Confused by removal comparison sites?
These days, we're used to visiting comparison websites to change our energy suppliers, check insurance prices, or even booking hotels. Comparing prices for these is relatively straightforward; you input your requirements and you're displayed with a table showing everything that matches and the price you'll pay
Removal company comparison sites are a bit different. We know the value of them - we participate in some of them - but there are a few things you should keep in mind when using a comparison site to make sure you get the most out of it.
How are removal comparison sites different from other comparison websites?
When you're comparing the price of energy suppliers, hotels, or insurance policies, you're comparing the exact same product and service from many companies. When you're comparing removals, it isn't quite so concrete as every removal is different. One three bedroom move can be vastly different in size and scope from another; there's no flat standard. For example, someone downsizing will have less to move than a family who have outgrown the same size house.
The information you provide for the comparison is basic, and the prices shown are a guide price for a standard move of a standard amount of belongings. You'll usually receive an indicative price from three or four companies.
- Make sure you know if the guide price you've been given is inclusive of VAT - you'll want to compare either all VAT included or all pre-VAT prices - and find out if they're 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. This is something that is easy to overlook, but very important to consider
- Are they a member of a trade organisation such as the British Association of Removers (BAR)? BAR members undergo an annual inspection to ensure they're complying with the high standards set by the group. They're also checked that their finances and creditworthiness are of a good standard. In the unlikely event a BAR member's business fails after you've paid for the move (but before you've moved),
- The BAR operates an Advanced Payment Guarantee
- Provisional bookings - some removal companies and man & van removers take provisional bookings for future removals. However, these provisional bookings often fall through with cancellations at the last minute when a better paying job comes along. This leaves the customer scrambling trying to find a replacement removal company - often the day before their move is scheduled. We don't take provisional bookings, but do offer you insurance options to avoid costly changes should you need to change the date of your move
- What's included in the price? Because you don't know exactly what's included in the prices you're given from a comparison site, be sure to talk to the company and find out exactly what's included in their price (insurance, boxes, packing materials, VAT, 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 for the removals 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 price for your comparison, rather than the guide prices you initially receive
Removal quote appointment booking service
Britannia Goodwins Removals & Storage can help your move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 01785 251161 and speaking with one of our Stafford and Cheshire 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...
They made everything about the move as stress free as possible
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Found you on the 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?
You responded to us quickly and easily
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Friendly, polite, helpful, prompt, efficient with good communication
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Do not know, very happy
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?
John and Gareth were very helpful professional and friendly and despite the really bad weather they made everything about the move as stress free as possible. We would highly recommend this team!
The overall experience at a time of stress was good
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Recommended by two people who used your company.
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?
Because of others experience
How would you rate your move team?
9/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Very pleasant. Courteous, helpful guys
How would you rate our communication?
9/10
How can we improve our service?
Not sure
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?
The overall experience at a time of stress was good
The guys were so friendly and professional
I just wanted to send an email to say thank you so much for the help in moving, the guys were absolutely fantastic and we were all packed, moved and unpacked within 2 and a half hours!
The guys were so friendly and professional and really did help out a hopeless female!
I have recommended you guys to my friend who is moving so she will be calling you shortly.
Once again many thanks for everything!
Best wishes
Sophie O’BrienEnthusiastic, positive and professional
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Google reviews
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?
Great google reviews
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Fantastic. Tyler and the team (and there were many over the three days) were positive and professional throughout. They dealt with a nervous buyer with great empathy and always tried to put me at ease. They were enthusiastic, positive and professional. Thank you so much.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Possibly with the quote acceptance online. It was somewhat confusing. However, when I phoned up with my queries, Catherine was amazing and sorted it all out for me.
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?
Brilliant
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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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