Hiring a moving company in Singapore? You’ve probably come across ads that scream “Only $288 per truck!” While the offer may sound like a steal, it often hides a bigger problem — undisclosed charges that turn a budget move into a bloated bill.
Let’s explore why some movers in Singapore charge hidden fees and how to avoid falling victim to these pricing traps.
🚨 The Truth About “$288 Per Truck” Movers
Some companies lure customers with super low advertised prices like $288 per lorry — but don’t be fooled. These are bait-and-switch tactics designed to get your foot in the door. Once you’ve booked, a long list of “add-ons” starts to appear.
❗ Commonly Excluded from These Lowball Deals:
- 🚚 Manpower – Only the truck is included. Loading and unloading cost extra.
- 🏢 Stairs or lift access – Additional $10–$30 per floor is common.
- 🔧 Dismantling & reassembly – Beds, cabinets, and tables often not included.
- 📦 Packing materials – Boxes, stretch film, bubble wrap can be separately charged.
- ⏱️ Waiting time – Delays on your part? They’ll charge per 30 minutes.
🧾 Example:
A customer books a “$288 truck” deal, thinking it’s all-in:
- $60 for manpower
- $80 for dismantling
- $40 for bubble wrap
- $100 for long distance carrying
- $100 for staircase surcharge (2 floors)
💰 Total bill: $668 – nearly double the advertised rate.
❌ Why These Tactics Are Problematic
- Unlicensed or unprofessional teams: Some may use part-time workers or subcontractors who aren’t properly trained or insured.
- Bait-and-switch pricing: These companies hook you with a cheap base price, then inflate the total with unlisted fees.
- Pressure on moving day: You’re left with no choice but to pay up, especially if the move is time-sensitive.
Why Do Some Movers Use This Pricing Strategy?
- Low barrier to entry in the industry means many unlicensed or part-time movers rely on aggressive pricing tactics.
- These companies advertise cheap to win leads, then recoup costs via hidden charges.
- Some may subcontract to lesser-skilled crews, risking damage or poor handling.
✅ How to Avoid Hidden Charges When Hiring Movers in Singapore
1. Always Get a Full Written Quotation
Insist on an itemised breakdown. This should include manpower, materials, stairs, dismantling, and vehicle costs.
2. Ask These Questions Before Booking:
- Is manpower included in the quote?
- Are there any staircase or lift surcharges?
- Will I be charged for packing supplies?
- What is the cost for dismantling and reassembly?
- Is there a charge for long walking distances or waiting time?
3. Look for Red Flags in Reviews
Scan for terms like “surprise charges”, “didn’t mention”, “extra fees on moving day”. These are signs of shady practices.
4. Arrange for a site visit
Speak to them in person and make sure the team of movers know what is expected.
💡 Why Movings.sg Doesn’t Do That
At Movings.sg, we offer:
- 💬 Free consultation & site assessment
- 📄 Clear and upfront pricing – no “starting from” gimmicks
- 👷 Manpower included in our packages
- 🔐 No unexpected staircase, material, or dismantling charges unless discussed
We understand the stress of moving — the last thing you need is financial shock.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are movers in Singapore allowed to hide charges legally?
A: There’s no strict regulation, which is why choosing a well-reviewed, licensed mover is essential.
Q: Is it worth choosing a $288 truck deal?
A: Only if you fully understand what’s included and excluded. Most of the time, it ends up costing more than reputable, full-service movers.
Q: Do professional movers include dismantling?
A: Yes, at Movings.sg, dismantling and reassembly are available and quoted clearly in advance.
Final Word
If a deal looks too good to be true — it probably is.
Saving $50 upfront might cost you hundreds in unexpected charges or worse, poor service and damaged belongings.
For a stress-free moving experience in Singapore, choose a mover that offers clarity, professionalism, and accountability. Contact us at Movings.sg for a proper quote with no last-minute surprises.