Mihow

Scam Artists

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Mihow
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Toby and I are having serious headaches with finding movers who aren’t working for Tony Soprano. And now we have discovered that it’s such a problem, it’s on the Better Business Bureau Homepage.

I am about to freak out on some faceless assholes. Any insightful information around hiring someone to move us would be incredible. These people are so shady and weird. We’re dealing with people over the phone whose smokey, cheap suits I can actually smell and whose breath reeks of yesterday’s vodka.

I’m starting to wonder if we should do this ourselves.

Comments

7 responses to “Scam Artists”

  1. mihow Avatar
    mihow

    I don’t think we have 5000 dollars worth of stuff. What the hell is that cost so high for? Who comes up with this hot garbage, satan?

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  2. Megan Avatar
    Megan

    I’ve just did a 3-state move about a year ago myself, so take this for what it’s worth…

    1)Just make sure whoever you go with are certified with the BBB and charge you by weight, not # of rooms or sq. feet.

    2) Get a written estimate. Preferably a “binding” estimate—so no matter what, your cost won’t go above the estimate.

    3) Pack your own stuff and have it ready to go when they get there. Moving companies charge a butt load for any extra boxes, packing materials, etc.

    They’re are more expensive than the Tony Soprano people, but I have heard absolute horror stories about them hijacking your stuff and not giving it back until you pay ‘x’ amount. Save yourself the headache and go with a national moving company—-Allied, Mayflower, etc. I’d get estimates from 2 or 3 people who come to your apartment and check out how much you have.

    That is all.

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  3. mihow Avatar
    mihow

    Allied is adding more and more to our total. I’m worried. I just got off the phone with United Van Lines, dangling my Penn State Allumni status in their face in hopes of getting a discount. We have a call in to Mayflower as well.

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  4. tobyjoe Avatar
    tobyjoe

    Allied has raised their estimate from $1700 to $3500 to $4500 now. I’ve read (check epinions, BBB, movingscam.com) stories about EVERY moving company holding belongings hostage. Since the big names are really just local affiliates and your stuff is handed off from one to another on the 3-4 week journey, there is no way to insure that it won’t get heisted, destroyed, or held hostage for hidden expenses later on.

    I’m ready to tell Allied that a binding agreement for $3500 will do it. Otherwise, we can spend all that money on new stuff. Or something…

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  5. mihow Avatar
    mihow

    I just got off the phone with the DC government people. I can’t believe it, but they have been the nicest group of people I have spoken with yet. The woman told me I could stop by as soon as tomorrow to get signage for closing off some parking spots in front. That way, we can waive this 1500 extra bucks he tagged on for a shuttle. But we’re still waiting to hear back from my Penn State people. That could prove best. Who knows.

    I really have no desire to move this shit up and down the stairs. My back will fall apart. Surely.

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  6. tobyjoe Avatar
    tobyjoe

    you’d never have to touch anything, if it were to come to that.

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  7. calvo Avatar
    calvo

    if it comes to hauling stuff up and down stairs on your own, by all means, lemme know.

    I am strong-like-ox and willing to help friends in need.

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