Mike in Toronto

I hired Ultimate Movers for a simple 1 bedroom apt move. Here are a few things that happened because of this: -as I was asking one of the movers a question in the lobby of my building, he interrupted me to hit on a tenant who emerged from the elevator. -as they moved an elevator load of items downstairs, they left boxes and my furniture strewn about the apartment hallway – not in the vicinity of the elevator, in the hallway, obstructing my neighbour's doorways. -as my elevator booking time was running out, I calmly let them know. This did nothing to speed things up, so while they were taking their time downstairs I had to drag many of my items to the elevator just to ensure keeping things on schedule. Keep in mind this was a one-bedroom apartment’s worth of items. -I was telling the movers that I was going ahead to the destination address while they packed the last of my items on the truck. As I was saying this, one guy casually tossed his wheelie-cart down, and it smacked against my TV, which was resting on a chair. I just stared at him, and he just smiled politely and seemed completely unaware that he did it. No damage was done, and he didn’t mean to do it, but it was a weird, cartoonish moment in this already surreal day. While not great, these are all kind of minor gripes that I was kind of expecting to face on moving day. However, I was unprepared with the lack of professionalism that was to follow. After completing the move, and giving the movers a tip which they happily accepted, I noticed they smashed a wheel on my computer desk. Not only had they smashed it, but they lamely stuck some packing tape to hold it in place. Basically, acknowledging that they were aware of this and didn’t tell me. I didn’t worry since I paid extra to insure said item. When I informed the office there was a little back and forth to work out the details, but I consistently had to prompt to hear a response. At one point I waited a few days to hear back, and when I finally wrote to see what was up, they actually wrote back and said, “I was just about to email you” (not very convincing). I eventually asked if I could be reimbursed, to which I was informed that I needed to provide a receipt for monetary compensation. I’m sure this is listed in small print on the contract, but my fine-toothed comb was still packed away, so I didn’t see it. So if you’re having something insured, please HAVE A RECEIPT AVAILABLE. Did you get that chair at a garage sale? Get a receipt. Inherited that antique table from your great grandmother? GET A RECEIPT. I didn’t have a receipt available, so they kindly offered to replace the item with a reasonable facsimile. I accepted the offer and inquired if the replacement item would be in “new” condition, or “used”. I didn’t hear back. I’ve waited almost 3 months and haven’t heard back. Please keep in mind that this is a claim that I filed with the company, numbered and ordered which they neglected to deal with FOR ALMOST THREE MONTHS. Anyway, damaging my property, not ‘fessing up to it, and avoiding honouring insurance is what I’ve dealt with in my dealings with this company. I’m sick of it and I’m putting it behind me with this review. It’s your call, but I’d advise paying a little more and going with more qualified moving professionals. -Written at a sad computer desk that’s propped up with a stack of books *Also, here’s a special note in case a representative wishes to respond: I’ve noticed that while responding to some of the reviews on this site you’ve included the reviewing client’s surname, despite the fact that it’s not listed in their profile. I’m going to respectfully ask that you refrain from such behaviour, should you choose to respond to this review. Thanks.