Quote:
Originally Posted by fcgiii
When we signed the deal with a moving company in Northern Virginia they estimated $17,369.65. We are being charged $19,728.31, an overcharge of $2358.
Their explanation:
"Your initial Interstate estimate was based on an estimated weight. Your delivery to FL was based off of the actual weight and packing. Atlas charges and the non binding estimate are based on the actuals. Your local portion was higher because there was an increase in the packing when your shipment was picked up. "
They offered no details. So a moving company can estimate X to get you to sign, then charge you X + Y when the delivery is done.
Sweet business model, eh?
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My sister at one time was the bookkeeper for a moving company. So I had the inside information.
It is sort of like you stepping into the ring with a professional boxer. They know and use all the angles. Typically they send an agent, a paid salesman. He pulls out his laptop and counts what you have couch two, tables seven. His program puts in the average weight of a couch a table etc. They then print an estimate. They will not tell you but it is based on what is called the tariff rate. They must file that number with the government it is based on weight and mileage. They will not give you that number. You can easily figure it out as they must estimate the weight and the estimate shows if the weight is honest what the tariff rate is Honest weight does no really matter if you are using the estimate to figure what the tariff rate is.
You contact several companies and compare the quote. Obviously if they underestimate the weight their quote will be lower. For a comparison you want to compare the tariff rate. Which you can easily figure for yourself.
As you ride down a highway you will see exits marked weigh station. A truck must stop at regular intervals and be weighed.
The gocha works two ways. If, the tariff rate is say .57 a hundred pounds. They can and do charge you more for weight over the estimate. For us, if I recall .57 was the rate we paid. Our salesman worked the scam backwards. Since he knew I knew about tariff rate, I moved some heavy machinery. He told me he could not estimate the weight of my machines so he would add in extra weight and it would be credited back when the actual weight was determined. What he did not mention they were charging me .57 per hundred pounds but the credit as in the fine print of the contract is .13 cents per hundred.
My point, they can only steal from you if you allow it. My first name is David. I'm sure all know the story of David vs Goliath and who won. A lot of work, a lot of time but I got the overcharge back.