30 Sep 2023 · MoveAdvisor
1.0 out of 51.0
And that's not an exaggeration. I never would have done business with this company, if I wasn't forced to do so. I originally contacted Vanguard for a move from TX to WA, who subcontracted to these guys. I was quoted by Vanguard for 2000 cubic square feet for a prior move I made just two months ago with the same amount of stuff (for medical reasons) at $8k. On the day of the move, Ideal Moving showed up, which is where everything went south.
Out the gate, the mover was demanding that I sign a new bill of lading for $11.6k, telling me that this would be the maximum charge, due to them bringing a 2500 cubic foot truck. I told them I would speak with Vanguard first, whom I called, and they said that the original bill of lading took priority. I ended the call with them, and spoke with the mover again, who stated that Vanguard messed up, and that they were leaving, and then subsequently left!
I had a flight the next morning and my lease was over the next day as well. I was completely backed into a corner, and extorted for money. I called the driver back, begging for him to return, as I didn't have any other options. He returned, and assured me that I wouldn't be charged any more than what I was already quoted if the cubic feet lined up. I stoically accepted under duress.
At the end of the day when they finished, he handed me a bill of lading for $12.6k.(Yes, 1k more). I was SHOCKED. They claimed that I had 2800 cubic feet of stuff - 800 more than what I had two months ago. I was livid, but kept to myself, as I still had little options. I proceeded to pay them by Zelle and a Western Union transfer. The driver either provided the wrong account information, or entered it incorrectly, which they let me know that they didn't get the wire the next day. I also learned after the fact that the moving guy committed fraud, backdating my signature to comply with federal regulation.
For the next week or so, we worked together to try and resolve whatever issue was wrong with the wire - I even invited them on a call with Western Union, (on top of showing them receipts) to show that I had paid. The owner/operator of Ideal Moving, Pauline, called me and rudely exclaimed that I would not be getting my stuff until they were paid AGAIN the remaining balance. When I was trying to speak to try and find other resolution, namely that my stuff would be delivered while Western Union completed their investigation, she hung up on me. She was completely and utterly rude throughout the process, extorting me for additional cash (which amounted to over $4k), holding my belongings hostage.
I called back their main line (because she wouldn't answer when I called back) and spoke to some poor soul who had nothing to do with it, and I explained to him that if my stuff wasn't confirmed to be delivered and that cash would be provided to them under duress upon their arrival, I would call the police. They failed to call me back.
Luckily, I had the number of the driver who was coming, and I called him - he had a much more level head, and was understanding of the situation, and agreed to the cash upon arrival.
On the day the truck arrived, I immediately took photos of everything upon its arrival. Sadly, so much of my stuff was damaged, and apparently the truck had a huge leak - between these things I have thousands of dollars of damage that I'm still trying to tally. I'm not excited about having to work with their claims team.
I also did myself the favor of taking photos of the truck before it was unloaded - and something completely odd was observed in those photos.... (sarcasm) - they had less than 2100 cubic feet of stuff for me to deliver! I'm still tallying my belongings, and can confirm they failed to bring my $80 ladder and a $400 medical bag, but it seems like everything else was there.
I would NEVER have moved with this people had I known that they were the contractors moving my stuff, and NEVER would have agreed to have my stuff warehoused if that was the case. These people are crooks and liars, having committed a number of crimes, including theft, fraud, extortion and false advertisement. STAY CLEAR OF THIS COMPANY.
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