Tips for Negotiating Relocation Services

After months of anticipation, you finally get word from your employer that you are relocating. While this is an exciting time, it also comes with a lot of questions. Most importantly, you need to find the best relocation services and negotiate the best price. Often, people accept the quoted price. However, in this situation, you have room to bring the cost down through negotiations.

• Incentives – You may not be aware that as part of relocation services, many companies offer incentives. Therefore, when interviewing different moving companies, never hesitate to ask about available incentive plans.
• Employee Coverage – When relocating, it is common for a company to absorb the majority, if not all, of the associated costs. However, you need to know how much your employer pays and what out-of-pocket expenses are your responsibility. That will help as you begin to look for the best services.
• Multiple Vehicles – Sometimes, moving companies offer a discount when moving one or more vehicles. For instance, if you have several cars and trucks or a car and RV, boat, or some other recreational vehicle, you may pay slightly less.
• Special Assistance – Companies that offer relocation services have both standard and special assistance packages. When moving with multiple vehicles, small children, or having a home that needs to sell, inquire as to what services are available. By taking advantage of several special assistance services, you might be able to negotiate a better price.
• Make Your Case – You might be surprised at what you can accomplish by making your case. In other words, as you look at different services, be open and honest about having a restricted budget. Remember, the moving companies that you talk to all want your business, so if one is willing to offer you a lower rate, there is a good chance that the others will, too. It never hurts to ask.

For relocation services, most companies reimburse their employees for specific things and up to a certain percentage. As an example, reimbursement for packing all of your items is usually up to 82 percent. Moving a car is also a reimbursable item up to 80 percent, fitness equipment up to 52 percent, and unpacking your goods up to 49 percent. What this shows is that in addition to negotiating with the moving company providing the services, you may need to negotiate with your employer. Ultimately, you can relocate without spending a large amount of money.