Esquire could not complete the job
A quick response was received on a Sunday for an unexpected Iast minute move the following day. Since the quote was comparable, reviews were positive, and research was favorable, Esquire was hired at their cash rate of $115.00 per hour and not the additional 4% credit card fee added to the invoice totals. The move was to transfer boxes and some furniture from 6-7 rooms to the basement so flooring could be replaced. I offered to send Yuri pictures so he could see the quantity and type of items to be moved, but I was told that with their extensive experience being a "Certified" New England mover it wasn't necessary. I also relayed that the contractor offered to help, but Yuri told me that, due to liability concerns of broken items and blame, that they would prefer to move everything themselves and the move would take only 2 hours by 2 movers. The movers arrived 2 hours after the agreed upon noon start time (during normal lunch hours). They were coming 1/2 hour away from Framingham to Worcester, but I was charged an hour and a half of travel time at the beginning of the job and the end. They also could not complete the job because an empty china cabinet, in my family for generations, was too heavy. If I was moving to another residence or state I would have had to leave it. When I asked if the removable cabinet top and drawers were separated could it then be brought down the 1 flight of stairs. That was denied due to weight, without an attempt to see if they could even lift each piece. There was also a very heavy island and when I asked if that could be broken down into pieces and moved down the 1 flight of stairs Yuri told me they COULD do that (but my contractor actually brought all pieces down himself). When I asked if a third mover was in the area could they come assist the 2 piece cabinet move down the 12 steps, I was told I would have to pay that third salary, additional travel time, plus extra time for the movers already there. All problem solving suggestions were from me and not 1 idea from Esquire. Unfortunate since there are at least 6 more jobs from me alone between now (July 2024) and next year. Naturally, no one should ever be in harm's way and liability should always be taken into consideration. These are all reasonable business practices. However, if I was authorizing assistance to keep a precious family heirloom, including the offer to sign a waiver, that option should be available. With extensive expertise I would have thought alternatives could have been considered. As a newly disabled recent double amputee with no legs I was completely dependant on professionals who over-inflated travel time, couldn't complete the job they were hired for, offered no suggestions on how to tackle issues, and were completely satisfied leaving behind beloved heirlooms with family memories and history attached to them. All for over $500.00. If you have family heirlooms or items you cherish and would like to keep then I strongly recommend hiring someone else.
By Alyssa