Removalist Call-Out Fees Explained

May 30, 2023 During a house move, you have to consider multiple one-off expenses. Among these expenses, a common one is a removalist call-out fee which is an amount charged by removalists in Adelaide. Professionals performing removals ask for it to cover the cost of travel and the time it takes them to visit your property or provide services. The average call-out fee for removals is $85 but depending on various factors; it can be lower or higher in your area. Therefore, it is a wise and practical step to ask removalists in Adelaide about their call-out or travel charges while looking for removalists. But before you do, here is a complete guide outlining the purpose of the call-out fee, factors that determine the cost, and other important things to know about the charge. Read on.

What is the Purpose of the Call-out Fee?

A call-out fee is for the benefit of the service provider as it is imposed to cover the time, effort and resources the removalists invest when they come to your house for review or on a moving day. Therefore, it is an important cost to consider when you are creating a budget for your move and plan to hire removalists in Adelaide.

What Factors Determine Call-out Charges?

Although the average call-out charge for removalists in Australia is $85, it can vary from professional to professional. There are a number of factors that affect the call-out charge, such as.

• Travelling Distance: Most removalistshave different call-out charges for short, long and interstate removals. If your house is far from the office of the removalists, then expect the fee to be higher. Therefore, to ensure the call-out fee is affordable, look for local removalists in Adelaide.
• The scale of the Move: Another factor that affects the call-out fee is the size and complexity of the move. Thus, if you have a large house or the removalists need to put in more effort to move your things, they will charge the fee accordingly.
• Special Requirements: When removalists need special moving equipment or additional resources, it impacts the call-out charge.
• Time It Takes To Move Your Things: Naturally, the more time the removalists must invest to handle your house removals, the higher the call-out charge.

Is Call-out Fee Different From Additional Charges?

It is vital to understand that the call-out fee is not an additional charge. You must consider it different from potential costs removalists in Adelaide can ask such as labour costs, packing supplies, toll fees, parking permits etc. Additionally, charges can be imposed on a moving day, but the call-out fee is shared before the booking is done.

Can You Negotiate The Call-out Fee?

Since the call-out charge is not a fixed cost and it is variable, you can negotiate the cost to get a better bargain. Some removalists in Adelaide can have a non-negotiable call-out fee. Still, most removalists keep it flexible and reduce it when you book early, reduce the moving distance or meet our criteria. But keep in mind that the call-out fee is a fee taken when the removalists show up at your doorsteps. Knowing this information is crucial to avoid moving scams.

Should You Inquire About Call-out Fee While Obtaining Quotes?

Yes, it is the best time to inquire about the call-out fee to ensure you can get the correct estimates for your move. Most removalists offer instant quotes, which usually don’t outline the call-out charge. Therefore, always ask for a pre-move survey and detailed quotes. Have a complete quote with call-out fee, labour cost, service costs and GST and other costs. This time is also perfect for negotiating the call-out fee or getting it waved completely by meeting certain requirements of the removalists. Just make sure to avoid dodgy removalists with uncertain terms and conditions.

Other Things to Keep in Mind about Call-out Fee

Besides the things mentioned above, you must also keep the following things in mind regarding the call-out fee.

• Inquire about a refund before paying the call-out fee. In case of rescheduling, you don’t have to get a refund. But, if you plan to cancel a booking, then a call-out free refund is crucial.
• Be transparent during communication with the removalists to ensure you can get the right estimate for your move. If you find removalists who are not upfront about their call-out fee, avoid booking them, as they can impose this as a hidden charge on the day of moving.
• Don’t hesitate to ask about the call-out fee inclusions and the reasons the removalists are charging it to come to your house for reviewing or the actual move.
• Ensure to get written documentation of the call-out fee and removal quote.

Wrapping Up

A house move is challenging, and you will need the assistance of professional removalists. Since most professionals ask for a call-out fee, you must know what it is and everything about it. Thus, use this guide to enlighten yourself and manage your removalist’s booking journey smoothly.