How to Read and Compare a Moving Quote in BC

Researched and updated 24 October 2026. Monetary examples use Canadian dollars.

A useful moving quote states what will be moved, how the charge is calculated and what can change it. Compare those details before comparing the total. Two quotes for different inventories or services are not competing prices for the same job.

Name the pricing model in plain language

Model	What the written quote should say	Question to ask
Hourly estimate	Crew and vehicle rate, expected hours, minimum, increments and travel.	When does billing start and stop?
Fixed total for defined work	Inventory, addresses, access, included services and permitted adjustments.	What precisely would change this amount?
Agreed maximum	The actual contractual cap and the conditions that qualify it.	Is this ceiling written into my accepted agreement?

Labels such as “binding,” “non-binding” and “not-to-exceed” are not a substitute for the contract. Do not assume US interstate estimate rules automatically govern a local BC move.

Use the same comparison worksheet

Line to compare	What to record
Inventory	Furniture, boxes, bulky pieces and stops.
Access	Stairs, lifts, long carries, parking and restrictions at both addresses.
Crew and vehicle	Number of workers, truck size and rate for the whole combination.
Time and travel	Minimum, rounding, depot travel and driving between homes.
Extra work	Packing, materials, preparation, assembly and special handling.
Total and changes	Tax, deposit/payment terms, cancellation and authorized adjustments.
Loss or damage	Liability limit, optional protection, exclusions and reporting process.

Read coverage before assigning a value to it

Government moving advice warns that basic mover liability can be weight-based rather than replacement cost. Ask the specific provider what applies to your goods, especially owner-packed boxes and high-value items. A general liability policy, cargo coverage and an optional protection plan do different jobs; obtain the relevant wording instead of assuming “insured” means every loss is fully covered.

Check the total with one calculation

For an illustrative $150 crew rate, three job hours plus one separately charged travel hour is $600 before tax, or $630 with 5% GST. If a second quote is $650 including travel and tax for the same work, compare $630 with $650—not $150 with $650. Ask whether the estimate assumes extra time if a lift is late.

If the bill is different

Compare the invoice to the accepted scope and written change records.
Identify the specific disputed item and the outcome you want in writing.
Keep messages, photographs, payment records and the inventory.
Use the provider’s complaint process and relevant consumer resources. Do not assume another province’s estimate rules apply.

Before accepting

Confirm the business identity, recent relevant references, WorkSafeBC standing where applicable and coverage documents. Retain the accepted quote as well as the marketing page. For Tingsapp, the booking details and current adjustment terms both matter.

Frequently asked questions

Is a quote binding because it uses that word?

Read the actual agreed scope, price and change terms. A marketing label alone does not explain your contract.

Does insured mean full replacement cost?

Not necessarily. Ask about cargo coverage, limits, deductibles, owner-packed goods and optional protection.

What is the cleanest comparison?

The same inventory, access, crew, services, travel, tax and change conditions on each quote.