Everything was picked up from our house on 16th October for delivery on 24th October. Total volume of the goods was definitely more than what was agreed so we mutually agreed extra amount and 1-2 weeks of delay in getting rest of the stuff including our plants. 1st lot was delivered seamlessly and we were happy how they took care of our stuff and the large TV that didn't have proper packaging. At the time of first delivery, we paid agreed amount for standard quote and extra that was not including in our quote request.
Second lot was planned to be delivered on 2nd November and we were expecting full delivery as no prior communication suggested otherwise but when the goods arrived, owner of the company told us they didn't bring our plants and paintings as there wasn't enough space in the truck. He told us not to worry as they have weekly trips to South Island. This is where the issues related to communication started, I have messaged him almost every week regarding an ETA, only to be told that they will let us know when they are able to come. When I asked for an explanation why it is taking too long, he started blaming us for not providing volume details at the pickup and how they are helping us and how we don't know how the freight industry works. I have been working in freight industry for over 15 years so I know how they cannot justify a 2 month lead time for transit between Wanganui to Christchurch.
Final lot of good arrived to us exactly 2 months after they were picked up and even after numerous messages from the owner assuring us that plants have been well taken care of, 70% of them arrived dead and when I asked for explanation, I was told that this is due to the 24 hour transit time which is untrue as we have previously moved couple of times with these plants and had no issues.
They really need to work on their communication as we could have used another mean of transport if they told us they are unable to move plants or cannot deliver some of the goods until December.
Response from Budjett Movers
Dear Ankit,
We will try to keep this reply brief to help you understand how your move could have been better organised and planned.
1) Information should have been shared with us before your move that a 30-35 cubic metre truck would be required, instead of listing items individually on Wise Move, since it was a full house move. You missed listing 30-40% of your belongings on Wise Move and quoted for 22 cubic metres of individual space inside a truck.
As an experienced individual who has moved several times in the past, you should have provided us with this information accurately to avoid these hassles.
2) We did not promise immediate delivery of your additional belongings; expecting us to immediately attend to your unmentioned additional belongings, setting aside our planned trips for other families, would be an unrealistic expectation. We agreed to transport your valuables safely on our weekly trips at our convenience.
3) Your plants were stored and watered periodically by us. You were provided with images of the plants just a few weeks before we could transport them. They were fine and healthy in the images and while being loaded onto the truck. This matter is beyond our control.
Planning with a clear understanding of the exact space required for your inventory would have been convenient for both you and us.
We hope this information assists you in your future moves. The truck you will require now for your future move should be between 30-34 cubic metres.
Kind regards.