Put each quote into the same comparison
| Check | What to record | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing method | Hourly, fixed, volume-based or estimate | Controls who carries time or scope risk |
| Crew and vehicle | Number of movers and truck size | Changes speed, capacity and hourly cost |
| Travel | Depot time, kilometres, fuel, ferry and return travel | Often explains a large price difference |
| Minimum charges | Minimum hours and rounding increments | A short move may still trigger a base charge |
| Included work | Packing, wrapping, dismantling and reassembly | Avoids paying extras on moving day |
| Access assumptions | Stairs, lifts, parking and carry distance | Incorrect assumptions can change labour time |
| Protection | Liability terms and optional cover | Shows how loss or damage is handled |
| Timing | Arrival window and delivery window | Important for settlement and long-distance moves |
Questions worth asking
- Is GST included in the displayed total?
- What event would allow the final price to exceed this figure?
- Are travel, call-out, fuel, parking, ferry, and depot charges included?
- What happens if the job takes longer than estimated?
- Who is responsible for dismantling, packing, and protecting furniture?
- Are employees, contractors, or another carrier completing any part of the move?
- What is the cancellation or postponement policy?
- How should loss, damage, or a service concern be reported?
A four-part decision
Step 1
Check fit
Can the mover handle your route, date, access, load size, and specialist items?
Step 2
Check completeness
Does the quote clearly cover every service you need and state its assumptions?
Step 3
Check evidence
Review business details, communication quality, relevant experience, and genuine customer feedback.
Step 4
Check value
Choose the strongest combination of price clarity, capability, timing, and confidence—not simply the smallest number.
Watch for an unrealistically low quote
A low figure may be legitimate, but ask what has been excluded. Missing travel, insufficient crew, a small truck, owner packing, broad delivery windows, or an incomplete inventory can make a quote look cheaper than the job will be.