With summer being one of the most popular times to move, the Better Business Bureau is warning you of moving company complaints.
9,300 complaints were filed with the BBB against moving companies last year. More than 800 complaints were filed in California.
Stephanie, who did not want to use her last name, was one of the consumers who filed a complaint with the BBB. She moved to downtown and hired Martin Movers to help with the move.
“We found our moving company through the U-Haul website,” Stephanie said.
Stephanie said the movers broke a glass table. Even though she had something in writing about the broken glass, the movers would not take ownership of it.
“They wouldn’t answer my calls. They would hang up on me,” Stephanie said.
This went on for a few weeks, according to Stephanie.
The company finally agreed to replace it, but Stephanie said they wanted her to change her negative yelp review to a positive one before giving the glass back.
Martin Movers has an F-rating with the BBB and is not accredited with the agency. Previous complaints about the company are for lack of communication.
“The BBB actually says if the compapy doesn’t answer their complaints, even one, you should stay away,” said Michael Sedio with the local chapter of the BBB.
Many complaints about moving companies are for destruction of property and final cost given to customers.
Sedio said if you are searching for a moving company, look for the “not to exceed” amount in the cost estimate.
“This is the amount the company cannot charge you more than unless you and them agree to a change order adding additional services,” Sedio said.
He says that amount is no more than 10 percent in non-binding contracts.
Sedio also said you can check a moving company’s license with the California Public Utilities Commission, the agency that regulates moving companies.
Team 10 called Martin Movers for a response about their F-rating. A woman answered the phone, then gave the phone to an unidentified man. They both denied the F-rating, saying that Team 10 was wrong. The man then hung up before any more questions could be asked.
