29 Dec 2022 · MoveAdvisor
4.0 out of 54.0
It's taken me over a year to write this review, because I still have mixed emotions about the move.
I dealt with Ted during the planning process. He was great! Very patient and answered numerous questions. It took me a long time to book with him, so patience was key at this point.
What everyone should be aware of is that All American acts as a go between, between you and the company that will actually move you. This was the case for me, at least.
First thing to know is to not even pay attention to the estimate. It would be better if you used a company that can give you an in-person estimate.
I was very thorough in listing the items in my son's studio apartment. I was very particular in sizes of items and even purposely overestimated the number of boxes that were needed to ensure that we estimated the correct needed square footage. I was particularly anal of this process.
When the movers that All American contracted with, (Family Van Lines, INC), arrived, they were in the apartment less than two minutes before proclaiming that the estimate was underestimated and would cost and additional amount of money. We were quoted $2576 from All American. Family Van Lines demanded just over $2,000 more than was estimated. I was in a different state than my son, so he was left there on his own having to deal with figuring out how to get additional funds for the move, since credit cards could not be used.
The movers were selected at the eleventh hour by All American, but that was within their contracted window, so although it caused a great deal of anxiety, they did book the movers in time for them to arrive on the needed date, (Tina worked late into the night to make sure that was done).
The movers were late, (not All-American's fault), but got the move done. Other than the obvious price shake-down, they did a great job.
Although we thought and wished that delivery would happen sooner than it did, the movers arrived on the last day possible, per the agreed upon contract.
All in all, I learned that moving sucks. I've done numerous military moves in the past, so I had certain expectations, that were not realized during this move, however, it is important to note, that other than an inaccurate estimate, (which I place more fault on Family Van Lines, INC. than I do All American), All American met all of their obligations per the agreed upon contract.
The bottom-line is would I use them again? (Sigh). Maybe... I think I would be more comfortable paying more for a company that actually comes to my home and gives me an accurate estimate, (It was far too easy for the movers to extort money from you once they arrive). What else were we to do? The movers were schedule when they were for a reason. We had planes to catch and places to be.
If I do use All American again, it would be because of Ted and Tina. I felt Ted was VERY honest with me. I learned a lot about the moving process from him. I also felt Tina worked hard to make the move happen. I thank them both and hope they both are still with the company.
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