their non-binding estimates as accurate as possible!
What are red flags in a moving estimate?
Watch out for:
Unusually low prices
Estimates given without seeing your belongings
Blank spaces or incomplete information
Large deposits required upfront
No company name or license information
Very general descriptions of services
How do I choose a reliable moving company for my estimate?
Check:
Online reviews (look for at least 20+ positive reviews)
Better Business Bureau rating
USDOT number for interstate movers
How long they've been in business
Whether they have a physical address
If they have proper insurance
What are the benefits of a binding estimate?
The biggest benefit is peace of mind! You know exactly what you'll pay, with no surprises or shock when the final bill comes.
How To Get Your FREE Estimate From Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving Today!
Are you tired of confusing moving estimates? Do you want honest, transparent pricing from a company with 75+ five-star reviews? Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving is here to help!
Here's how to get your free, no-obligation estimate:
Call Us Directly: (517) 948-0894
Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions and schedule your in-home estimate. We promise:
No high-pressure sales tactics
Clear explanation of all costs
Honest advice about your moving options
Respect for your time and home
Visit Our Website: https://justthebigstuff.com
On our website you can:
Request an estimate online
See our full range of services
Read our amazing reviews
Learn more about our team
Why Our Customers Love Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving
Don't just take our word for it! Here's what recent customers say:
"After getting three estimates that were confusing and full of extra fees, Mr. BigStuff was like a breath of fresh air! They gave me a binding estimate that didn't change by a single penny. Best moving experience ever!" – Maria T.
"Jae and his team were amazing! They took time to explain everything in my estimate and there were ZERO surprises on moving day. I'll never use another moving company again!" – David K.
"As a single mom, I was worried about getting ripped off. Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving gave me a fair price upfront and stuck to it. They even finished earlier than expected!" – Jennifer L.
Don't Let Moving Companies Take Advantage of You! Call Mr. BigStuff Today!
Now that you know The Hidden Language In Non-Binding Estimates That Signals You'll Be Overcharged, you have two choices:
Spend hours researching moving companies, carefully reading every line of their estimates, and hoping you catch all the hidden fees and tricks...
OR
Call Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving at (517) 948-0894 for honest, transparent pricing from a company that treats you like family!
The choice is clear! Call today and join our family of happy customers who got exactly what they were promised – no surprises, no hidden fees, just amazing service at a fair price!
Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving: Because Your Move Matters!
About the Author: This article was written by the content team at Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, under the guidance of owner Jae Burnham. With 75+ five-star reviews on Google, Thumbtack, and Moving Helper since our founding on January 1st, 2024, we've quickly become Michigan's most trusted moving company. Visit https://justthebigstuff.com to learn more about our services.
