Coffey Bros. Moving

tl;dr: Coffey Bros started a move today, mid-move said they didn’t have payment info (which was untrue), then stopped working and ran up the clock to the tune of $800 in added costs while they waited for me to respond to an email they sent four hours into the move saying they were missing payment info. They refused to unload our belongings until we made instantaneous payment— but every few minutes the amount increased by large sums. The longer version: I’m the president of a homeowner’s association, and one unit was having work done as a result of flooding damage the association was financially responsible for. In order to complete the work, everything in the unit needed to temporarily go into storage. We contacted Coffey Bros to schedule the move, they provided a quote, and we worked with insurance to make sue the quote would be approved as part of the claim. I called on Monday to make the initial deposit via our association debit card with Cristian. While on the phone, I asked if he needed anything else for the balance due on the day of the move, and he confirmed that they could simply charge the same debit card on the day of the move, that nothing else would be needed. I made sure he had both my phone number and email address on file before hanging up. Today apparently they arrived at 9:30 to start the move. They packed up all the belongings and drove to the storage unit. At 1:17, they emailed me and said they had “been trying to reach me” regarding billing and that I should call the office “at my earliest convenience.” It is unclear what they meant by “trying to reach me,” as they did not call me at all since the day I made the deposit, nor did they send any emails. Apparently at the same time, the resident was at the storage unit signing paperwork for the unit, and the first he learned of any payment issue was when he came back outside from signing paperwork and found the crew sitting around, at about 1:15, right around when they emailed me. I work in a school, and my job does not allow the flexibility to constantly monitor email nor instantaneously return phonecalls. Nevertheless, I called the dispatch team back at 1:41— not even 25 minutes later— and I was told they were busy and would need to return my call, so I responded to the email to provide my phone number and to also verify that I had completed the online credit card authorization form. At 1:54, Taylor called me back and said I had to make immediate payment and we were already being charged two hours extra for keeping them waiting— $700 above the $2200 initially quoted— but only 26 minutes lapsed from when they first attempted to contact me and when I responded to them, and they had only arrived at the job 4.5 hours prior. Taylor then added on there was no way for them to charge the debit card they had on file because it wasn’t physically there with them, so we’d have to use Zelle instead. I explained that I did not have access to our Zelle account and asked if they could start the unload while I contacted the treasurer (the only one with access to Zelle), but he said they absolutely couldn’t start unloading at the storage unit without the money. It took me about 20 minutes for our treasurer to be available, by which point they said we owed an extra $100, and every minute we delayed payment would add onto the expense— even though she was trying to clarify with them why we couldn’t send the $2200 initially quoted as a good faith gesture while we sorted this out. Taylor hung up on the treasurer because he said he had another call coming in, and he waited to send her the Zelle information until after he was off the second call, adding MORE time to the clock. They also told the resident at the unit that they’d call the police for theft of services and confiscate all of his belongings if we didn’t respond immediately. The worst part: The moving crew told the resident while they were waiting around that the company did this to people all the time— a crew would load up the truck and then the dispatcher would tell them they couldn’t unload, all while making no attempt to communicate that they were missing payment info. I communicated clearly to Cristian that we were in unique circumstances with our move, where the person receiving the services would not be the one paying. I made every attempt to clarify in advance what was needed in regards to payment to ensure there would be no issues, and I was intentionally misled. I understand the contract outlined they would do this if we did not pay, but Cristian told me several days before the move that we had done everything needed for payment, and I took him at his word. Update 12/18/22: Shortly after posting this, I filed a claim with the BBB and the IL Attorney General's Consumer Complaints division, and our treasurer contacted Coffey Bros to file a claim. Coffey Bros declined to process a claim with us directly while we had an outstanding claim through BBB, so we went back and forth for a few weeks through BBB and were not able to reach a resolution. The IL Attorney General's Office then reached out in late November and referred our claim to the Illinois Commerce Commission. When we reached back out to Coffey Brothers with the IL Commerce Commission CC'ed, they quickly agreed to review the GPS data and provide a refund for the hourly amount we were initially overcharged as well as for a separate mistaken charge (not mentioned above).

I hired Coffey Bros for our move on January 10,2022. While at the public storage location to pack some of the belongings on to the moving the driver exited the truck without putting it in park and hit the rear end of my car and damaged the bumper. Company filled out initial damage report that day citing the damages they cause. I also filled out damage report and photos were provided to Coffey Bros. Since no injuries and the movers were hired for our move that day the police were not contacted. We hired them for a specific amount of time and the crew leader expressed concern if we delayed movers working while waiting for the police to write up a report. He assured me that if I fill out the forms and follow process the company would take care of the repairs After no contact for about a week I reached out to the claims manager. I also had and estimate from a body shop and provided it to Coffey Bros as well on1/21/22. The estimate from the body shop was $1078.21. The claims manager stated he wanted to inspect damage himself, but only complained that our home and places of work were too far for him. He never made any further attempt to try and see the damages for himself in person. He never asked for me to schedule at time to come to his office and never asked to schedule a time to come to my home. He now claims I never allowed him to inspect it. That's false, he didn't want to go to where the car was to inspect it. No attempt to schedule a time to review was ever made by Coffey Bros. On Feb 10, 2022 the claims manager Gary K sent forms offering $150 for the damages if I sign a nondisclosure agreement releasing them of all liability. I rejected the offer given the estimate amount. of over $1000. On morning of Feb 11,2022 claims manager sent email stating they are rescinding the $150 offer and Coffey Bros have no liability for the damages they caused. I have requested the auto insurance co and policy multiple times, which has been ignored. I have now filed a delay car accident report with the Hoffman Estates police department and had a second estimate for the damages (that shop estimate is $758.83). I have informed claims manager of the second estimate and that a police report was filed. He has not acknowledged either and still refuses to pay to have my car repaired. Given their dishonest and unethical handling of damage to my car I would discourage anyone from using their services. If they won’t own up to damage to hitting someone car and have no respect for anyone’s personal property image how they will handle your furniture and care not to damage your home or new home you are moving into. A terrible company that won’t take responsiblity for damage their employees cause.

One of the worst experiences. We agreed based on my manifest of items that I would need 4 movers. They come with 3.... so it takes significantly longer and thus more expensive. They damaged my trees backing into my driveway. They damaged my furniture and it took several days to realize this because they tried to hide it instead of being frank about the damage. That's inexcusable. We told them what rooms items belonged and they basically put anything wherever they felt even though everything was clearly labeled. They damaged my wooden floors in both of my houses even though I explicitly asked them to bring matting to make sure this wouldn't happen like other movers would. They damaged my stairs, they damaged my tenant's furniture. They slide the furniture around instead of lifting causing this damage. Then to top it off, they had the audacity to call me after I paid significantly more than the quote to ask for more money. When I relented and let them charge more, they charged even more than we agreed on and never gave me a receipt. They charged me for their lunch break (even though I paid for their lunch). Never use these people

Never, ever, ever hire these awful people. I am over 70, and I paid for a move in June of 2021. They demanded a tip as they walked in the door; they used a delicate duvet to wrap a clock, ripping it, and they damaged the clock itself. They did not take everything, saying the truck was full. They mishandled the plants. They broke dishes. They left random things behind-- a mattress, the screws for the bed frame. They managed to break the door hinges on the apartment. They took two hours to drive from Hyde Park to Evanston. All of this was forgivable and even understandable. and I was not upset. Yet. But the worse of all was that they arrived at my new place, and made me sign for the delivery, and told me that the tip had to be off-book. They promised to take my things inside and place them where they were supposed to be and said it would take two hours. But what they did was to offload the truck, and when I was not looking, they drove off! They left all my things, and me, 71 years old, in the dark, on the street. It was terrifying. I had been understanding all day. But at that point. I was quite upset. I called the police (the street was blocked.) and they took pity on me and some nice off-duty policemen help me take everything inside so it would be safe. The next morning, I called and called. No one answered my complaints. I spent the next two days, calling and begging for some resolution and a refund. My children called and were told they would "look into it," but then they never did. "Looking into it" seemed to be making ad hominem attacks on me because I was angry. I thought at least they would replace or repair the things they broke in the move. I had insured the move for 30K. I filled out the forms, took pictures of the damages, took a picture of the police record of the fraud, notified the Attorney General. Still nothing. They told me they would not pay for damages either. The company? They told me that the problem was that I swore at them and "was hysterical." This is nonsense, and it is sexist to boot. Indeed, I did swear at them, when I was left in the middle of the street at night alone. Indeed, I was angry as can be when they refused to refund my money or pay for damages. Indeed. But I had a contract, and they not only violated it, but they also endangered me. And the contract has to be honored, especially when one party is upset. These people are dangerous. No one should ever use them. It was far more than the worst moving experience, it was one of the meanest and most cynical commercial encounters of any kind. If there were negative stars, I would give them a minus 5.

They damaged nearly everything they touched. 5 pieces of furniture, 2 holes in walls and ceilings, ripped upholstery. I went to file a claim and they said these things were normal wear and tear. In what world is a hole in the ceiling normal wear and tear. I have filed a complaint with the better business bureau and I'll be taking them to small claims for replacements since they want to waste my time with that kind of nonsense. They could have gotten away with a few hundred to help pay for repairs instead now they are going to lose and it will cost them way more.

Worst moving experience we’ve EVER had - and we’ve moved a lot! Run far away and do not use this unprofessional and fraudulent company!!! They damaged over 10k of furniture, chipped walls and stairs, had no basic knowledge on how to move or assemble large items and the movers were high off their ***** all day. The company sent 3 men instead of 4 and the truck was too small so we ended up having to pay for almost double the hours. When working with claims they told me I was trying to extort money from them because I wanted to be reimbursed for the repairman needed to fix walls at our old and new house. Won’t pay for anything and have stopped communicating with us and said “get a lawyer” if you expect anything from us. More detail below if you want it, but if not just trust me and use any other moving company (we had used new city 4x previously with great experience each time- wish I would have stuck with them!). -booked 4 man crew and 3 arrived. No attempt to make this right other than changing rate. This made for 3 exhausted movers by end of the day who made tons of mistakes. -truck was too small. During quote process I let the company know that other quotes included two trucks and they assured me our move would be 1 truck and if not they could get a second truck no problem. Not the case. Instead the crew had to make two trips which added 4 extra hours onto our move. -movers wreaked of pot and one was so high by end of the move that he was visibly disoriented and just dropping furniture right in front of our eyes. -no knowledge on how to maneuver large pieces thru doorways or stairs. Lead mover was coaching the others on the basics of carrying furniture up stairs. -took chunks out of staircase walls at both houses, scratched walls and took chunk out of wooden stair banister. -ripped our large sectional sofa in two places -dropped an end table right off the truck and ruined it -chipped legs on multiple pieces of wood furniture -mattresses and several upholstered items came off the truck with huge rust and dirt stains due to how filthy inside of truck was and how poorly wrapped items were -my husband and My 5 month pregnant self had to help unload the truck for a good 3 hours to speed things along and it still took 12 hours (this was a 3 bedroom move) -even with all of the mistakes we fed the movers lunch and dinner and gave them a $200 tip as we felt like they were not set up for success by the company. -filled out loads of paperwork and sent detailed emails to claims to get reimbursed for the damage. Claims told me they had no one that could fix our damaged walls before our close date on our old property. I found a handyman that quoted $200 for the fixes at each place for total of $400. I was then told the damage to walls was “normal wear and tear” and they would only cover $200. This is with the movers admitting to all the damage they chased and with detailed photos of everything. I said that was unacceptable and threatened a bad review. They came back and claimed that was “extorting them for money” and they would not give me anything and would not communicate with me and to “get a lawyer” if I wanted anything back. I consulted with our lawyer who said unfortunately his time would cost more than what they would eventually pay out so we are stuck with thousands of damaged furniture, chipped walls and a crazy high moving bill. Trust me- I never write reviews and I’m doing this to hopefully save someone else a horrible experience that will cause you so much unnecessary stress and money. We now have to file home owners insurance claim to try and recoup at least some of the money to cover all the damage. This company is a fraud and they will find a way to stuff you out of any money after they do a **** job. Sarah in claims will act like she’s on your side and then do anything she can to find a way out of paying. Just please don’t use this company. New city was pretty comparable on price and I’m so mad at myself for not just going with what we knew. Don’t do it!!!!

Worst moving experience ever. BEWARE DO NOT GET THESE MOVERS. Had a queen bed, dresser, nightstand, glass coffee table, small freezer, and 1 sofa, not even a full one bedroom apartment and was charged $822 and quoted $283. They send me a 2 men crew who worked very slowly, damaged door and walls. Filed a claim with their claims department, they still have not even responded back after 2 weeks. They charge extra for any other piece you need moved, I was charged $75 for the coffee table being glass, another $75 for the mirror that comes with dresser. Last year I used Devon movers for a fully furnished 2 bedroom house and my total was $620 but unfortunately they were booked for the day I needed so I took a chance with Coffee bro's, worst decision ever. A total SCAM, find a different company.

Very well. The team (Benjamin, George, and Frankie) were amazing. They were courteous, professional, and enjoyable - worked hard and smiled a lot, very communicative, very careful. I did not seek out these gentlemen - they were the ones who showed up - but if when we move again (probably into Chicago), I will definitely use Coffey Bros and will ask for the same team. They were great.

Excellent service ! Right on time on pick up and delivery the next day . Courteous and efficient service . Not a thing broken or damaged. Extremely competitive pricing . Recommend without reservation and will usd them again for the next move!

Very well. My porch steps are steep so bringing the piano in was a real challenge, but they got it done with no damage.

4 man crew and a 26 footer to move to a new house. What we thought would take 8 or 10 hours was done in 5 and a half! Excellent care shown for all my possessions. But also incredibly fast when loading and unloading. Even better. They accidentally overcharged by a small amount and before I even noticed they caught the mostake and called me to let me know and refunded the difference. sending a new reciept. Amazing oversight and ethics

The move fell on the day of the largest snowfall in winter 2018 and they still came through. Overall service was very good, a few scuff marks on the wall and rushing towards the end, but it was a long move that the snow made take even longer.

Worse moving company I have ever dealt with and will never hire again.

Fantastic. Best movers I have ever worked with. Highly recomend. Came in less than their quote. Finished in record time. All workers respectful and patient.

Some of my property missing and refused to reimburse

It when fantastic! The guys that were there were excellent. Very efficient and hard workers!

I love Coffey Bros.! Their reservation process is easy and painless, their crews show up on time, and I've never seen movers work more efficiently, quickly, and at the same time, carefully. Both times I've moved with them they've come in UNDER their estimates for both time and costs. Once, we moved on the coldest day of 2016 (!), and this last time, I ended up moving the day after a snowfall, when it wasn't quite as cold but still was a little challenging. Both times, the crews performed beyond expectations; this last time, my crew chief even had a furniture-finish kit and spent some time patching some scratches and dents in my things. I joked with him that the furniture looked better than it had in the first place! Highly recommended.

Jeffrey & William from Coffey Bros Moving made my move easy and hassle free. They were efficient, personable, accommodating & easy going. Mike was also very helpful on the phone by answering my many questions & helping book the move.

Brandon, Brian and Tom arrived on time. They worked hard and protected our new floors during the move. They were respectful and did a professional job. I would hire again.

Everything went very well and the moving guys were very professional and friendly. Mike Tae was also very responsive to all my questions and emails.

Guys were great. Upbeat positive professional and careful. Would recommend to anyone.

Friendly, professional, on time, and with out any damage. The employees were very trustworthy. The company helped us out in a short time frame. I would recommend.

Seamlessly. Jeff C was incredibly helpful and clear with all the paperwork. He along with Angel and Jeremy moved everything expertly and quickly while keeping the mood light. I'm a stressed monster when moving and these guys made it as easy as possible. Would absolutely recommend.

Scheduler was responsive and able to arrange for two movers and a small truck in 3 days from when I called. Movers were on time, quick, careful, and courteous. With 20 minutes wrapping furniture in blankets and loading, a little over an hour driving, and 20 minutes unloading and placing, the whole job was done within 2 hours.

I used Coffey this past Thursday for a move from condo in south loop to Wheaton. They were hands down the cheapest out of 5 companies I contacted and considered them for their reviews on Angie's List also. The most difficult of this move was convincing them that I only wanted 2 guys versus 3 guys (went through several emails and times some unanswered that I had to call) but understood that they were trying cover their risks. Overall, I had the best 2 guys ever Ulysses and Marcus! They were punctual, cautious, detailed, and very thorough. I could not of asked for better movers and highly recommend asking for them (they are a team). We came in under the stated quote for a 4.5 hr move.