DMI Movers Bait and Switch Simi Valley California

Earlier this year I contacted DMI about moving some of my apartment contents to Florida. The final binding estimate was 2000 lbs at .55 per pounds. Contents were to be weighed and any overage would be charged at the same rate. I paid $125 or 10% of the estimated cost of upfront. On May 30th the company truck arrives to pick up the items.

Originally I was going to transport two heavy business desks, five bookcases, chest of drawers, couch, cat tower, business chair and other light items plus 20 boxes. On pick up day, I eliminated both desks, chest of drawers and all but one large bookcase and two small bookcases because of their weight. I did add boxes to the mix figuring that weight I eliminated would offset the additional boxes.

After loading the truck, the driver came informed me the load was overweight but that he was a good estimator and would make a deal for me. I could either follow him to the scales or he could make a new offer.  The new total for services was $2600! Two and 1/2 times the original estimate for a 1BR apartment!  He stated after everything was loaded that he would need $1000 down leaving $1600 at delivery. Under the duress of the day with little sleep the previous days in the heat of the moment I gave him a check for the $1000. 

I told him I didn't have that kind of money and that it far exceeded my budget and wouldn't have any money for the apartment I was going to rent in Florida. I said I would need to have the one month free storage that came with the deal to figure out something. He replied I would have to take the money issue up with the company.

On June 9 in Florida I get a call from a driver who stated he would be dropping off the shipment late Sunday afternoon. I informed him that I did not have the money yet and would need to use my free storage offer. I then was informed that they have no free storage in Florida and that I would be charged additional storage and $500-600 for redelivery!

In looking back at this experience. The company never informed me free storage only applied to California, they did not base their added cost on actual weighing of the load, a classic bait and switch taking advantage of a tired senior. DMI is more concerned about the money than customer service. Now I may lose irreplaceble keepsakes and papers because of this company's dubious practices!