Safeway Moving Inc

We submitted a three-minute video of our one-bedroom apartment to receive a binding quote from Safeway Moving for a move from Columbus, OH, to Chicago, IL. We did not obt ... Read More We submitted a three-minute video of our one-bedroom apartment to receive a binding quote from Safeway Moving for a move from Columbus, OH, to Chicago, IL. We did not obtain any more items in between booking Safeway and what happened next. We then had our "72 hour quality assurance" call 3 days prior to our pickup window. On that call, Safeway informed us that we would likely need many more boxes than was quoted, due to the number of our kitchen cabinets. This, obviously, was visible on the video we submitted. The total price additional would be $2,192.73 more than our binding estimate (an increase of 34%). We told Safeway we had not added any items and insisted they honor the original binding quote. When the movers arrived, they refused to load the truck unless we paid over $1,000 more than the quoted price. Because we had to get out of our apartment, we agreed. The entire process (from their arrival to their departure on the day of move-out) took 13 hours for a one bedroom apartment. Two of the three guys barely assisted, and just sat on the back of the truck. We never received a copy of the bill of lading. Onto delivery. When we booked, the salesman said it's "very likely" we would get our stuff on 8/29, our first delivery date, since it was only a ~300 mile move. The information sent alongside our contract says 1-7 days for that length of move. It ended up being 22 days. When our stuff finally arrived on 9/17, they did a walk of the route from the truck to the apartment. We paid the balance and signed their copy of the bill of lading. The guys started unloading and got maybe three trips upstairs. They then unloaded the entire truck onto the curb and told us it would be $2,000 more to finish the job. I (an attorney) told them what they’re doing violates federal law (as it’s a hostage goods situation). He said he’d cut us a deal and bring it down to $1500. I told him there’s no deal to be cut because we aren’t paying another cent. The movers said that it was Safeway’s fault and that this had come up four times today, “and the last people just paid, so why can’t you?” He then had his manager, Amos, call me, who also attempted to bully us into paying more money. I told him, again, that they’re violating the law and they have five minutes to resume work before I call the police non-emergency line. The manager hung up. While we were waiting for more direction from the manager, my husband stated that it would be easier for everyone if we just started moving things upstairs, since it was now pushing 7:30 PM and the crew had to drive down to Missouri later that night. The lead mover (Ken) said, “Are you threatening me?” My husband said no. Ken replied, “Because it’s me, my brother, and this big black dude. And it’s just you and your wife. And where we’re from, we don’t use hands, we shoot.” We’re sure he was just running his mouth, but we didn’t like being threatened with violence because we refused to be extorted. Finally, Amos called the crew back and must have told them to start working, because they then began shuttling things upstairs again. It was done in quite a slipshod manner—boxes tipping over, our walls scuffed up, breaking glass in our communal hallway, etc. This is likely because things were not packed correctly (see attached pictures for how our things were packed). On their way out the door, Ken said that he would send us a bill for the balance; I told him they could try but I would not be paying. Overall, the worst experience I’ve ever had with a company. 12/5 EDIT: Safeway offered me a partial refund to take this review down or modify it. I told them I would be willing to edit the review and possibly increase my star rating if they made it right, but that there is nothing else to discuss—either send us a check or don't, but stop calling, as our experience with them was borderline traumatic. They have called me six times since I told them that, including twice on my honeymoon (after I explicitly told them I was on my honeymoon). Please make it right by sending us our refund, or LEAVE ME ALONE.

Their movers were incredible. They were friendly and packed my father’s things the way he requested them to. They were even careful while packing up his spare wheelchai ... Read More Their movers were incredible. They were friendly and packed my father’s things the way he requested them to. They were even careful while packing up his spare wheelchair and loading it onto the truck. Their thoughtfulness moved me! I have nothing but praise for them!

Truly impressed by the efficacy and punctuality of Safeway Moving. They were a squad of 4, and we were equally trained and efficient. My LA to SD relocation journey went ... Read More Truly impressed by the efficacy and punctuality of Safeway Moving. They were a squad of 4, and we were equally trained and efficient. My LA to SD relocation journey went smoothly with them, with no hitches.

We used them for a move this last month. There were three young guys who came, quickly assessed the inventory to be moved, and began their tasks. They are not the cheapes ... Read More We used them for a move this last month. There were three young guys who came, quickly assessed the inventory to be moved, and began their tasks. They are not the cheapest but not the most expensive either. but price was fair for the quality. My final cost was a bit higher than the estimate but nothing crazy. Overall good experience with Safeway Moving!

It was happy to witness their eagerness to help with duties beyond the straightforward transfer. David volunteered to assist me in setting up my home décor and assisted ... Read More It was happy to witness their eagerness to help with duties beyond the straightforward transfer. David volunteered to assist me in setting up my home décor and assisted me in installing a new curtain rod. These thoughtful additions eased my adjustment to my new house. So impressed with these guys.

I will be using them for any future move! Getting your stuff moved or kept in a storage space at such low rates is the thing everyone is looking for these days. These guy ... Read More I will be using them for any future move! Getting your stuff moved or kept in a storage space at such low rates is the thing everyone is looking for these days. These guys on top offer reliance and safety, so what else are you looking for? These movers are the top.

Anthony and Daniel made our long-distance move feel like a cake slice. They provided regular updates on the delivery, and all our items arrived intact and on time. Thanks ... Read More Anthony and Daniel made our long-distance move feel like a cake slice. They provided regular updates on the delivery, and all our items arrived intact and on time. Thanks for being the least stressful part of moving.

As someone who moves frequently, this was the easiest experience yet. Booking directly with a mover was more straightforward and cost-effective than using a broker. They ... Read More As someone who moves frequently, this was the easiest experience yet. Booking directly with a mover was more straightforward and cost-effective than using a broker. They provided an accurate quote, and the movers handled our move successfully. It couldn't have gone smoother.

I will be using them for any future move! They provided packing materials, loaded everything securely, and even helped us set up furniture at the new place. Five-star ser ... Read More I will be using them for any future move! They provided packing materials, loaded everything securely, and even helped us set up furniture at the new place. Five-star service!

The guys even helped us hook up our appliances in the new place. It's the extra mile they went that made the experience memorable. Thank you! The guys even helped us hook up our appliances in the new place. It's the extra mile they went that made the experience memorable. Thank you!