The rise of the internet has fundamentally changed the way we do business, but it might seem like moving companies are inherently resistant to the rise of new technological solutions. After all, the fundamentals of picking up and transporting goods have remained largely unchanged since the rise of automobile culture. But more and more companies are taking advantages of internet platforms to provide their customers with cheaper and more convenient moving packages. One of the most prominent new platforms is using video surveys. According to Cheap Movers Kansas City (www.cheapmoverskansascity.com), these surveys allow moving companies to reduce the labor involved in estimating moving costs, and they’re usually able to pass on the savings to the customer. There are some distinct advantages that come from using a video survey as opposed to a traditional estimate.

How it Works

There are two main companies that handle video surveys for relocation specialists.

iMover is a dedicated app that you can download directly to your phone and use on your own schedule. You simply use your phone’s camera to take video of each of your rooms and the materials you’re looking to move and then upload them directly to your moving company. You don’t even need to speak directly with your mover, as iMover will upload your videos directly to them, but the option is there to schedule a one-on-one conversation with your specialist. iMover even offers free plans so that it can be an eminently affordable option.

SurveyBot does things a little differently. Rather than charging your moving company a subscription cost, they offer transparent rates based on the survey (starting as low as $20), and they allow movers to oversee the survey themselves while also offering third-party services where the SurveyBot team oversees the evaluation themselves. It can be a simple and affordable choice, but if you’re looking to know you’re speaking directly to your moving crew, it may not be the best option.

Even if your moving company doesn’t subscribe to one of these two services, you can often arrange for a video survey using the free technology you already have access to. Skype and FaceTime require a little more coordination to use, and they lack some of the more convenient and specialized features, but they can work well in a pinch.

Why Go With a Video Survey?

There are some distinct and tangible benefits to using a video survey rather than a traditional estimate. The most obvious is cost. When you’re dealing with an in-home estimate, you aren’t just paying for the expertise of your moving company and the time they have to spend providing your estimate. You also have to take into account the time it takes them to reach your home and the various travel expenses. Even if your company offers free in-home estimates, the chances are good that you’ll end up paying the difference in moving costs. And since interstate moves are charged according to weight, movers can usually provide you with an accurate estimate without having to be there in person. The average cost of an in-home estimate is $250 and takes four hours to complete. Video surveys can be performed for a fraction of the cost and completed in as little as 15 minutes.

Then there’s the aspect of convenience. With most of these services, you won’t have to worry about setting an appointment and waiting around for your movers to arrive. You can get an estimate handled on your schedule, often without having to set aside time to interface directly with the crew.