Questions to ask shipping companies

[purpledonna]

Today is day one of getting all the shipping companies in. For the next two weeks we have all the usual suspects coming around to check out how much junk we have and give us a quote for shipping it to Melbourne.

What kinds of questions should I be asking? Is there anything you wished you had asked?
All advice greatfully received

[Spindrifter]

Today is day one of getting all the shipping companies in. For the next two weeks we have all the usual suspects coming around to check out how much junk we have and give us a quote for shipping it to Melbourne.

What kinds of questions should I be asking? Is there anything you wished you had asked?
All advice greatfully received

Three basics -

1/ Get the cubic footage they quote as well as their price of course.

2/ Check that the cubic footage and price and other details are around the same from each company.................. then start to barter.

3/ Be up front and honest letting them each know what the lowest price and cubic footage is - so they have a chance to beat or match it.

Be aware that groupage is cheaper but slower if you're not in a hurry. This time span (usually between 10 to 12 weeks) can be used as storage!

Hope this helps a bit.

Good luck and enjoy - they do want your custom.

PS: We have had seven quotes thus far from all the recognised companies - there is a £700 difference on a very similar cu/ft! I think we have got our lowest price now and with our preferred mover.

[JoandJon]

Ask them how they're going to pack any 'special' objects you've got (we've got an antique clock, some original artwork and lots of guitars).
Ask for a detailed inventory of what they're including -and if you want to be really annoying and detailed like me, make your own list, measure items and compare your estimated volume to the shippers :)

Most importantly, have a list of questions and make sure you ask the same things of all of them.

:)

(Our quotes varied by more than £1700- between some companies!)