How to Compare Removal Quotes Like for Like
A simple method for comparing removal and man and van quotes in the UK, so you weigh scope, time, cover and terms and not just the headline price.
Three quotes, three different numbers, and no obvious way to tell which one is good. That is the usual experience of comparing removals. The reason is that quotes are written in each provider's own shorthand, with different assumptions hidden inside. To compare them fairly, you have to translate them into one common format.
Step one: give everyone the same brief
The comparison is only as good as the information you feed in. Write a single description and send it to every provider:
- Both addresses, floors, lift availability and parking
- Date, preferred start time and flexibility
- Inventory of large items and an honest box count
- Whether you need packing, dismantling, disposal or storage
- Any awkward access such as steep stairs or narrow doors
If providers visit or take a video survey, make sure they see the same things. See in-home survey vs video quote.
Step two: put quotes into a table
Make a simple grid, one column per provider, and fill it in for each:
| Line | Provider A | Provider B | Provider C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price and whether fixed | |||
| Crew size | |||
| Vehicle | |||
| Estimated hours | |||
| Rate after estimate | |||
| Packing materials | |||
| Dismantling | |||
| Parking and charges | |||
| Cover wording | |||
| Payment and cancellation |
Blank cells are your questions. Do not fill them with optimism.
Step three: adjust for what is missing
If one quote excludes dismantling and another includes it, add an estimate for it to the first. If one assumes two people and another one, adjust the time. Often the cheapest quote becomes mid-range once it is made comparable.
What to weigh beyond price
Time estimate and crew
A larger crew can finish in half the time. Check that the hourly total is realistic for the volume and access, not just attractive.
Terms and flexibility
What happens if your completion is late? Can you change date? How much notice is needed? Are there deposits and are they refundable?
Cover
Do not assume. Ask what goods-in-transit and liability cover applies, any limits per item, excesses and exclusions. The goods in transit insurance guide covers what to ask.
Reviews and recent work
Look for reviews that describe moves like yours, and notice how the provider handles problems. Reviews on Compito come after completed bookings, which makes them a useful signal.
Red flags to be careful with
- A price far below the rest with no explanation
- Reluctance to put anything in writing
- Large cash deposits demanded upfront
- Vague answers about cover or crew
- Pressure to decide immediately
More signs are in removal quote red flags.
Making the decision
Score each provider out of five on price, scope, time, terms, cover and reviews, then add up. It is crude, but it forces you to look at all of the factors. Choose the provider with the best fit, not necessarily the lowest figure, and confirm everything in writing before paying.
With Compito, you can send one request and compare offers from ID-verified local providers side by side, then accept and pay online and keep the conversation in messages.
A worked example
Three quotes for the same two-bed move arrive. Provider A is the cheapest at a fixed price, but only two people and no dismantling. Provider B is middling, with three people, dismantling included and a clear overrun rate. Provider C is highest, with packing materials included and a longer written terms document. After adjusting A for dismantling and a likely extra hour, the gap to B often shrinks or disappears. That is the value of making quotes comparable.
A simple scoring approach
| Criterion | Weight | How to score |
|---|---|---|
| Total adjusted price | High | Lowest scores best |
| Scope included | High | More included scores better |
| Time estimate realism | Medium | Compare to your own estimate |
| Terms and flexibility | Medium | Clear and fair scores best |
| Cover and answers | Medium | Written and specific |
| Reviews | Medium | Similar jobs, recent |
Questions that separate good from vague
- If it takes longer than estimated, what is the rate?
- What would make the price change?
- Who exactly will turn up?
- What happens if my completion is delayed?
- Is the quote valid for a set period?
Edge cases
- Different survey methods: a video quote and a phone quote are not like for like.
- Included versus optional extras: a price with optional packing is not directly comparable to one with it included.
- Date flexibility: if one provider quotes a quieter day, compare on the same date.
Common mistakes
- Choosing on price alone and ignoring scope.
- Not keeping all quotes in writing.
- Forgetting to ask about cancellation terms.
- Giving each provider different information.
Frequently asked questions
How many quotes should I get?
Three is a good number. Fewer gives you little to compare, and more can become hard to manage unless you use a consistent brief.
Is the cheapest quote a red flag?
Not automatically, but check why it is cheaper. It may be a smaller crew, shorter estimate or missing items.
Should I get quotes in writing?
Yes. A written quote with the scope, price and terms is the best protection against misunderstandings later.
Should I tell providers about other quotes?
You can, but be honest and keep it factual. It is more productive to ask what is included than to try to play providers off each other.