There’s often confusion amongst homeowners regarding payment policies for a house move, especially when it comes to moving large properties and offices. Once you’ve researched if you can hire movers without a truck, you may wonder if premium moving services in Carrollton, Texas mean upfront payment or payment once a job is complete.
Generally, moving services that charge on an hourly basis ask for payment after they deliver all your goods to your new location. However, the company may ask for a small deposit if you’re moving to a faraway place or if the move requires heavy labor. Some companies may also ask for a small upfront payment during the peak season—May to September. This deposit does not usually exceed $100 to $500. If a company asks you to deposit a larger amount, that’s a red flag.
In the peak season, last-minute cancellations can mean a loss for the moving company, so they may ask for a small amount to prevent this.
On the other hand, companies that provide an upfront, fixed price for the move collect payment before the job. We fall into this category because we believe that customers should know exactly what their move will cost before committing to it.
In summary, you should pay movers who charge on an hourly basis after they move your furniture and goods, but you shouldn’t be surprised to be asked to pay a small amount upfront. In contrast, you should expect to pay movers who offer fixed pricing before the job is complete.
Should You Pay in Cash?
If you haven’t agreed to pay cash and the movers demand a cash payment, wait to pay. You should always make payments with your credit card so you have proof of payment and legal avenues to retrieve your money in case things go wrong.
Most reliable companies will ask you to pay via credit card, but if a company asks you to do otherwise, be sure to determine the reason why and only agree to it if you’re satisfied.
How Much Should a Local Move Cost?
The average cost for a local move in the U.S. is about $1,400 for a move within one hundred miles of your current location, but prices may rise during the peak season.
The prices may also increase with house size, the nature of goods, and the number of people required to move your goods. However, the most significant factor affecting prices is the distance between the two locations. For long-distance moves, the average costs range from $2,200 to $5,700. Premium-level, full-service moves may cost more, as these services ensure you get all of your belongings transferred to your new destination safely and without any hassle.
How Much Should You Tip Movers?
Most companies follow a by-hour pricing model. In this case, you should tip the movers around $4 to $5 per hour, per member. For example, if a team of three works for five hours, you should give $15 to each member.
On the other hand, some moving companies follow a fixed-price model. In this case, you should tip 10% of the total bill, or more, if you’re feeling generous. For example, if you pay $1,000 for the move, you should tip the team $50 to $100.
Are Flat Rate or Hourly Rates Better?
When it comes to pricing, it can be difficult to choose a company as many of them have competitive prices. We recommend opting for a company that charges flat rates, because there’s a lower chance of losing money to dishonesty and bad conduct. When movers are paid hourly, they might purposely delay the move or charge for hours stuck in traffic.
On the flip side, companies that charge flat rates, like NDMS, will visit your home once, consider the distance and your preference, and quote you a price. This will save you from any hidden or surprise charges at the end of your move.
For more information about what to expect from professional movers, be sure to read our post on how movers pack clothes.