Cheated by Essential Movers...Pls Advise (Detroit, Novi: work, company, art)

[DT2]

COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

Essential Movers
18480 Waltham
Owner: Gerald Lee
Detroit, MI UNITED STATES, 48205
(248)854-6814

COMPLAINT INFORMATION:

*Movers were contracted for single bedroom move from one location to another
*Heavy & fragile item was 36" Sony Wega Trinitron TV and the reason for contracting professional movers
* Two (2)Movers showed up for move on Friday, 04/28/06
*Movers decided to not use a dolly or specialized equipment to lift/move the TV but opted to do it physically
* TV was dropped on the floor at the destination location in Novi, MI
* Considerable damage to TV's exterior and scratches on the face plate
* TV functions but has started emitting weird noises besides the front plate smashed into a dent and cracks all over
* Gerald Lee & Anthony (second mover) agreed that the damage was considerable and agreed to pay for the repair and or replacement
* Gerald Lee requested $75 to be cut from his payment that day and made a note on the invoice with his signature to pay the rest once the replacement/repair order is completed
* Total bill for moving was $292. I paid $217 via check with retaining $75 towards damage control and the remainder to be paid after repair/replacement completion
* SONY doesn't manufacture this TV model anymore and I would eventually have to replace the TV that was damaged during the move
* Have been calling the owner Gerald Lee everyday for past 9 days two-three times a day. Cell phone is rarely answered and when answered with promises to show up to access damages
* Gerald Lee promised to show up to discuss further on 05/01/06 at 7PM but never showed up
* Gerald Lee promised to show up to discuss further on 05/06/06 at 12PM but never showed up
* Gerald Lee promised to show up to discuss further on 05/08/06 at 8.00PM but never showed up

What actions can I take? Anybody out there that may have any ideas???

[travelling_paws]

If you have documentation and photos, send them a letter saying you plan on taking this to small claims court if your complaint is not satisfied within, say two weeks. Be specific.
Don't bother calling any more, it clearly doesn't work.
A professionally typed letter, sent certified/return receipt requested will get their attention.
Small claims court is ideal for your situation; it is an inexpensive process.
There are also other types of message boards where your question would be more appropriate, look for ones dealing with consumer affairs or legal matters.