Movers of the Valley were contracted to move our goods on 12/4/04. When I called them for an estimate Tony gave me a flat rate of $525 for the day. I told him that we lived on the second floor and that we had heavy furniture that required 3 people. He then raised the rate to $575, tax included, for a day's work. Written job order 38844 confirms crew of 3, rate $575 signed Emmit and Tony. On the day of the move only 2 men arrived. I voiced my concern and driver said he had 16 years of experience and could handle it and if I didn't trust them he wouldn't move me.
We took him at his work and I then went to get the house open and ready while my husband remained at the apartment to supervise the move. It soon became apparent that 2 men were not sufficient and someone from the company called my husband and said we would have to pay $200 more. He refused but was pressured into agreeing an additional $100. He then had to sit at the apartment and wait 2-3 hours for a 3rd person to arrive so that they could finish loading.
The job order had specified payment in cash or cashier's check and Tony had asked me to pay cash preferable. It was a Saturday and I went to the bank and withdrew that amount of cash so that was all I had in hand. I was also unwilling to pay the extra as I had specifically told Tony we were two floors up and asked several times about coming to look at what we had. I was sure that when I jogged his memory he would realise the mistake and also apologise for not sending 3 crew.
After the furniture was unloaded I gave the driver $575 cash and told him I would speak to Tony first thing Monday (it was now after 6pm on Saturday) about the disputed $100. He became hysterical saying he would lose his job, he was only paid $11 an hour, he had a family, he would have to quit etc. He insisted I call Tony who we finally reached. When I explained that I felt the additional charge was unfounded based on our original agreement he hung up on me. The driver called him back and was told to take our TV unless we gave him $100 cash. Nothing we could say would assuage him and he grew increasingly upset and histrionic.
I felt extremely threatened and wanted to call the police but my husband managed to persuade the driver to take a check for the additional $100. It was a very unnerving and frightening experience and a terrible way to start life in a new home. Coincidentally, the assistant was high on amphetamines as admitted to my husband, which I believe says something about the entire operation.
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