My family had to be out of our house by a certain day, so we called movers. They said they could get it done in one day, but they didn't. The next day, one of them said that they could get it done that day, but they still didn't. On the last day, the boss promised that it would be done and brought over two trucks and more guys to finish the job. They called halfway through the day and said that they were done.

When we got there, all of the doors were open and tons of stuff was still there, including a gigantic cabinet which they gave up on because they couldn't do it. They left it in the middle of the basement, broken, for a family friend and I to carry by ourselves. They destroyed half of the stuff they moved into our new house, put it in all the wrong spots, and left our house on and off to do other jobs even though they promised to do ours. Both my mom and I told them to stay the hell away from our orchestra instruments, but they took them anyway and left them in the basement of our new house with the door blocked open (it only takes 10 minutes of cold weather to crack an upright bass, cello, etc. and it's about 30 degrees here). They also stole boxes of chocolates from our drawers and were so high that they left their own tools and sweatshirts. Their boss called after the Packer game to wonder when we can pay him. He also lied about his 2-4 hours of work and said he worked 20 hours and changed his fee from $85 an hour to $95.

Anyway, a family friend and I had to do all of the rest of the moving. Besides two 10 minute lunch breaks, we worked for 22 hours straight, carrying dressers, couches, buffets, and stuff that 5 guys with moving equipment gave up on. Having the flu (or whatever I have) and a migraine didn't help much either. I started at 9:00AM one day and finished at about 7:00 the next morning. What should be done about the movers? Just not pay them or what? Many people suggested taking them to small claims court, but we are exhausted and don't need any more trouble.

gallivant_fellow

The first time, they apologized and said the guy who made the promise was an idiot, a new guy, and was in no position to say that. The next day, we told them that it was the last day, and they said "don't worry, we'll git 'r done." By the end of the day, they still weren't done and it was too late to call other movers. A very nice lady from the bank gave us another day though and she had the guys show up the next morning again saying "Sorry, sorry!" and they brought the boss and two trucks and said that they could for sure do it that day. The boss apologized and said that he would make everything right and that they were saving the big stuff for last. He even said that he would send two guys to our new house to rearrange everything that was put in the wrong place free of charge. The lady from the bank also went there to make sure they got it all done, but she had to leave after a few hours. When we returned from work and school to our new house, we got a call saying it was all done. Later, I went to go help my mom do the vacuuming and stuff and we found all of the biggest things still there with the doors left open. We got another extension in time and I and another guy finally got out all of the stuff ourselves by working for 22 hours straight.

kiki_doki

I would definitely suggest you DO NOT PAY THEM, its like paying a hairdresser for the worst cut of your life. But I would also say maybe you should take pictures of things they broke or damaged (preferably dated pics) and send them (Copies) in with a complaint letter and tell them why you are not paying them...including the fact that you hired them to do a job you then spent 22 hours doing yourself! And asking them for some form of compensation....write a letter...Its always the best way to get something done! I know it may seem like it could take a lot of time and you have exams but make a small space in your day to get it done.. (I know I would want them to compensate me!!)
Good luck

gallivant_fellow

It's pretty much over now. The boss of the moving company is taking us to court. He knows we have pictures, video, 4 other witnesses, and recordings of his harassment phonecalls, but he is still fighting just to not back down. He should have accepted the offer of half the money when he got it because now he is going to end up getting nothing and being charged for what him and his guys did (and didn't do).

oneguyinohio

I feel bad for you, and I would not want to pay either. I don't know what kind of a contract you signed with them, but hopefully you can use it for some proof. It doesn't sound like there was a contract signed at all??

Perhaps you can still itemize the cost of every single thing broken, along with having some witnesses to show that the work was never completed... take them to court and dont pay a cent!

My personal opinion... the guys saw that you appeared to be well off financially and decided that you were easy marks to line their pockets! Seeing orchestra instruments probably gave them $$ in their eyes.

I know the feelings of not wanting any trouble from people... and it often seems that people like to take advantage of that... If you want to passify them and move on figuring that it is only money, that is your choice. Otherwise, dig your heels in and fight the b@@@rds-- They will probably back down once they see some backbone and know you are willing to fight them. Then there is always the possibility that they will do stuff to try to coerce you or further victimize you, in which case you should not hesitate to call the police. One last thought, call the better business beauro to file a complaint against them...It might help you when you go to court to have proof of your complaints about the move situation... I would also send a registered certified letter to the company stating your reasons for disagreement. Also send a copy of it to yourself that you never have to open, but it will prove that you mailed it and on what date it is post marked... Also keep any documents from the mail to prove that the letter was delivered and signed for by them.

You also have the right for legal action against them... It might be cheaper to pay a lawyer to negotiate with them, to put the fear into them that you will not mess with them, and that you are prepared to go after them in court if they dont appease you.

They owe you. You trusted them. They did not earn your trust. They earned your wrath!