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...
Professional, friendly and you delivered on your promises
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Used your services before
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?
Previous experience from using yourselves and also the way my enquiry was dealt with. Professional, friendly and you delivered on your promises.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
I had 2 moves. One from my father's property on the 25/6 and into storage and then on the 12/7. Gareth and Jack were simply outstanding on the 25/6. It was a very hot day and they had to carry all the items down 8 flights of stairs as unable to use the lift. They were organised, friendly, really hard working and respectful of the property. 10/10. I therefore was very pleased to see that they had been allocated to me on the 12/7 along with John. Once again outstanding service. Hard working, fast, nothing was too much trouble. Polite and respectful and also patient when I decided I wanted a piece of furniture moved ..again. I cannot praise the team enough. They are a credit to Britannia Goodwins and made my move a lot more bearable and funny at times which lightened the whole stress of moving. If I ever move again (long shot !) then I will want the same team.. Simply the Best! Please pass on my gratitude to them all and in particular Gareth and Jack who had the tough job of the stairs!
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Nothing.... outstanding!
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Friendly, helpful, patient, unflustered and just an amazing bunch of guys.
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
I have known about you for a while, brand recognition
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?
It was a decision based on cost. Your surveyor won you the contract with a correct assessment of how much stuff we had. The competitors over estimated and as such over quoted.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
They were excellent in every way, from beginning to end. Friendly, helpful, patient, unflustered and just an amazing bunch of guys.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
The best I could have hoped for
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?
Not much other than it was seamless and the service was exceptional throughout.
Professional, courteous, caring and very accommodating
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Search engine
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?
Competitive on price, good reviews and liked how you proposed to do the move.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
All of them, Chris, John, Danny, Rob and Ant were professional, courteous, caring and very accommodating. They ensured everything was wrapped or covered properly, stored correctly and moved with care and attention. Nothing was too much trouble and they completed the move to time. We were more than completely satisfied with all the team.
How would you rate our communication?
9/10
How can we improve our service?
I can't think of anything at present.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Absolutely top class from start to finish
Email to Matt
Thanks again for the understanding from today, it was painful but we got there.
I also wanted to say that the guys today were absolutely top class from start to finish, incredibly helpful and polite, nothing was too much bother and it helped make what was a really difficult and stressful day for us a hell of a lot easier.
A real credit to the business, and if we move again we will 100% be using Britannia Goodwins thanks to those guys.
Thanks
Josh and Alicia
Alicia BroughUK Quote
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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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