Platinum Van Lines..a BIG mistake
Paul Froncak
Submitted this review about
Platinum Van Lines
Review made Live: 6/26/2014 9:51:00 PM
We had been working on our move from Michigan to Florida for a few months, obtaining many quotes from various movers. We narrowed it down to Platinum and 2 others. We had a very strict budget and had sold much of our furniture prior to our move to facilitate staying within the $1400-$1600 budget we planned. We were honest with Platinum on what we could afford and ended up sending Inventory lists back and forth numerous times over a couple of weeks. Our inventories were very accurate, having taken the time to measure items that could not be boxed and packing our boxes to stay within the 35 boxes figured into the final inventory. We ended up going with Platinum because Simon had worked diligently with us to hit a final estimate of $1575. I felt good about the move and scheduled a June 26th pick-up.
We got a call from Platinum stating that a "crew" was in our area and asking if we could accommodate a pick up 2 days earlier than our scheduled day. We agreed, figuring they have been good to us, we don't mind helping them out if we can. My fiance had worked very hard at packing a whole house by herself since due to my inability to leave work to help her. She rushed the last minute packing so that everything would be ready by the time Platinum arrived at 7 pm Tuesday night. The truck showed up and it wasn't a Platinum Truck, it was a truck from Swift Moving Company". I got a frantic phone call from her shortly after 7 pm stating that the "estimator" told her the move was going to cost another $500 due to being "95 cubes" over the estimate. Over the phone I argued with him stating that we had accurately measured everything and even came in 3 boxes shy of the 35 allotted in the estimate. They had not loaded a single box but told me he could tell it was "95 cubes" over just by looking at our items. We followed the Platinum requirements in box size and I pointed out that being shy the 3 "3 cube" boxes, that we were 27 cubes short of the original estimate. The driver told us that if we didn't agree to the extra they would just leave. Talk about feeling hijacked.
I had no choice, figuring I would work this out with Simon and in the end Platinum would be professional and at least listen to our plea. On top of this while loading, they had ripped all the tape off our boxes, re-taping them no different than we had, just using their own tape. (yes we were charged for packing material). I had a glass bookcase that, as I was told, would have to be "crated in wood" to protect it, at an additional charge. The bookcase was wrapped in a blanket and taped with cardboard, not a single attempt to crate it or protect it.
After our items were loaded, of course came time to make a payment according to the agreed terms. The amount the driver wanted did not include the $320 deposit we had made and when questioned he replied "you didn't make a deposit". Another argument ensued. After going back to email and printing a copy of the receipt showing that yes we had, his reply was just a "grunt" followed his rushing to fill out the bill of lading and other paper work. They were extremely unprofessional and just plain rude.
The very next morning our phone calls started, trying to reach Simon. My fiance and I both called and called, each time being told Simon was busy and would return our call. After 2 days of calling we have yet to receive a return phone call from Simon. Eventually I was successful and talked to "Allie" who seemed to make a sincere attempt to help. Since it was almost quitting time for her she asked me to call back the following day and to ask for her. My phone call the following day resulted in both Allie and Simon being busy with the promise to return our call. I have yet to receive any return call from anyone at Platinum. Last night my fiance was successful in talking to a person named "Connie" who offered a $100 discount for our frustration but when we called tonight to obtain a final cost, the discount was nowhere to be found.
All in all, Platinum is a prime example of a "bait and switch" type of scam. They lure you in with the promise of a fair price and when they show up, tell you it is going cost much more. Since you have made all your plans, the last thing you can do is reschedule a moving van on short notice. In my opinion, the fact that nobody at Platinum will return our calls or help us is evidence enough for me. Tonight we were told our final payment will be $885. I would bet my life that when they show up to deliver our items, they will want more money. In looking at the bill of lading they listed that we moved 12 chairs, we only had 8. They said we had 39 boxes, we only had 32. They were suppose to crate our glass items and they did nothing more than wrap them in a blanket. Due to the extra cost, I have to wait for another paycheck to make the payment and had to delay the delivery. Supposedly they will store our items for 30 day for free. I truly bet that will not be the case.
For the people who had a good experience with this company, I salute you. Hiring Platinum Van Lines for our move from Michigan to Florida was the biggest mistake I have made in years and I would never consider them or any of their "sister companies" for a move in the future. In my opinion they are crooked, extremely unprofessional and and just out to take your hard earned money. I will be filing a report with the Better Business Bureau as well. A large move like ours is stressful enough and the last thing you need is to be scammed by a company like Platinum.
