The quote tells you the price, but it does not tell you whether a mover is licensed for your building, insured at the level your landlord requires, or experienced with your type of office. CG Moving Company encourages facilities managers to ask about those things directly, because the gap between a cheap quote and an expensive problem usually shows up after the contract is signed, not before. If you are still drafting the bid request itself, our article on what to put in an RFP for a commercial moving company covers that step.
What should a quote actually include to be worth comparing?
A line-item breakdown, not just one total number.
A quote without a breakdown hides where the money and the risk are. Before comparing two bids, make sure each one itemizes labor, materials, any specialized services like modular furniture handling, and what happens if the move runs longer than estimated.
A lump-sum number that is noticeably lower than competitors usually means something was left out, whether that is insurance coverage, specialized labor, or a contingency for overtime.
What credentials should you verify before signing?
Active licensing, current insurance certificates, and relevant local authority.
Licensing and insurance are the two things worth confirming directly rather than taking on faith. Ask for a current certificate of insurance naming your landlord if the building requires it, and ask whether the mover holds any licensing relevant to your specific move, such as modular furniture installation certification.
For moves within California, confirm the mover holds valid intrastate operating authority. For moves involving government or regulated clients, ask whether the mover has relevant vendor approvals or contract vehicles already in place.
How do references and past work actually help you decide?
Ask for references similar to your move, not generic testimonials.
A list of five-star reviews tells you less than two or three references from moves similar to yours, whether that is size, industry, or building type. Ask a prospective mover for a reference from a law firm move if you run a law firm, or a biotech relocation if you are moving a lab.
A mover with real experience in your type of relocation will have a specific answer ready. One that hesitates, or offers only generic residential references, is telling you something too.
What should tip the decision when two quotes are close?
Pick the mover whose credentials and references match your specific move.
When two bids land close together, the deciding factor should be fit, not price. A mover with direct experience in office, lab, or government relocations, verified insurance at the right level, and references that match your situation is the safer long-term choice, even if their number is a bit higher.
At CG Moving Company, we hold GSA Schedule and California DGS approved carrier status alongside our standard commercial licensing, which is the kind of credential worth asking any mover about directly.
What You See in a Quote | What It Does Not Tell You |
|---|---|
Total price | Whether insurance coverage meets your building’s requirements |
Crew size estimate | Whether the crew has handled your type of equipment before |
Moving date | Whether the mover has done after-hours moves in buildings like yours |
Line-item labor cost | Whether overtime or delay charges apply if the move runs long |
The quote is a starting point, not the whole picture. Before you sign, verify licensing, ask for relevant references, and read the line items closely. Our commercial moving team is glad to answer credential questions directly, just reach out through our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you ask for proof of workers' compensation coverage, not just general liability?
Yes, workers’ compensation and general liability are separate coverages, and a mover can hold one without the other. Ask to see both certificates directly rather than assuming one implies the other.
What happens if the mover you choose subcontracts part of the job?
Ask directly whether subcontractors will be used on your move, and if so, whether the same insurance and licensing requirements apply to them. A mover that’s vague about this is worth pressing further before you sign.
Does a mover's experience with modular furniture matter if our office doesn't use modular systems?
It’s still a reasonable signal of broader commercial handling experience, but it’s less directly relevant if your furniture isn’t modular. Focus your credential questions on the specific furniture and equipment types your office actually has.
How far in advance should a facilities manager start the RFP process for a commercial move?
Start well before your target move date, since drafting the RFP, collecting bids, and verifying credentials all take real time before you can compare quotes properly. Our article on what to put in an RFP for a commercial moving company covers the drafting step in more detail.
Have credential questions about your own commercial move? Our commercial moving team is glad to answer them directly, just reach out through our contact page.
