Public Storage agent insisted me to come by early in the week to sign paperwork. I figured why not. Went there expecting one thing, and came out with another! The lady (works as a fill-in there, not permanent staff) kept upselling me on everything like a sales person. She stated I had to buy their $21 lock, (even though I had the same lock from my previous Public Storage move). She said I need to secure the storage now, but there were other storages with different locks! Then she said I had to get insurance from them, and afterwards suggested wrapping paper and other supplies. I kept saying no, no, no..I'm here for storage only. Then she pulled out paperwork to sign, I stopped to question her why I NEED to use their insurance if I have USAA to cover..she was beating around the bush and wasn't giving me a straight answer...but she eventually said I can use USAA and refuse theirs. When I was reading the contract, I asked her the proration rate on my move date. She stated my lease/charge starts today. I told her I'm not in a hurry to sign my lease, and I can come back another day. I ONLY came by to sign the lease, because they strongly suggested it. I told her if I'm gonna pay for storage now and not use it, I might as well come the day before or day of the move. She tried to pull "it's a temporary deal, won't last" crap. I immediately started losing trust in her and I didn't want to proceed on with the contract. However, she already swiped my credit card and told me I can't get my refund on the insurance or proration now. Mind you, I didn't even sign the contract yet, we were only a couple pages in. I told her why such a hurry, because I only live 5 minutes (2.5 miles) from the storage place. I don't see why I can't come back later!
She said I can't give you a refund, sorry. I was so livid and told her to call the manager. She did, but it was like pulling teeth. She blurted, "you're the only person that's ever done this." After going back and forth on the phone, the district manager agreed to refund my insurance and proration. I wanted to tell her I'll come back with my lock too and save $21, but I felt so guilty already and it'll just exacerbate the problem/mess. I signed the damn contract, while she tried to make small talk about her personal life. At this point, I have no interest in listening to her, and honestly it's inappropriate timing at this point. Then she asked if I have a credit card available to setup automatic payments... that lady is so shady and phony, I would NOT trust her with any of my credit card information! I said, NO!
I spent over an hour there, and I just want to get out of that place. I felt like she "bended" the truth to up-sell me. She must get paid to up-sell storage and supplies, or else she wouldn't be this aggressive. Oddly enough, I walked out of there feeling SCAMMED...lol right? ...at a storage unit place?! Lol
In the beginning I was thinking she's just trying to do her job and let me know of the offers...but after a while, it just got weird. I questioned her statements and she fumbles/fidgets, it was just bizarre. The whole experience was just odd. I kept thinking 'what's in it for you?'
Absolutely terrible. Stay away from that place! I was so bothered by her that I called/left a voice message on the district manager's phone. At this point it's not just about the money, it's about the principal!
Some mindless to-do list/task today turned to be anything but that! I mean come on, be straight forward...because that's the first thing that can lose a customer's trust towards a company. read more
