What Is A Removalist Call-Out Fee?

What Is A Removalist Call-Out Fee?

Mar 31, 2023 Moving out of a house or apartment is challenging for every person. It can take a toll on you mentally, physically and financially without proper planning and preparation. Therefore, most people turn to professional removalists in Brisbane to lighten the burden of packing and moving. Professionals have the expertise, experience and equipment to handle and transport property contents without damage or loss. However, before you hire them, it is essential to know how they charge. Most good and experienced removalists in Brisbane outline the service charges and call-out fee in the removal quote. Homeowners or renters, especially those moving for the first time, may not know a removalist call-out fee. It is an important component of the professional’s service charges. Therefore, if you plan to move to a new home and hire professional removalists in Brisbane, here is your complete guide outlining its definition, the average removalist call-out fee in Brisbane and more information. Have a look.

What is a removalist call-out fee?

A call-out fee is a charge removalists take for coming to your home. This fee is an additional cost to cover the cost of time the removalists dedicate to rendering their services, travelling to your address or performing a pre-move survey to generate an accurate moving quote. Simply put, in addition to their hourly fixed labour and service charges, you pay for their time and expertise. Usually, for local and short-distance moves, removalists in Brisbane don’t have a call-out fee, but you must always ask about it while hiring a removal service. Call-out fee is more common when you have to move long-distance (over 80kms), at short notice, interstate or with special requirements.

What is the Average Removalist Call-out Fee in Brisbane?

While the call-out fee varies from removalist to removalist, the average cost you can expect is $60-65. This fee can be less or more depending on various factors such as the experience of removalists, moving distance, moving scale etc. Therefore, make sure the removalists in Brisbane you want to hire include their call-out fee in the removal quote. While hiring removalists, it is best if they offer their services at a flat rate quote as it will outline all the costs, and you don’t have to worry about hidden charges or fees. When you get this type of quote outlining all the expenses, creating a realistic budget is easier as the call-out fee is a factor affecting moving costs.

What Questions to Ask Removalists About Call-out Fee?

Most people only discuss the service charges and don’t ask questions about the call-out fee. Therefore, if you plan to move house, you must ask the following questions about it to gain valuable knowledge.
  • Do you have a call-out fee, and how much is the minimum charge?
  • What does the call-out fee cover?
  • Is the call-out fee higher for short-notice moves, or do you have a fixed fee for all types of moves?
  • Do you have in-house removalists or contractors? (This question is important because a business’s employees offer higher-quality services & their call-out fee is charged accordingly).
  • Is the call-out fee negotiable, and when is it not applicable?

Why is the Call-out Fee Variable? 

Understanding that the call-out fee can vary from one removalist to another is crucial. Most removalists charge this fee to cover their travel expenses, basic operating costs etc. Removalists in Brisbane can also ask for this fee when they have to come for a pre-move survey or make round trips during a move. It also greatly depends on the nature of the move, as the professional will charge a higher fee for a complicated move, long-distance move, or extra work. If your removalists have to take your belongings to a temporary storage first and then to the final destination, they will charge more. It will also be more if your belongings are too heavy, you have to move in a short period, or the location is hard to reach. Moreover, this charge is more during peak moving season when the availability of removalists is less due to high demand. Not considering this cost while creating your budget can put you in a tight spot. Therefore, make sure to ask about it each time you chat with removalists in Brisbane. Understanding this fee with other moving costs is confusing for many, particularly those who are moving for the first time or encountering this charge is new.

Wrapping Up

A house move is stressful and challenging for most people, and taking the assistance of professional removalists helps reduce the stress and challenges. However, when you hire professionals, you have to pay their call-out fee, and it can be confusing if you don’t know what it is and what to expect. Thus, use this guide to know everything about removalists’ call-out fee in Brisbane and set your budget accordingly.