Author: glac1313
Subject: Can I win a claim for overcharging on packing material?
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 7:47 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

Last month I had a local move in California. The total distance was around 10 miles. We got a GNTE estimate for labor, and informed the estimator that we would be doing our own packing.

On the day of the move, the movers came and loaded up our furniture, mostly using blankets. However, for a few items (bookcase, television stand, coffee table, end table), they packaged them using plastic wrap, cardboard, and tape. I was in the house the entire time the movers were there, and they did not inform me of any charges related to this packing.

Once we arrived at the destination, before unloading, the movers showed me the bill, which included $600 of packing charges for the “crating” of the above 4 items (the total bill was around $1200). I told him that we had never agreed to that charge, but he required me to pay the full amount to continue unloading. Those charges were out of control – they charged $200 to pack an Ikea bookcase that retails for $120! If I had known of the packing charge, I would have just moved it myself. I paid by credit card intending to dispute it.

Since then I have filed a claim with Anthem Claim Management, where I requested a refund of the $600 in packing charges. They responded and offered $300. Does it sound like I have a case I could take to small claims court to recover the full $600, or should I just take the settlement.

Thanks,

Ed