Complaint Review: SM&S Relocation

SM&S Relocation (also known as SMS Moving and formerly known as Survivors Moving, Better Way to Move Moving & Storage and various other business names prior to 2008) has failed in all aspects. First the movers were over three hours late at pick up. Second, they required signing an estimate PRIOR to any weighing for a maximum fee, which the movers stated was required by law. The balance between the initial payment and this maximum became the balance due at delivery (again regardless of the actual weight). The itemized charges provided did not add up to the total charge. There was a 9% fee for stairs WITH NO stairs in any part of the move. An additional $150 was charged for materials and NO MATERIALS belonging to the company were used other than the two standard pads owned by the company used to wrap two pieces of wooden furniture, which per the estimate the quote included: Free use of moving pads to cover and protect your wooden furniture. All tape, boxes, everything else used belonged to me and was purchased by me. Per the estimate the minimum job fee quoted was $707.05 with the disclaimer of total cost will be based on the actual weight/Cubic Foot of your shipment and any additional services performed. There was no consideration of actual services provided or weight in the amount I was charged. The movers were rude, forceful, demanding, intimidating, and threatening. Upon delivery, more than two weeks later, two pieces of large furniture (the items they purportedly wrapped in their two pads) were completely destroyed and glass collectibles packed inside boxes were broken in pieces alluding to the fact that there was NO CONCERN given to Fragile Glass warnings marked in bold on the face of the boxes. Cash only was required upon delivery. If unable to provide the cash balance at delivery the movers threatened to leave with the belongings, to return to the original source state, and charge an additional minimum $350 per day for storage. No phone calls were made to provide the balance at any time prior to delivery so it was automatically assumed and expected that on a Saturday the full balance in cash would be available. Again the movers were absolutely rude, intimidating, and threatening. They dismissed the ability to reclaim any compensation for damages and had very little care. I cannot count the amount of times I heard Im just the messenger by different movers at both pickup and delivery. Upon contacting SM&S Relocation and requesting a detailed explanation of the total charges the supervisor hung up. The actions exhibited on behalf of SM&S Relocation (also known as SMS Moving and formerly known as Survivors Moving, Better Way to Move Moving & Storage and various other business names) and its employees and independent contractors, has left me with the only option of pursuing legal action and to ensure this complaint can be obtained by any potential future customers of the company.