Mayflower Moving and Storage ("Mayflower") completely misrepresents who they are, what they do, and how they go about doing it. I conducted a reasonable amount of research before selecting a moving company. I actually decided to select a different company when Ronnie at Mayflower suggested I look into both companies with the Better Business Bureau ("BBB"). When I had difficulty locating Mayflower on the BBB website, Ronnie told me their corporate name was "Mayflower Transit, Inc." When I found Mayflower to have been rating than the other company, I selected Mayflower as my mover. I have recently learned that Mayflower is NOT affiliated with Mayflower Transit or any other more reputable moving company! This whole move was full of lies!
I was quoted $340 for my local move (approximately 20 miles), which included 3 men for 4 hours and mileage/moving time. From my research, I learned that it was common not to have an actual estimate done on a move and to pay an hourly rate for the move. Mayflower quoted me $85 per hour. Two days prior to my move, I called to confirm that (1) the truck would be big enough to handle my 2 bedroom apartment in 1 trip because I did not want to pay for multiple trips; (2) there were no hidden charges; and (3) the fee to wrap my curio would be a minor charge (otherwise I would have provided my own materials).
Mayflower had me concerned right from the start. On the day of my move, they showed up with a "Budget" rental truck, not a Mayflower truck. My next concern was that the truck appeared much too small to handle my furniture. The movers, again, assured me that everything would fit into the truck. When they arrived, I had some items left to pack because I ran out of boxes. I purchased 10 boxes at their inflated rate of $6.99 per box, so I new this fee would be added to my bill. The movers were instructed to begin loading the truck while my father and I finished packing the remaining items.
Before my apartment was emptied, I was told that there was no more room on the truck and that if I wanted the remainder of my items moved, I would have to pay for a second trip. I was not going to pay for a second trip, so I decided to move what was left on my own. I was not happy, but I had to complete my move. They were unable to fit my belongings on the truck and this was after I had already made several of my own trips prior to moving day, AND I had sold my living room furniture!
When the movers arrived at my new residence, they refused to unload the truck until I signed all the contracts and paid them in full. They then handed me an invoice for $873... Two times the amount I had been quoted! I would not have signed anything at that point except for the fact they were holding my furniture hostage! I learned that they charged me $10 per roll of tape (of which they claimed to have used 20 rolls of tape but were only charging me for 10) and they charged me over $200 to wrap my curio! I wrapped 99% of my apartment and used less than 5 rolls of tape; what happened to the slight charge to wrap my curio! I had no control over the amount of supplies they used or how they were used. I was lucky that my father was with me and had the additional money with him, otherwise I would not have furniture in my new home! Can you believe that after hitting me with the ridiculous invoice, the movers asked me for a tip?!
Not only was Mayflowr NOT able to complete the services I hired them for (i.E., move my furniture), but then they ended up charging me double for the services they weren't even able to complete! I was forced to ask a family member to drive down from the Auburn, CA area with his truck to help me move the remainder of my furniture (which is a 2 hour drive plus gas expenses).
The following Monday, I called their office to speak with a manager. I spoke with a "Tommy" who informed me that (1) the truck being too small was my fault (which I can't figure out how this is), and (2) that it was my problem about the ridiculous fees charged. He was extremely rude. I have since filed a claim with the BBB, which I am awaiting their response. I was not being unreasonable in my requests. I only want them to return the ridiculous amount of money they charged me in supplies and for my family member's time and gas. I'm willing to pay for the services I did receive (the men's hours). My next step will be small claims.
I warn anyone seeking to use a moving company to proceed with caution. Make sure every item is packed into boxes and wrapped with your own tape to make sure you are not also hit with these ridiculous fees! They have this scam down to a science in how and when they have you sign the contracts. They provide you with assurances and guarantees that they later deny. I can't imagine I'm the only person who has gone through this! I have a legal background and I conducted a reasonable amount of research to try and prevent being taken advantage of. I did more research than some might and I double confirmed with their representatives that certain things would not happen that ultimately did. Be weary about using a mover, especially MAYFLOWER MOVING AND STORAGE! If you can handle your move on your own, I strongly suggest that you do!
Tracey
Concord, California
U.S.A.
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