My relationship with Master Movers is extensive, nuanced & complex. I hope that you will see my effort to be honest, clear, fair & genuine.
CONTEXT
While going through a horrible divorce, I needed to move my belongings from my home before my then-husband (who was Deputy Attorney General) stopped me. In that moment, Master Movers saved the day.
At the time, life was chaotic (2009 financial crisis, prolonged divorce, stolen bank accounts, rising rents in Portland, etc...) I moved multiple times in 3 years. Again...Master Movers really stepped up and did an amazing job. They were:
1. On time
2. Reliable
3. Fast
4. Helpful
5. Cautious
6. Discreet
7. Responsive
For many reasons, my living situation changed (on average every 12 - 14 months). Given my early positive experiences, I never hesitated to contact Master Movers. Sarah, the Office Manager (and all around groove dog) was ALWAYS there for me. She was one of the few people I could rely on....
I began to have serious concerns when I used them for a move in 2015. I had everything packed (unlike some previous moves), the distance was about 2.4 miles, the move was 1st floor to 1st floor, I promised the movers generous cash tips if they stayed on task, I had all entrances open at new location for movers, etc. Basically, I did everything possible to make the move fast, easy & simple. Tragically, the movers, for whatever reason, couldn't complete a move (of a 1 bedroom apartment) in under 6 hours. It was discouraging, but I wrote it off as an anomaly.
Fast forward 3 years when I decided to flee Portland. I made a rash decision by selecting a Self-Storage facility to store my belongings (and in retrospect it wasn't safe, secured, monitored by cameras, well-staffed, etc....) so I paid Master Movers for that initial move to this storage unit.
Tragically, after reporting repeated security violations to the Self-Storage facility (and being denied insurance), I knew that I had made a rash decision & needed to once again move my belongings to a safer storage facility.
I called Master Movers & they informed me that THEY had secure, safe, climate controlled storage! WOW! I was thrilled.... Made the appointment, met the movers, assisted with labeling of boxes, bought them lunch, etc... and assumed it would take AT MOST 3 hours to move my belongings (WHICH WERE ALREADY BOXED, LABELED & ORGANIZED) down to the truck and move it 3/4 of a mile!
IT TOOK THE MOVERS OVER 8 HOURS! NOT ONLY THAT THEY BROKE MY BELOVED RETRO COFFEE TABLE. And, when the movers FINALLY got my belongings to the so-called SAFE, SECURE, WEATHER-SAFE location, I saw that there was nothing!
Not only that, they arbitrarily charged me for boxes that I didn't need ($185.00 or more). The owner of Master Movers was at the location (which was promised to provide me safe, easy access to my belongings) drops another bomb shell that my belongings needed more space than planned. GREAT! How much more money do you want? Then, he denies that his mover had broken one of my beloved pieces of furniture. Then i learn that I cannot access my belongings when I may want or need.
OH! It gets better! I find out, of course, after my belongings are there, that it is going to cost me $200.00/month for storage that isn't weather resistant & that I will have to schedule a time to access my belongings up to one month in advance!
At this point, I am SO angry! I have helped this business owner make AT LEAST $10,000.00 in the last 8 years! He knew who I was. He knew what a loyal customer I had been. He knew that I frequently called the mover's parole officer's (that Chris, the owner, hired) to help them out. He knew how generous I was with tips, food, lunch, recommendations, etc. and YET. And, YET he refuses to even compensate me for the moving boxes.
So, thanks for reading...if you've gotten this far. All I can say is that I feel betrayed, taken advantage of, used, exploited & disrespected.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Hold movers & company accountable.
2. Chris, stop being arrogant (or consider selling the company)
3. Give Sarah a raise or she will go elsewhere
4. Treat people with kindness rather than as ATM's (that message is for Chris) read more