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We're moving soon and it brought up an old memory (over 12 years ago) of the moving company guy presenting us with a much bigger bill than we had been quoted. We had no experience with long-distance moving and although we put up some resistance ended up paying about $500 more (they wanted $1000 more).
This was from a "name" company which I won't name because I might get it wrong (due to passage of time and not having proof).
Funny that both my hubby and I had the same thought this week because he said he'd seen an investigative report about this scam being done in Canada. That led me to google the subject and I found out that this is not legal and we should NOT have paid anything extra than quoted and agreed to. But when someone says they won't unload your stuff without payment you give in.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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When we moved from California to Washington in 1993, the movers estimated $1,100. We were not required to pay on arrival, the bill was mailed later, and based on the actual weight. It was more than double, $2,300. We fought it with a lot of time consuming letters to state attorney generals and the Interstate Transportation Commission and eventually got it reduced to $1,500. As it turns out, at the time, a quote is based on someone coming to the hose to look at your stuff, and they can only exceed it by 10%. If an estimate is made by phone based on what you tell them, they can exceed it by any amount. Our complaint was that they had not told us this and we had a lot of books (heavy).
We had no problems. Our experience was good. We interviewed several movers and we checked reviews on the local BBB site. We signed a contract, and we payed in advance. The move was expensive, but it went smoothly.
The contract states obligations for both customer and mover. We were assigned a contact person, who we could check with if we had questions.
We got three months of free furniture storage, and a guarantee of delivery within a finite number of weeks.
Movers are local operators. Even though my experience with a mover under a national name was good, this does not guarantee equally good experience with same company in a different city. Seek out references, interview multiple companies, and make sure there are guarantees that safeguard your interests.
Silibran - so even if I hire a national company the "local" division may have different rules?
Not exactly....if you hire Joe Blow Moving, Agents for Anybody Van Lines, and you move interstate (across state lines) your move will fall under Anybody Van Lines authority. If you move intrastate (within the same state) then Joe Blow Moving has the authority and rules.
Hemlock140
That is interesting (even if it's a long time ago). Impressive that you got money back!
My concern is movers having our furniture and "holding us up" for more money over the agreed amount.
We will definitely get a quote from 2 movers and read the fine print in their contracts.
Won't be overcharged this time.
Also going to look for moving insurance coverage since I've read how ridiculously low movers insurance pays for damage or loss.
Happened twice. The first time, money was not tight, they padded on an extra $700.
Different move, different company: held us plus our last few expensive items (coincidence - I think not!) for an extra $500 or so.
Did homework in both prior and still got the screw.
Never again. Ever.
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