A skip advertised at a low price can look like a great deal, especially when you are trying to keep the cost of a clear out or renovation under control. The real problem comes when the final bill is higher than the price you expected to pay.
Extra costs can depend on things like VAT, where the skip is placed, how long you need it and what you put inside. That is why it is worth checking what is included before you book, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
In this article, we will look at seven hidden skip hire charges that many customers do not realise can add to the final cost.
Quick Answer
Charges that are often missing from a headline skip price include VAT, delivery and collection, road permits, weight based disposal charges, extra hire days, restricted item charges and wasted journey fees.
That is why the easiest way to compare quotes is to look at the total price you will actually pay, not just the advertised starting price.
7 Skip Hire Hidden Charges
The price you see when you first search for a skip may not always be the final amount you pay. Here are seven charges worth checking before you book, so there are no surprises later.
1. VAT Added at the End
VAT is one of the easiest ways for a cheap looking skip price to become more expensive.
For example, a skip advertised at £180 plus VAT would cost £216 once 20% VAT is added. There is nothing wrong with showing prices before VAT, but it can make comparing different companies more difficult if some prices include VAT and others do not.
Always check whether VAT is included before deciding which quote is cheaper.
At Swindon Skip Hub, our prices are shown including VAT, so the figure you see gives you a much clearer idea of the actual cost.
2. Delivery and Collection Listed Separately
A skip needs to be delivered to you and collected when you have finished with it. If these costs are listed separately from the main skip price, they need to be included when you compare quotes.
A skip that looks cheaper at first can work out more expensive once delivery and collection have been added.
It is worth asking for the full price rather than comparing the skip hire figure on its own. With Swindon Skip Hub, delivery and collection are covered as part of your booking, so you can see the cost more clearly from the start.
3. Road Permits
If the skip is going on your own driveway or another suitable area of private land, you normally do not need a council permit.
If it needs to be placed on a public road, a skip permit is required. In Swindon, the standard skip licence is £95, while an emergency licence costs £115.
4. Weight Based Disposal Charges
A skip can look half empty and still be very heavy. Soil, rubble, concrete and other dense materials can add a lot of weight without taking up as much space as general household waste. Some suppliers may have weight limits or apply additional disposal charges when those limits are exceeded.
This is why it is useful to tell your skip hire company what you are planning to put in the skip when you book. If you explain that you have a lot of soil or rubble, they can advise you on the most suitable option rather than you finding out later that the waste is heavier than expected.
5. Extra Hire Days
Not every skip hire company offers the same hire period. A skip quote might look cheaper because it only includes a shorter hire period. If you need the skip for longer, the company may charge extra for the additional days, which can push the final price up.
Before you book, tell the skip hire company how long you expect to need the skip and ask for a quote based on that duration. This makes it easier to compare the actual cost rather than choosing a cheaper price that only covers a few days.
6. Restricted Item Charges
Items such as fridges, freezers, electrical appliances, batteries, gas cylinders and asbestos have specific disposal requirements. Some other items may also need separate handling or may carry an additional charge depending on the supplier.
This does not mean you cannot dispose of these items properly. It simply means they may need to be dealt with separately rather than being placed in a normal mixed waste skip.
If you have anything unusual to dispose of, tell the skip provider when you ask for a quote. It is much easier to confirm what can be accepted before the skip arrives than to deal with an unsuitable item after it has already been loaded.
7. Wasted Journey Fees
Sometimes a skip delivery or collection fails because of a simple problem, such as a car blocking the space, a locked gate, narrow access or an overfilled skip that cannot be lifted safely. If the driver cannot complete the job, you may have to pay for another visit.
To avoid this, make sure the site is prepared before delivery and the access route is clear, and let the skip hire company know about any access problems in advance.
How We Quote at Swindon Skip Hub
We try to keep skip hire simple and easy to understand. Our prices are shown including VAT, and delivery and collection are covered as part of your booking. If your skip needs a road permit, the council fee is included in your quote at the relevant council rate.
Prices start from £199 including VAT for a 2 yard skip, with larger sizes available depending on how much waste you have.
The final price can still change if something about the job changes. For example, you may need the skip for longer than originally planned or have a type of waste that needs separate handling.
If you tell us what you are clearing and where the skip needs to go, we can give you a clearer price for your particular job.
How to Compare Skip Quotes
Before choosing the cheapest price, check these points:
Looking at these details can make two quotes much easier to compare and can save you from choosing a price that looks cheap but costs more in the end.
Conclusion
A cheap skip price can look attractive, but the first figure you see does not always tell you the full story. Taking a few minutes to check what is included can make it much easier to compare different quotes fairly.
The best quote is not always the one with the lowest starting price. It is the one that gives you a clear idea of what you are paying for and whether anything extra could apply to your job.
If you are looking for skip hire in Swindon, contact Swindon Skip Hub for a free quote. Tell us what you are clearing, where the skip needs to go and roughly how much waste you have, and we can help you find the right option for your project.
