We hired Safari Moving & Storage based on the quote they gave us (total of $5,000 $100 for special wrapping of 4 expensive items) and for the honesty of the young gentlemen representing the company (unbeknownst to us, the estimator left the company within a week of estimating our household goods).
The $5000 quote was based on the weight of our household goods and the use of one 26' moving van. A 100 year old family heirloom and a large piece of art work were two of the items that were to be carefully wrapped for which we agreed to pay extra.
On moving day, the first words out of the foreman's mouth as he entered our house were "the second truck will be here..." We were then charged $. 40/pound for goods being put onto the second truck. Safari Moving doesn't appear to own but one truck — they rent the rest of their trucks - 24 footers only! We were also informed there was no such thing as a 26' truck.
Next three very efficient gentlemen went about and began to tape the furniture blankets to all of our furniture — using $1100 worth of tape! (yes, you read it right - $1100!). When we protested, threats were made about them just walking out and not moving us - but still demanding payment. The owner/dispatcher arrived at our home. This man wouldn't know the truth if it slapped him in the face. He would say one thing and the very next sentence he would reverse himself. We found that we could not believe anything he or his foreman said.
Next came the foreman's insistence of a 15% tip - before the trucks drove out of our driveway! We did not tip anyone.
The move was suppose to take two days - leave Northern California Wednesday afternoon, arrive in Arizona early Friday morning.
We received a call from the Owner/Dispatcher Thursday saying the first truck had had an accident in San Jose and they were trying to find another driver. The second truck's driver had not reported in, and so that truck hadn't left San Jose either.
We had to place numerous phone calls to the owner/dispatcher, listen to lie after lie in order to find out where our furniture was. Several times he told us he didn't have to deliver our furniture for 30 days! He also demanded to be paid in cash - before the furniture was unloaded.
Long story short - the first truck showed up at 8 pm Friday nite; it took until 2 am to unload. The second truck arrived Sunday evening. The 100 year old heirloom had a leg ripped off; the large piece of artwork was also badly damaged. All together 15 pieces of our goods - none of which were packed by us — all packed, taped and/or blanketed by Safari Moving were damaged, some beyond repair. We are still trying to resolve this issue.
Eventually Safari Moving gave us a 15% discount on the tape expense; however in the final analysis a $5100 move wound up costing us $7300!
We have moved over 15 times and have never expeienced such a deceptive, disasterous move. Safari Moving and it's owners should be put out of business.
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