“Why did one mover quote me a flat price and another one just gave me a ballpark?” is one of the most common questions we hear at Two Chicks Moving when someone is comparing estimates side by side. The short answer is that those two movers are using two entirely different pricing methods — a binding estimate and a non-binding estimate — and not knowing which one you signed can cost you real money on moving day. As a mover in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, and Bonita Springs, here’s the honest breakdown of how each one works and which one actually protects you.
Q&A: Binding vs. Non-Binding Moving Estimates — What’s the Difference?
Q: What’s the actual difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate?
A: A binding estimate is a written agreement, made in advance, that locks in your total cost based on the exact inventory and services listed — you pay that number at delivery, period. A non-binding estimate is the mover’s best professional guess, based on estimated weight and services, and it isn’t locked in. Instead, your final bill is based on the actual weight of your shipment (and any extra services you end up using), which means the number on your non-binding estimate can move up or down before moving day. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, both estimate types must be provided in writing, and your mover is legally required to tell you which type you’re getting before you sign.
Q: If I get a non-binding estimate, how much more could I actually be charged?
A: Federal rules cap it at 110% of the original non-binding estimate at the time of delivery — this is often called the “110% rule.” So if your non-binding estimate came in at $4,000, the most you can legally be required to pay before your items are unloaded is $4,400. If the actual charges run higher than that, the mover still has to release your belongings once you’ve paid the 110% amount, and can bill you for the remainder up to 30 days later. It’s a real consumer protection, but it also means a non-binding estimate always carries some built-in uncertainty that a binding estimate doesn’t.
Q: So which one should I actually choose?
A: It depends on how confident you are in your inventory and how much you value price certainty versus flexibility. Here’s how to think about it:
- A binding estimate makes sense when: your inventory is well-defined, you don’t expect to add or remove items before moving day, and you want a guaranteed number for budgeting — especially useful if you’re coordinating a move around a tight closing date or a lease deadline.
- A non-binding estimate makes sense when: your move is still somewhat in flux — you’re not sure yet whether that guest room and garage are staying or going to donation — and you’re comfortable with a final number that’s based on actual weight rather than a pre-set figure.
- Either way, get it walked through in person or on video. The single biggest driver of estimate accuracy isn’t which type you choose — it’s whether the mover actually saw your belongings (in person or via a video survey) before quoting, rather than guessing off a phone call.
At Two Chicks Moving, we walk every customer through both options and explain exactly what’s included before anyone signs anything. If you’re comparing quotes for an upcoming move, our free, in-home-or-video quote gives you a clear, honest estimate up front — binding or non-binding, whichever fits your move.
Local Area Guide: Another Broken Egg Cafe Is Coming to Naples
If you’re settling into Naples this year, there’s a good reason to keep an eye on the corner near Freedom Square: Another Broken Egg Cafe, a Southern-inspired daytime breakfast and brunch concept, is targeted to open in late August at 6917 Collier Blvd., Suite 701, just north of the intersection of Collier Boulevard and U.S. 41 East. It’s the first of at least four Southwest Florida locations planned by local franchisee Dillon Gruener, who relocated to the Naples-Estero area last year to develop the brand across Collier and Lee counties. According to Gulfshore Business, the 165-seat restaurant will include an 18-seat bar, an eight-top private dining room, and a 38-seat patio, with a menu built around Southern-inspired dishes like chicken and waffles, a Champagne lobster omelet, and cinnamon roll French toast.
It’s a welcome sign of Naples’ continued growth as a dining destination, and a nice reason for new residents to have a go-to breakfast spot lined up before the last box is even unpacked. If you’re relocating to or within Naples, our Naples movers page has everything you need to know about how we handle moves in and around the area.
Planning a Move in Southwest Florida?
Whether you’re comparing binding and non-binding estimates or just starting to plan, Two Chicks Moving offers clear, honest quotes for every kind of move. Explore our local moving services or get a free quote today.
