Visual Estimate Waivers

Posted by David Piotrowski

The general rule (adopted a few years ago) is that moving companies must provide visual, in-home estimates to their potential customers. There are two (2) exceptions to the requirement that moving companies must provide visual estimates to their customers.

The first exception to the rule that moving companies must provide their customers with visual estimates is that if the pickup (origin) address is greater than fifty (50) miles from the movers facility, then the visual estimate requirement is waived. Many moving companies use this waiver especially for customers who are outside of the movers normal geographical reach or for customers that live in remote areas. In these cases, it may not make economic sense for movers to provide an in-house visual estimate due to the costs of providing this service. The flip-side of this argument, of course, is that movers who do provide visual estimates may have a better chance of providing a more accurate estimate. However, online and over-the-phone estimates can be quite accurate if customers take the time to provide truthful and complete inventory descriptions to the moving company.

The second exception to the rule requiring moving companies to provide visual estimates is that if the customer signs a form waiving their right to a visual estimate, the moving company need not provide one, even if the pickup (origin) address is less than fifty (50) miles from the movers facility.

Please read this post for additional information on this topic.