I checked around with a few companies and got moving estimates. They were all within about $100 of each other, and so, not knowing better, I went with Orbit. Take note here - the quote was for $1029 total, it wouldn't go up, includes everything, etc, etc etc.
They showed up almost two hours late, so by the time they got to my apartment the person waiting with me had to leave so now I was young, female and alone. (Yes, I know it sounds bad, but they treated me VERY differently before and after my boyfriend left.)
I believe they packed my ALREADY PACKED boxes in their own boxes to be able to charge me for them, and began pulling numbers out of their ears in terms of how many boxes/how much tape they had used that they had to charge me for.
I had already put down a $200 deposit and had the 60% as per agreed upon amount with me - a cashier's check (sketchy, right? But at least it was made out to Orbit Vanlines) for $519. However, once it was all on the truck, he told me that the total was "much higher". How much? $3,940. Quadruple what I had been told for the estimate.
"Can't you put down another $1,000?" he says. I'll wait outside. You go to the bank. He also offered to go to the bank WITH ME. HELL no.
I am now scared and furious. I'm a grad student who hasn't gotten this semester's loan check yet, so that $1519 total pretty much cleans out my account. I know it sounds like a bad idea to get the money, but they have my stuff! I get another cashier's check, and I am so far past angry I can't describe it. Keep in mind, this is now OVER the total estimate I had originally been quoted.By 50%.
The best part was yet to come - he told me he can't be there on Saturday, when, in theory, my stuff is being delivered. (I am terrified, having read all of the other responses here, that I won't get my stuff for another two weeks.) He then told me to "make sure I take care of these guys" pointing to the two other movers. 10-15% is usual.
Yes, you read that correctly. This guy is really telling me how much to tip these movers after they have completely ripped me off - you've got to be kidding.
I've obviously called Orbit and complained, and got the usual runaround of people explaining to me like a five-year-old that it's called an estimate because it can change. Yes, I know that, I reply, but where in the hell did you come up with a quote for $1,029 when it seems that it costs NOWHERE NEAR that price? No one answers, and I tell them I want an explanation before Saturday or I go to my attorney. I also am contacting BBB and my state's attorney general.
I am very interested in the possibility of filing a class-action lawsuit, and I intend to be in contact with others who have already complained about these crooks.
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