Office moves don’t have room for guesswork, especially when it comes to the bill. And yet, we still get calls from businesses in Austin who’ve been hit with surprise charges, time overages, or unclear quotes from other providers.
Here’s what you actually need to know when comparing flat-rate vs. hourly pricing for a commercial move and when each one makes the most sense.
With hourly pricing, you’re paying for the time it takes. That includes the crew, the truck, and the equipment, usually with a minimum number of hours and an hourly rate after that.
Hourly pricing tends to work well when the move is on the smaller side, where everything’s already packed and labeled, and you’ve got easy access to both locations, are usually pretty efficient. If there’s a freight elevator waiting and nobody’s hauling desks across a parking garage, you’re in good shape.
It also helps if the drive between offices is short. Austin traffic can burn through an hourly budget fast, especially if the crew ends up stuck on Mopac at 4 p.m. The less time on the road, the more time spent actually moving.
Where hourly breaks down is when the details get fuzzy. A delay with elevator access, missing keys, or last-minute packing can drag things out and that clock just keeps running. If you’re going hourly, the more buttoned up your prep is, the better the value.
With flat-rate pricing, your mover gives you a firm quote based on an in-person or virtual walkthrough. That price covers the full scope of the move, regardless of how long it takes, as long as you are very clear and upfront about everything that will need to be moved. Any equipment or furniture not disclosed will cause the rate to increase, so make sure you are thorough, especially with a virtual quote, if you want a flat-rate price you can count on.
With flat-rate, you’re paying for predictability. No surprises on the invoice. No stress about whether the building elevator delay just cost you another $200.
Not all “flat rates” are truly flat. Ask what’s not included. Fuel charges? Stair fees? Weekend surcharges? If it’s not in writing, it’s not part of the quote.
On the other hand, hourly quotes without a realistic time estimate are useless. If a mover quotes three hours for a 10-person downtown office and tells you, “We’ll see how long it takes,” you’re rolling the dice.
We’ve moved offices across Austin for decades, and we’ve seen both pricing models work well when used correctly.
If your office move is small and straightforward, hourly can absolutely save you money. But if there are unknowns, special needs, or any chance of delays, go with the flat rate.
We offer both. And we’ll tell you which one actually fits your situation, not just the one that’s easier to sell.
Need a quote or not sure which model makes sense for your move? Let’s talk. A five-minute conversation now can save hours (and dollars) later.
AB Moving & Storage – Serving Austin and Central Texas with commercial moves done right.