Complaint Review: Energizer Moving & Storage Las Vegas

I was moving in January 2009 and I made all my arrangements through Lisa at NATIONWIDE MOVING and was quoted based on approximately 3282 lbs. of personal goods.

1) Lisa did not advise that the move would be made by a sub-contractor which caused me a few moments of concern when they appeared at my door Energizer Moving and Storage, 1055 E. Tropicana Ave., #450-O, Las Vegas, NV 89119, 702-597-5533.

2) They also arrived a day earlier than the contract date of 1/14/09-1/15/09, however, I accommodated them because I happened to be packed and ready to go for the most part. The driver/"owner" Mike said that his experience tells him that my weight was going to be more like 5400 lbs and I should sign off as an "agreed" price or take my chances on it being higher. Being the first time, I wasn't sure what to do, but took the "deal".

3) AFTER they had loaded their truck, I was presented with the contracts from them that included items that were on my contract with Nationwide as INCLUDED:
a. A fuel surcharge of 10% which amounted to $173.18 Nationwide contracted that the cost would include ALL fuel, tolls, and taxes;
b. Packing materials especially rolls of tape and boxes the movers felt they needed were charged to me for a total of $334.00 and the contract says that protective wrapping and household items was included;
c. Lisa quoted me a price of $.60 per pound for my items and Energizer charged me $.66 per pound. On 5400 pounds that 6 cent increase amounted to $324.00

4) When the movers arrived in Wisconsin, they came to the door and the driver asked for the balance PLUS a $75 long haul charge. Again, this was in the contract that 2 flights of stairs (and there was an elevator) would be included in the cost.

The entire event also made me doubt Nationwide's business practices because I spent a lot of time with Lisa discussing what was and was not included, what the price would be per pound, and how it would be handled. Suddenly I was presented with another moving company with different contract items that changed my budget and expectations.

In order to prevent this from becoming a bait-and-switch situation, I filed a claim for a refund of the following items:

10% fuel surcharge 173.18
Packing and tape 334.00
Increase of $.06 per pound 324.00
Long haul charge 75.00

Total Refund Expected $906.18

After about 6 weeks, I got a certified letter that the only reimbursement would be for the increase of 6 cents per pound. It was basically this or nothing, so I signed and returned it on April 14th. It is now the end of July and have not seen a check. I am following up with phone calls, of course. What do you think are the odds?

Mamie
Phoenix, Arizona
U.S.A.