If a mover shouts “From $108 only!” but won’t give you an itemised, written scope, expect add‑ons later (stair carries, heavy items, long push, waiting time, condo lift padding, dismantling/reassembly, weekend/PH surcharge, etc.). Choose movers with transparent pricing, clear inclusions/exclusions, and a fixed price after site/virtual survey.
Why this matters in Singapore
Moving in Singapore often involves condo MCST rules, HDB lift sizes, tight loading bays, and strict time windows. Lowball ads ignore these realities—so the invoice balloons once the team arrives. This guide shows you how the bait‑and‑switch works, the exact red flags to spot, and a step‑by‑step way to compare quotes fairly.
About us: Xpress Movers & Logistics (est. 2007; Pte Ltd since 2016). Islandwide moves, storage and luxury handling. Your Satisfaction is Our Concern.
How the ‘Low Price’ Bait Works
Phase 1: Advert & Hook
- “Room move from $60” or “Half load truck from $168″—no details on scope.
Phase 2: Under‑scoped Quote
- Verbal/WhatsApp price given without a survey. Vague on floors, lift access, packing, dismantling, parking, or travel time.
Phase 3: On‑day Mark‑ups
- Team arrives and flags “extras” not included: stair carry, long carry, lift padding, bulky item fees, waiting time, weekend/PH surcharge, condo admin fees, etc.
Phase 4: Pressure to Proceed
- You’re time‑pressed; they insist the truck and manpower are here already. Payment demanded cash/instant transfer before they unload at destination.
17 Hidden Charges to Watch For
- Stair carry (no direct lift access; per flight/per item)
- Long carry (distance from unit to truck/loading bay)
- Shuttle/lorry transfer (carpark height limits; extra small vehicle needed)
- Bulky/heavy item fees (pianos, safes, marble/stone, large aquariums)
- Dismantle/reassembly (beds, wardrobes, dining tables)
- Packing materials (boxes, wardrobe boxes, shrink‑wrap, bubble‑wrap)
- Full/fragile packing service (labour hours)
- TV/Appliance handling (mount removal, securing drums for washers)
- Condo service lift padding/floor protection
- Waiting time (keys/MCST/guardhouse delays)
- Weekend/Public Holiday surcharge
- Long push/trolley distance within basement/ podium
- Additional trip (overflow beyond one truckload)
- Disposal fees (bulky item removal)
- Parking & ERP
- Staircase turns/narrow corridors (extra manpower, time)
- Change of date/window (late re‑schedule)
Tip: Not all movers charge all of these—but every cost driver should be declared upfront so you can compare apples to apples.
The Red Flags Checklist
- “From $XX” pricing without itemised scope
- No site/virtual survey offered (photos/video call)
- Cash‑only or insists on full payment upfront
- Quote doesn’t state exclusions (stairs, long carry, packing, etc.)
- No company details (UEN, address, website, reviews)
- No written work order; refuses to email a formal quote
- Too‑short time window promised (unrealistic manpower/truck)
- No service standards (protection, wrapping, wardrobe boxes)
If you spot 3 or more, walk away.
Fixed Price vs “From $XX”: What’s Fair?
- “From $XX” works only after you confirm a clear scope and the mover lists possible surcharges with rates.
- Fixed price (after a survey) gives certainty so long as:
- Inventory is accurate (rooms, boxes, bulky items)
- Access conditions are declared (lift sizes, loading bay height, unit‑to‑truck distance)
- Date/time window is fixed (weekend/PH rules disclosed)
Pro move: Ask for a variance clause—if actual conditions match the declared scope, the fixed price holds. If it differs, price adjusts by pre‑agreed rates (e.g., $X per extra flight of stairs).
How to Compare Quotes (Step‑by‑Step)
Step 1: Standardise Your Inventory
- List rooms, box count (estimate), and bulky items (bed sizes, wardrobes, piano, safe).
Step 2: Share Access Details
- Floor numbers, lift dimensions, loading bay height, distance to lobby, parking/ERP, condo hours/MCST rules.
Step 3: Require a Survey
- Opt for video survey or on‑site. Send photos of tight turns, stairs, or built‑ins to dismantle.
Step 4: Demand an Itemised, Written Quote
- Truck size/manpower hours, what’s included (wrapping, wardrobe boxes, floor protection), what’s excluded, and surcharge table.
Step 5: Compare Apples to Apples
- Use total cost at your declared scope, not headline “from” pricing.
Step 6: Confirm Payment & Paperwork
- Deposits, modes (PayNow/GIRO/card), cancellation/reschedule terms, and written work order.
What a Transparent Quote Looks Like
Inclusions (example)
- 1 × 14‑ft truck, 4 movers, up to 8 hours
- Protection: shrink‑wrap, quilted blankets, wardrobe boxes, floor runners
- Dismantle/reassembly: 2 beds + 1 dining table
- Condo service lift padding coordination
- Boxes: 40 standard + 2 wardrobe boxes (loan)
Exclusions (pre‑priced)
- Stair carry: $XX per flight per bulky item
- Long carry: $XX per 30m beyond 30m
- Weekend/PH: +$XX
- Extra trip: $XX
- Disposal: $XX per cubic metre
Work order
- Date & window, addresses, unit numbers, access notes, total fixed price at stated scope, surcharge table.
FAQs
Q1: Are cheap movers always bad?
Not always. But if the price is far below market and the quote is vague, risk of add‑ons is high.
Q2: Why do prices vary so much?
Inventory, access, manpower, and protection levels drive cost. Premium movers include more materials and care—often cheaper overall when you factor damages/time.
Q3: Can I cap my risk?
Yes—fixed price after survey, written scope, and a surcharge table agreed in advance.
Q4: What if my inventory changes?
Tell your mover early. Get a revised quote or apply agreed variance rates.
Q5: Do condos add fees?
Some condos take refundable deposits or admin fees and require lift bookings. Always check with your MCST.
Get a Transparent Quote from Xpress Movers
What you’ll get:
- No hidden fees, itemised quote, fixed price after survey
- Friendly crew, professional packing & protection
- Optional storage, disposal, luxury handling (piano, fine art, designer furniture)
Contact
Xpress Movers & Logistics Pte Ltd
22 Sin Ming Lane #06‑76, Midview City, Singapore 573969
Tel/WhatsApp: +65 8289 3592
Email: sales@xpressmovers.com.sg
Hours: Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm
CTA: Get your transparent, itemised quote today — Your Satisfaction is Our Concern.
