Empire Moving Group LLC

Empire Moving Grp subcontracted mover comp. which was illegally forcing me to sign illegitimate doc & not provided service as Binding Quote indicated

I signed moving contract with Empire Moving Group to have my stuffs move out on 03/06/2020. On that day, to my surprise the mover was from a subcontracted of Empire Moving Group came and demanded more monies for not able to park his truck in the loading dock of the building where my apartment was, Neither Empire Moving nor its subcontracted Mover have never contacted my building Management Office for their moving trucks requirements as I have indicated to Empire M. G they must make sure to clear with the truck size requirement for loading dock.

The driver/mover was unable to park his moving truck to the building loading dock for its extended height. He was so furious and unprofessional, cursing me out for their unprepared procedures. He demanded that I must pay $400 for him to park on the street curb and moving the stuffs from elevator to his moving truck. He asked me to sign the pick up documents, however, when I reviewed the documents provided. There were all Blank, there's No Binding Quote figure, No deposit amount of $1,090 which I paid thru my Citibank and No remaining balance when drop off. I asked him to have all clearly written down for me so I can sign those documents. He called the Empire Moving Group and turned around told me that he won't have anything written down and if I don't sign them then he will not do my movings!! He cursed me in between conversations. Meanwhile, I called Empire Moving Group and NO ONE would speak with me to help me with the problems that I was having with this unprofessional driver who Empire Moving Group has sent to me. I left numerous messages to the owner I believe Mr. Jeff Rice and Craig whom I have contacted with prior to all this Surprise problems happened.

The drive after almost 3 and half hours pressured and cursed me in and out left my apartment without doing the moving for the reason that I was not signing the Blank documents that he pressured me to sign. He said if I don't sign then he won't move the stuffs and will loss my deposit and it's my loss so better sign them!!

I firmly told him that I will not sign any documents which are not clearly indicated what I owe as remaining balance because I do not want my stuffs be hold Hostage when time come for drop off my moving stuffs in New York since many victims were falling into that scrams. I left without doing any moving!!

I wanted Empire Moving Group refund my deposit in the amount of $1.090 immediately for its reckless of subcontracted unprofessionals and deficient subcontracting movers in the moving business which caused me of loss time and created tremendous stress to me with my moving matter.

After more than 2 weeks from 03/06/2020. Empire Moving Group had not have the courtesy to contact me to address its problems and refund my deposit.

I am asking BBB to assist me to have Empire Moving Group refund my deposit immediately for the reason that its mover tried to scam me and not provided the service as the Binding Contract I signed with it.

RUN RUN RUN AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY.

DON'T BE A VICTIM OF SCAMER !!

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3600

Alex gave me a cost estimate of $2,000 to move my studio apartment from NJ to FL in March. However when the mover showed up my apartment he charged me $1,000 extra and did not even take all my stuff, (which was detailed in my estimate). They are not honest with their estimate prices. I was charged $3,000 dollars in the end. I don't fault the hispanic men who wrapped/carried my items, they did a good job, but I do fault the guy in charge of picking up my order in NJ and the salesman who quoted me an incorrect lower price in the first place. Let the buyer beware.I would not use them again.

Move size: Studio Service cost: $3000

I worked with Empire Moving Company on a long-distance move from Northern New Jersey to Palm Beach County and was very impressed with their level of professionalism and efficiency. I had a 5 bedroom house, with quite a few larger pieces of furniture that I was concerned would cost a fortune to move and could potentially be damaged in the process - however that was not the case. I used their full line of services to have the entire house packed, loaded onto the truck and shipped. Not only did everything arrive in tact, it was within the price point I was initially quoted. I would absolutely rely on their services again, and would happily recommend them to a friend.

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $7500

This company is amazing! After being canceled from another moving company the day before we were supposed to move we called Empire moving group to help us with a days notice. You were in expecting to have a lot of luck finding somebody to come the next day but Billy got us moving and booked us for literally the next morning! They came with a very knowledgeable and efficient team that went straight to work and helped us in every way possible. We went from a moving nightmare to the perfect moving dream! Billy was great in getting us the truck with the appropriate pricing and Cesar our mover was great with his team having all hands on deck taking boxes out from nearly as soon as he stepped into our house. Would definitely recommend 10 out of 10.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $1000

Firstly, I found out about this company through some research and I chose Empire because of the ratings and verification it has. I immensely regret this decision as the quality and service for 75% of move was terrible, especially for the price I paid. I had many other companies with lower prices for the same inventory list, but as a firm believer in the importance of a quality move, I decided to pay extra money thinking that it would ensure better service.

1. Empire changed my move date without asking me and communicated the info to me 2 days before my scheduled move. I do not know of another company that states the customer has to change the move date based on the moving company, rather than the other way around. If I can not make a simple decision as a moving date after paying almost $10,000, I do not know what other decisions Empire would even account my input in.

2. The most expensive and valuable item in my inventory is my baby grand piano. It has been a family item that is high in value and meaning. Empire stated that I needed a third party company to separately "disassembly and safely package the piano as it is such a valuable item". This cost me another $1000 SEPARATE from the service cost to empire PLUS AN ADDITIONAL $300 bulky item fee. I spent that money to safely guard my piano in transit and delivery.

HOWEVER, the "safe packaging" that I spent an addition $1,400 on somehow "moved" during transit, causing detrimental scratches and dents to my valuable instrument. Aside from the actual product damage, the process to even FILE a claim is draining and so inconsiderate to the customer (if you follow the link to filing a claim and initiate the process, you'll see).

3. Following my recognition of the damaged piano upon the delivery, the movers did not even give me a chance to take a proper picture of the damage and continued to push me away by saying "just file a claim". I cannot file a claim without a PROPER PICTURE. I am almost entirely sure Empire or whoever is reviewing the claim will say they will not offer us any compensation simply due to the quality of the picture (as I took it while the movers continued to move the piano without my permission).

4. I am not entirely sure who I even need to criticize for this move because so many different companies were involved. The movers team, provided by US Movers Inc., were cursing and fighting within each other. I was genuinely worried and scared that they would fight in front of my family. One of the workers was not listening to who seemed like the leader of the team and continued to point fingers and say "You better calm down", in addition to cursing.

I will stop here as I cannot even begin to explain the other issues I had for my move on this review. If you have read this, DO NOT sign with Empire. They will tell you when you call for a quote that they're verified, good rating, etc. and that of course they have a bad review here and there. Listen to that bad review, because I was in your place 3 weeks ago and am now in a completely different place.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $9644

I’m currently going through the process of getting a refund from this company via legal channels. They charged me a deposit of $900+, scheduled the wrong date with the third party company, NEVER showed up, gave me the run arounds about actually servicing my move or a refund until I told them I would start recording the conversation- I was then told I could request a refund from my bank because they wouldn’t be able to service my move. The good thing is I recorded the conversation and had it transcribed for my bank so that they can properly investigate and issue a refund. This company, even after listening to the audio said “our CSR said you could call for a refund because we can’t stop you but that doesn’t mean you’re entitled” he completely skipped over the fact that the CSR literally told me they would not be providing me with the services I paid for. I’ve done some research and learned that I’m only one of MANY who have been scammed by empire moving company, just do your research. They will overcharge, never show up but charge you, or your property will be damaged upon arrival. I felt so hopeless after having to last minute hire a moving company during a pandemic due to this company’s in professionalism and utter disregard to fulfilling their end of the contract. DO NOT go with this company.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3000

THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM. I was given a quote by Jeff Rice who, I went over every single item, even measurements with him and receive an estimate/price. I specifically asked him about hidden fees and he stated that there are none. I did a quality assurance check with a Suzi, I added items and was charge $600 which I was okay with, she told me to get a check or money order for half of my balance and that I would pay the other half at drop off, so I purchase $917.50 money orders. HERE IS WHEN IT WENT SOUTH. On pick up 2 men and a female came in a Penseke truck. One male stepped foot in my home,had me sign paper work then said okay its going to be $900 more (revised estimate). NOT ONE item changed from the quality assurance call 2 days prior with Suzi. When I would not sign the paper, asking for clarity he become upset and called his supervisor. I tried to get Jeff on the phone who had told me he would be available through this process LIE. Danielle who claimed to be Jeff's supervisor tried to get me to agree to sign the paper stating that the price would now be $4300, she stated that I had an attitude and was very rude with me. During that time the mover turned to me and said "get another company, I am not doing it" and ripped up my paperwork". Danielle proceeded to poorly explain why the price increased, claiming that the movers may put my belongings in the truck and there would be not need for an price change but that I needed to sign off on the revised estimate first. THAT SOUNDS RIDICULOUS, She then stated well your money is nonrefundable. HOWEVER, I did not refuse the service, I refused to sign the paperwork without a clear explanation. The mover actually walked out and left while I was on the phone with Danielle. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. I DON'T CARE HOW LONG I TAKES I WILL BE SEEKING MY REFUND LEGALLY.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $4350

This is a broker moving company that will take your money and then deal with you so rudely and your stuff will be delivered at some convoluted timeline which is not even in the contract. All you can do is first speak to the sales person- perfection- once you are booked- the nightmare begins- rude, condescending behaviors and answers like-"I don't know where your stuff is" or I can't answer or I can't contact the transporter. If you use this company- be sure you have a huge amount of tolerance, patience and be willing to get an attorney. I am so frustrated and this has been the worst and nightmarish experience that I would warn every single person from using this company. Additionally, the quote will go up about 3 times before they pick your stuff. This is the experience of someone who ended up paying $16,000 and I still don't have my stuff. You do the math. I could have done business class flights back and done two trucks by now in 1/3rd the cost. This is Empire white glove for you. The packers already broke stuff while they were packing in front of my eyes.

Move size: 4 Bedroom Home Service cost: $16134