After reading Debbie Gartner's latest blog regarding her client's horrendous problem with a moving company ... I thought perhaps the best assistance I could offer would be found in re-blogging the story itself.
Should you, or someone you know, faced this experience in the past ... please let Debbie know as to how you handled and solved the problem. Her client will be well-served by your input and advice. We'll all learn from your experiences.
But as I said, the best solutions and assistance to be found are right within this re-blogging of Debbie's post. Heed the warning sounded here! Doing so may prevent this terrible situation from happening to you or occurring again elsewhere.
The following blog proves that taking the time and making the effort to find experienced and reputable movers is absolutely vital. The comments made to Debbie Gartner's blog (especially the comment relating how some moving-personnel "cased" a neighbor's home while moving another) are eye-opening learning tools too.
I hope in the near future Debbie posts another blog relating a happy ending to her client's story. Until then, take measures to stay safe and protect yourself, your family, and your possessions ...
Gene
This really broke my heart. These are the types of people that give contractors bad names.
And, I can really use your advice here.
I just met a super nice customer. She closed on her home today and we are hoping to refinish her hardwood floors on Thurs or Friday. She had movers moving her stuff this afternoon/evening.
She apparently met w/ the owner who gave her a written contract for a certain # of hours of work - based on his estimate. Then, 3 workers took care of the move and the owner was no where to be found. It took them a lot longer than expected and when they got to her new place in Scarsdale, they demanded that she pay an additional $1,000...or else, they wouldn't give her any of her stuff...it was all locked in their truck.
As I'm sure you can imagine, she was fuming mad. she showed them them the contract and they didn't care. she couldn't get in touch with the owner and she felt that she had no choice, but to pay the money.
In addition, somehow something got lost in the communication and they must have brought a truck that was too small to fit all of her items. So, she still has tons of stuff left in the garage of her old place.
I just couldn't believe it.
She was asking me for advice on what she should do. I don't know if there is anyway she can get her money back, but here is some advice I did give her to try to prevent this from happening to others: (Note: some of this advice I gave her...and the rest I'm going to share w/ her tomorrow, and I'll give her a link to this post..so I welcome input). Since she only has a small car, and it's across the county, I suggested she rent a home depot trucik or moving truck tomorrow.
1. Write a bad review on Angies List
2. See if there is an option to write a bad review on the Better Business Bureau's site and/or contact them for help.
3. Do a search on his license #. Maybe it expired. maybe that info would help her.
4. I think she found the mover on Service Magic, so she could write a bad review on there as well.
5. Write a review on Yelp.
6 Maybe even blog about it. (I have no idea if she blogs).
7...Oooh, I just had another thought. She could contact the consumer Protection Agency. And, I even know someone there, as I've done some hardwood and tile floors for him.
Please share your thoughts and advice on what recourse she should take.
(And, please make sure your clients do their due diligence on contractors checking references - both taling to them and doing an online search).
Hardwood Flooring - Carpet - Tile/Natural Stone - Laminate - Refinish Hardwood - Backsplashes
Debbie Gartner, President and Owner
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Floor Coverings International: Westchester NY/Stamford CT
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