White Glove Moving Scam
October 18th, 2006A number of formal complaints have been lodged against the White GloveMoving & Storage Company, located in Jersey City, New Jersey. Most of the cases involve issues with the company raising the price of the move after providing an estimate or failing to pick up or deliver items on time. While the company has a clean record with the Better Business Bureau, several individuals have reported significant discrepancies between what White Glove initially told them and the charges demanded or services provided by the company in the end. Here are a few of the problems that some customers encountered, and what we can learn from these negative experiences.
Rate hike and intimidating behavior
Though this customer was originally given a specific price estimate for her move based on the weight of items to be moved, that estimate increased fourfold when the movers arrived at her house. After drastically increasing the estimate, the movers then attempted to appease the customer by lowering the price, but the total was still at least three times the original quote. The customer agreed to this revised estimate, but was then bullied into giving the movers a $400 tip in cash when they refused to move her items until they received the cash.
The major price hike didn’t result in better service—if anything, the company seemed to want to take further advantage of this (now high-paying) customer. White Glove had informed the customer that the move would take between one and two weeks, and the customer had repeatedly stressed that she needed her items by a certain date (soon after the two-week deadline) because she was beginning a job. The two-week estimate soon fell through, and the customer was informed her possessions would arrive the day after the absolute latest deadline she had clearly set for the company. That date was soon moved back a week. When the movers still hadn’t arrived over three weeks after they had taken her possessions, the customer was finally able to contact the company. The moving truck had traveled less than 500 miles in more than three weeks.
While this customer’s experience is undoubtedly horrific, it’s also indicative of the importance of obtaining signed contracts and getting estimates and arrival dates in writing. Of course unforeseen circumstances can always arise, and a company can mishandle an estimate and need to revise it later, but such a gross failure to provide services in a timely and cost-effective matter is certainly cause for concern. Intimidating behavior is never acceptable and should be reported immediately to the movers’ supervisors and even the police if necessary. If you have documentation of an agreed price, the moving company should not be able to extort additional funds from you. Moreover, most movers require a certain portion of the total price to be paid before the move, and leave the remainder to be paid after. You should have a percentage agreement that you can point to if the movers request more money before your items have been moved.
Bottom line: Create a clear agreement, get an in-person consultation if possible, and be firm about your expectations and needs.
Revised estimate and delays
Another customer had similar problems with White Glove Moving, though the situation was slightly different—a storage request, not a move. White Glove’s initial estimate included provisions for a certain amount of materials, and the company gave the impression that items could be packed, moved, and unpacked on the same day. The estimated price for these materials was later tripled, and the company claimed that packing would have to be done on one day and the moving the next.
In respond to these assertions, the customer negotiated the price down and insisted that the move to storage be completed the same day, offering to help the movers pack in order to expedite the process. Though this customer was able to negotiate the movers’ initial attempts to change the price, the moving company engaged in “bait and switch” tactics.
Bottom line: Negotiate with the moving company if they attempt to increase charges or modify the service. Unless a contract is signed, you can negotiate anything.
Complete cancellation
White Glove gave this customer the impression that they’d show up to complete his move as long as he paid a large deposit to justify the trip to his remote location. The customer made plans based on White Glove coming to complete the move on a specific date. On that day, White Glove failed to show up. When the customer contacted the company, they told him that they had decided not to perform his move due to the remote location. The company did return the customer’s deposit, but he was forced to hire a different company at the last minute.
Bottom line: Confirm and double-check your arrangements with the company. When possible, get an agreement with dates and prices in writing.
Late arrival, unclear conditions
White Glove arrived late at this particular customer’s home, and there was unclear communication between the company and the customer about the services to be rendered. The customer thought that the company would disassemble and reassemble furniture and unpack items from boxes once the move was complete. The company claimed it was not able to reassemble the disassembled furniture and that unpacking would incur additional charges.
Bottom line: Know what services you’re agreeing upon from the start.
Even more customers have had problems with White Glove arriving late and charging additional fees. Although the company officially has a clean record, this collection of customer experiences may be enough to raise some eyebrows. Regardless of what moving company you decide to use, the negative moving experiences had by many individuals highlight the importance of obtaining clear contracts and information about what services your move will include and what it will cost.
October 18th, 2006 at 12:45 pm
A moving company in Austin, TX did almost the EXACT SAME THING when I moved!!!!! I won’t use them again either. Thanks for the article- it will help others out there immensely!
October 20th, 2006 at 12:26 pm
3 Men Movers in Houston is fantastic. I had opted originally to move myself with the help of friends. After a couple of back injuries, I still had a half full U-haul to unload and the rest of my house to pack and load. Was able to call 3 Men Movers and get same day service. They helped me pack the rest of the house and unload both their truck and my U-haul. All within 3 hours!! NOTE: If you label your boxes, they will put the boxes in the room(s) corresponding to the label. In other words, if the box says “kitchen”, they will put it in the kitchen. I will hire them again!!!
October 23rd, 2006 at 3:28 pm
I had a moving company try to bilk my Mom out of more money when they got to her house. She is 60 years old and had a house with four rooms, and lots of furniture and other memories.
Luckily I came over early that day, and noticed the two big men physically intimidating my mother for five times the cost that they asked her for before, in CASH. She was shaking she was so afraid of those two muscle bound idiots.
I was so angry…I actually saw red. I’m a petite woman, about 5′3″ tall, but I was in such a rage at their treatment of my frail mother that I made the two jerks run for their lives.
Do not let your loved ones be alone on their move. I gathered every friend I had and we moved my mother’s whole house for Pizza and beer.
November 5th, 2006 at 9:19 am
These jerks from White Glove Moving sound like a replica of NICE MOVERS from NY. They give you a low estimate first, then when everything is on the truck they double or triple your bill and if you don’t give them $500 tip, they intimidate you before the delivery and bang up and dent your appliances and claim that they had an accident on the road. Their insurance is a joke. Rent a truck like Budget and do your own moving. Cheaper and less aggravation.
February 28th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
I decided to not use White Glove Moving for a move that I had late last year specifically because of the poor reviews that their company recieved.
April 10th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
an ex employee thats angry,doesnt make for a great review
November 9th, 2007 at 9:51 am
I just wanted to add to the complaints against White Glove Moving and Storage. I too was given a quote of more than 50% less that what the outcome was. I was told that I could agree to a flat rate that the movers felt would be less than if the truck was actually weighed. I was strongly urged to tip 20% and as the cost kept rising, this became impossible. I was told by the company that they would replace any damaged items up to an amount of .60/pound of the entire load, not PER ARTICLE. I incurred another $700 in damaged items. Basically, my bill went from $2,250 to $5,800 for the move. I will NEVER use this company again.
February 19th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I had a great experience with White Glove. My girlfriend and I used them to move a few months ago. They were great. The guys showed up on time, everything was packed carefully, and the price was right.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I have had a horrific experience with White Glove and am still awaiting my items (so the experience could get worse). They have failed to deliver my furniture on the day they told me it would be delivered. After taking off from work and waiting around all day, I finally receive a call and the dispatcher (Lincoln) informs me that his driver cannot clear my breezeway and that DOT does not allow tractor trailers on my street. After putting two police officers on the phone as well as the manager of my apt building who told him that tractor trailers are okay and that the breezeway is the width of 3 cars placed side-by-side, he informed me that he was not going to have his driver take the chance and that they will call me in the future for another date of my delivery.
I informed him that he should at least have his driver stop by and look and make the judgment call on whether he can clear it (he would have been able to clear it with plenty of room) and he still refused. That’s when I realized that they had no intention on delivering my items on the date they told me. As of now I am still without my items.
I wish I would have seen this site prior to using them (though I did not specifically choose them, white glove is an affiliate of the company I contracted with, and the company used them to move my things…yet another scam).
Please report your issues to the Better Business Bureau (https://odr.bbb.org/odrweb/public/GetStarted.aspx) so that others can have a more accurate assesment of this company.
June 17th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I recently used this company and had a horrible experience. First of all the movers took forever packing my merchandise onto the truck. Honestly, they took smoke break after smoke break. Furthermore, I spoke with a dispatcher who infomred me that he was looking at my contract my weight was fine and I did not owe any additional funds. Two days later I received a phone call from the driver stating that I owed additional funds. They totally caught me off guard with this price increase. I reported them to the BBB but that was not enough because this company is getting away with this too often.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:46 am
There are numerous “White Glove” moving companies nationwide. We are White Glove Storage and Delivery in Austin, Texas and we keep the guessing game out of any charges. We charge by the hour so that there is no hidden charge in the end. We hire the best in the industry and they are experts in fine furnishings.
I just want to clarify that we do not try to “pull one over” on any of our clients….The White Glove in Austin, Texas, is not affilliated with any other company, and keeps it simple by charging by the hour. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
October 1, 2008
Please read this blog and believe it. I had such a bad experience with White Glove Moving and Storage. They quoted one price in writing and then they came up with all kinds of add-on fees. The damaged my brand new furniture and tried to say it was already that way. What a headache! Avoid White Glove Moving and Storage. Please, save yourself the trouble.
October 16th, 2008 at 9:58 am
I am with the NJ State Moving and Storage Association. Any information about a members conduct is important to us. Please let us know if you have any concerns either positive or negative. You can speak to Tracy or Bob at (732)341-3934.
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Before i moved, i researched and found out about the moving company scams, check out this website: MovingScam.info very helpful information.
Good luck to everyone who moves and be safe.
November 25th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
folks, this company has agents who make postings like this in their defense, sorry it’s not working people.
white glove should be called white trash.
if i wanted to destroy my property, take days to move and be charged $3400 for what was estimated as a $700 move…
i could have hired legitimate thugs!
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I cannot find your website. Can you tell me what it is?
December 11th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
New Jersey :A number of formal complaints have been lodged against the White Glove Moving & Storage Company, located in Jersey City, New Jersey.
December 11th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Most of these were placed on here directly by movingscam themselves.
One of these was copied and then pasted here directly from movingscam word for word.
None of these complaints are even verifiable. White glove moving is one of the largest and finest moving companies in the United States serving many dignitaries and high level folks with excellence and professionalism as you will see below.
Dear friends and future clients,
Thank you for inquiring into White glove VIP services, and it is indeed an honor to have the opportunity to earn your trust and business.. I would like to invite you to take the time to review my essential moving tips which will assist you in the sometimes daunting task of choosing a professional moving company.
FROM 2 FORMER VICE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES TO A PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY MEMBER TO NFL, MLB, GOVT AND CORPORATE EMPLOYEES WE ARE THE FINEST IN THE INDUSTRY AND THE OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MOVES ARE FOR GREAT PEOPLE AND FAMILYS JUST LIKE YOU AND YOURS.
IT WOULD BE AN HONOR TO EARN YOUR BUSINESS.
In response to your request for a quote you will soon be contacted by many companies offering you their services for your relocation. Unlike White Glove Moving & Storage, some of these companies will be brokers which will offer you beautiful illegal cubic foot based quotes and/or complicated “maximum tariff based discount pricing) contracts. Both of these type of quotes will be great only until the day of the move at which time a different company will appear with a new contract in hand and new big prices.
3 WARNING SIGNS OF A MOVING BROKER/SCAM/VERIFY ALL COMPANIES AT THE RIPOFF REPORT, SAFERSYS.ORG (FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER ADMIN)
1. They request 20 or 25% deposit immediately when you wish to reserve (this is their commission, on the day of the move a new company would show up with new contract in hand and new pricing) Never pay in advance, only on the day of the move 50% and the balance upon delivery.
2. They quote in cubic feet and pounds at the same time (it is illegal to quote in cubic feet, on the day of the move, the moving company that shows up will choose to use cubic feet thus allowing them to increase your price by spreading out your household goods in the truck)
3. They give a too good to be true price, this great price is only good until the day of the move at which time the new company will have a new contract ( Once you hand over your 20 or 25% deposit, their job with you is complete, what happens afterwards is the company who shows up’s problem)
Moving can be a strenuous ordeal both physically and psychologically and I look forward to speaking with you about your upcoming relocation requirements in order to prepare for you an accurate professional quote for your move. Your move is as individual as you are and I would prefer to customize your estimate.
White Glove Moving & Storage is one of the largest full service professional household goods moving company in the United States. Our worldwide national Headquarters are in Bayonne, NJ and we are fully licensed Intrastate and Interstate Movers with a large fleet of state of the art trucks and professional well trained team units.
For over 17 years White Glove has been moving thousands of great people and families like you and yours along with NFL, MLB, celebrities, military and embassy families from coast to coast 7 days a week 24 hours a day. But ya know what? The most important move that we conduct is your move and it is an honor to earn your business and your move..
Essential Moving Tips:
1.) Reputable Moving Companies - Versus - Moving brokers?
Moving brokers are those that act as a middle man between customers and moving companies. They often front companies with bad records and many complaints that cannot solicit their services any more. Simply, brokers have a few trucks if any and they will usually quote a low price in order to suck you in.
2.) Check all moving companies only at government operated web sites:
Two easy steps to check a company:
1. Click the following link: safersys.org go to FMCSA Searches under Company Snapshot.
2. Enter the Legal name, USDOT#, or MC# of a moving company and press ‘Search’.
The information you are most interested is the Number of ‘power units’ (trucks) and the number of drivers. A simple way to identify moving brokers! Typically they have one or two ‘power units’ (trucks) and few if any drivers. Also check to see whether they have any interstate mileage (MCS150)(a tell tale sign).
3.) What are the official recommendations regarding charging a move?
According to the American Motor Safety Association, (AMSA) of which we are long standing members, the only price a Long distance move is by weight. Local Moves on the other hand are charged by the time that it takes.
Charging by cubic feet is illegal, and companies using this procedure are being investigated. Volume estimates are subjective. Some companies, typically moving brokers, will charge based on the volume of your goods and the driver will load the truck in order to maximize your volume (This is a scam – Don’t get caught!)
December 20th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
MovingScam.Info
February 11th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
The b**S that white glove saying about cubic feet is simply B***S because as a mover you can set up your tariff to be based on weight or cubic feet or both. now if you choose to go with a company that provide a cubic feet estimate it is good if you list exactly the items that you are moving and by that you should receive a binding estimate and beside that you can super vice the loading process and you can tell if the mover are maximizing your shipment and by the time the movers are done you now exactly how much you are paying unlike the weight you will be waiting for a call telling you oh we thought it will be this amount but oops now it is more and you do not know if they weigh your shipment or the whole warehouse so as a consumer you should do your home work and search for the BBB record of each company and see if they are members of AMSA and be honest about what you are moving, avoid companies who tells lies and trashing other companies because they should earn your business by giving you the best price and service and not by trashing others, customers be smart and do your home work before choosing movers.
February 11th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
I had a great experience with White Glove when I moved from New York City to fort lee NJ in the beginning of February 2009. The estimator who came to my apartment was extremely nice and very professional. On the day of the move, the crew showed up right on time and said that the estimate was correct. They finished the packing that I hadn’t done, loaded the truck much faster than I expected, and moved me in to my new place in New Jersey. They were all professional, courteous, and friendly. They did a great job, and I highly recommend this company.
February 24th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I recently moved with Green Van Lines and my move was amazing. They were fast efficent and very professional. I was more then satisfied with their packing and moving capabilities. I ended up not having enough time to pack all of my inventory and had a few extra items, they packed and wrapped these items perfectly loaded them on the truck and cleaned up everything. When they arrived at my home they unloaded everything put it where it belonged and even helped take some items to a local donation drop off. I am 1000% satisfied with this company and recommened them to anyone looking for a professional and personable company that does’nt only offer great service but all with a eco friendly touch! I love the GREEN aspect! Spread this companies name They are Fantastic and we all really need to use them!
March 19th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
I recently moved with White Glove and would like to worn everyone about this company. They are an absolute SCAM !!!! Please be careful with this company. I will never use it again and will also pass this warnings to all my clients.
April 13th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Does anyone else SMELL a HUGE RAT here…. or is it just me? No smoke where there isn’t a fire friends ————- beware!
June 8th, 2009 at 6:13 am
White Glove pulled a similar thing with us. While I was out of state for our move, White Glove guaranteed a .40 per pound price. Based upon my experience of moving the same articles three times in as many years, the total weight would not have been more than 8,000 pounds or $3,200. When they came to remove our belongings, the driver concvinced my wife that the load would be more than 13,000 pounds and pressured her into signing a contract for a flat fee of $5,200. (They were suppose to take the truck to a weigh-station and provide the weight certificate before payment) Shop around, there are plenty of other movers out there.