7/2/12
I would like to file a grievance against Great American Van Lines of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 3325 Griffin Rd. 33312. Phone # 954-848-3110 or 800-234-7178.
I spent months planning a move from Florida to Wisconsin. I received dozens of estimates.
Several in home, several by phone and internet. I went with GAVL because I had an excellent rapport with sales rep Brooke. I gave her my inventory list. It was the same inventory list that Id gotten with other companies that had come to my home to give an estimate, so I know it was pretty accurate.
I was quoted a moving price of $2699.22. This was not the lowest price I was quoted, nor was it the highest. I felt comfortable since it was on the high end of the middle and I had faith in the sales rep. She seemed honest and
sincere.
The movers arrived as scheduled, and proceeded to highjack my apartment. They started wrapping items that I told them I was planning to wrap, being assured its no problem. They took items without clearing it with me. I intended to leave several items behind for friends and for the dump.
They wrapped items excessively, such as plastic totes. I was completely overwhelmed since there were two of them and only one of me. When the truck was loaded and my apartment empty, the head mover (Andre?), asked me for $6,000.00 in cash to settle the deal right there. He said if I didnt pay him then and there, that it would cost me $10,000.00 later.
Of course I refused and attempted to contact the company.
When I finally reached GAVL, I was given a total price of $5300.00. Thats nearly double my original quote. Of course by this time, the movers had left with virtually everything I own. I followed up with quotes that I had received from other companies, including those that had done walk through of my apartment, and this quote is far higher than any other quote received by any other mover. I cant help but feel that Ive been scammed, as they have my property and will not release it until the full payment amount is met. (I have made a 50% deposit thus far, and am still waiting on my possessions.)
I was told by the sales rep and the movers that my property should be delivered within 4-7 days, which would have been July 2nd at the long end. When I called to ask about delivery, I was told that they had up to 21 days, but my property could be delivered around the 6th to 8th of July. I was told to read the terms and agreement from the internet, information I was not provided with prior to this inquiry. Of course the fine print does give them up to 21 days, but yet this feels like another deception, as I wasnt provided with this information until after they took possession of my property. As my property has not yet been delivered, I dont know if it will arrive in good repair or in pieces, or if I will receive all of my possessions. Each box was individually numbered, but not labeled with contents. I have the only itemized inventory list. I am afraid that my property will be damaged, as they know that I am unhappy with their services thus far. I will add an addendum to this letter, if I ever receive my property.
I am willing to pay the originally quoted price, but dont feel that I should have to pay the $2600.00 excess. I would also like to know that the driver that tried to steal from me and his employer has been terminated.
Thank You for your time,
Mary C. (F) H
DeForest, WI 53532 (305) xxx-xxxx or (608) xxx-xxxx (((REDACTED)))
Moving from: Homestead, FL 33033
Job #K236686 Booked 3-3-2012 Moved 6-25-2012
USDOT:1356253 REG#:2001
Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
7/8/12 Since typing this original message, I have contacted the delivery/service manager (Tony) to ask about my property. I am now told that perhaps I will receive my property on the 14th or 15th. I was told this on July 6th when I
called to follow up with the status of my delivery. This just keeps getting more and more nightmarish.
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