$823.97 an hour? Hire Big Al's!
I hired Big Al's Specialty Movers to move my furniture from one part of my house to another as I was having my floors refinished. Al came over and estimated that the move would take 3 to 5 hours. I called to schedule an appointment with Beth. The only day they had available was a Saturday. I was informed that they had a 4 hour minimum on Saturdays. At $167.70 per hour for 3 movers plus other "fees" the charge would be $823.97. Beth told me she could wave the 4 hour minimum stating that she knew they would make the time up moving my furniture back. I paid a $400 deposit ($200 for moving out and then back in another day). I thanked her and awaited the move.
The movers showed up on time and were professional. They did a great job. When presented with the bill it was $623.97 in addition to the $400 previously received. I told the driver that I was told the 4 hour minimum was to be waived but he didn't know anything about it so I paid the full invoice assuming that it would be corrected on the move back into the house. And by the way, the move took 1 hour.
I called and spoke to Stacy to ask about the incorrect billing, she told me that I had to pay the 4 hour minimum. I objected. She had Al, the owner call me. I told him what had happened and he said that they never wave the minimum. I asked him to put Beth on the line with us but he refused. I stated that my expectations were that they come move my furniture back and if it took longer than 3 hours I would pay the balance but if it were 3 hours or less I would consider us to be even. Al told me no. Any further work would incur additional charges. They have refunded $200 of the $400 deposit back ($200 deposit for each day) I was charged $823.97 for 3 men’s labor for one hour.
I I have since cancelled using them on the move back into the house. It was my mistake to trust them without getting it in writing. It's sad that a local company can't back up what a long-time representative of the company tells a client. I cannot in good conscious recommend Big Al's Specialty Movers at all. Yes, the movers are great but their honesty falls short. Very short.