Scenario: I received a quote based on industry standards for a two bedroom apartment with one occupant. I had everything packed and labeled into twenty-five 27x14x12 inch plastic boxes.
There were only 3 cardboard boxes that needed to be assembled. The TV, stand and queen sized-bed needed to be wrapped up. The couches had to be covered before moving. I had discussed all of the items with the transition consultant so nothing would be a surprise and the estimate would be accurate.
I was provided with an estimate based on industry standards for a two bedroom apartment and quoted around $600. The elevators were booked in both locations from 9-12 and 1-3 respectively given that the move should take around 6-7 hours. I noticed these timelines were emphatically stated by on the instructions provided to the movers.
What happened?:
The movers showed up on time which was great.
Somehow the process of just moving boxes and wrapping the previously mentioned items spilled over past the initial noon hour deadline. There were no apologies and I wasn’t even provided with a warning that our elevator bookings might be in jeopardy. I tried to call both security desks and see if there were other timeslots available during the day. I was very fortunate and lucky that nobody had the next timeslots or we would have been in serious trouble.
The movers took their time getting to the downtown condo. I was concerned because I’d called ahead to take the next time slot from 3-5pm and it became clear unloading in an hour was going to be impossible. I had to call two friends to help me unload . At this point, I was given an unbelievable shock. The new price was not $600 but had more than doubled to $1500?!! Keep in mind the movers were way behind schedule. They refused to unload the truck until I agreed to sign the paperwork and pay the difference. I had to quickly run to the bank and try to scrape together the extra cash because obviously I wanted my things off that truck asap. It didn't feel right at all, even the teller at RBC was shocked that my quote from a company called FLAT RATE moving had ballooned so severely.
Outcome:
1) My friends and I ended up moving a majority of my items.
2) My couch and mirror were damaged.
3) The movers left a lot of boxes in the hallway and took off in such a rush they left their own packing materials behind. A security guard chipped in to help us clear the hallway.
4) The move took 12 hours from start of finish...inxcusable for two bedroom condo move from North York to downtown.
5) We took photos of all the issues including the ones my neighbours took of us moving OUR OWN boxes up and down the elevators, and sent a complaint hoping to get some of that money back....no response.
6) The final bill was over $1500.
7) One mover was very rude the entire time.
Be careful with this company.
