Zippy Shell Reviews 278

Unbelievably slow and disappointing customer service. The sales agent misrepresented the answer to just about every question I asked, and was contradicted by the rental agreement. He also didn't respond to any email. The only way to get back in contact was to call the central line and be redirected. I've been on the phone for 2+ hours to cancel (still waiting). Do not place an order here.

I initially called to get a quote and compare prices, but I thought the price was good enough to just book with Zippy Shell. The lady who helped was very nice and I figured what the hell, this seems like a good company. I was quoted for a long move from Florida to Connecticut for 2800. I was ok with that and I asked the lady to email me the quote and all the details after I reserved with my credit card. She said she would email them right away, along with her contact info, just in case there were any issues. Two days pass and no email. So I called and nobody picks up. I leave my number just to have them call me back to put me on hold for another 10 minutes before I hung up upset. So I then email customer service and I get a email saying they received my email and to give 48 hrs for reply. Still nothing. I emailed again, stating I wanted to cancel and I still haven't been conteacted. This company is a Micky Mouse company. I booked with another company that was way more professional and I actually got my quotes and contract emailed right away. I can actually track my progress online as well. And guess what? It was $100 cheaper. Save your money and do your research

Moving is stressful enough as it is. Then you add in dealing with a company like Zippyshell and it takes an awful experience and cranks it up to ten.

I was quoted a price and my agreement states that I have no storage and my unit was set to be delivered 10 days after I filled it. I then was charged for storage of the unit which I was confused by because the unit was not stored and it was just delivered. I then called Zippyshell and they explained to me the storage fee is for the actual container, not for actually storing the unit.

They technically do have an additional fee document that outlines this but I think it’s just a poor way to do business to quote one price and them nickel and dime people for everything else.

This included for me during my delivery 2 $75 charges for a long hallway and $75 for having to use an elevator. So there’s another $225.

In conclusion, I was quoted about $2600 and I will end up paying the $2600, a $100 fuel subsidy(another fee), a $300 storage fee, and an additional $225 for the move in fees.

I hope anyone reading this realizes that the price you are quoted is not the price you pay. I would highly recommend using any other moving company

This moving company is the best ever! I couldn't be happier! I have been treated with total respect and the service is out of this world. The movers go over and above and the owner, Don and his assistant, Jessica are extremely polite and professional. Thank you all for a job well done. I highly recommend this moving company to everyone!

I can unfortunately confirm what others have shared:
- Last-minute cancellations are common
- Lots of hidden fees
- Property damage/loss ($10,000+ of my stuff magically “disappeared” from their rickety shell, my claim was of course immediately denied)
- Nonexistent customer service

Believe me when I say that THINGS WILL GO WRONG and THEY WILL NOT CARE - AT ALL - about the negative impact their negligent business practices have. Nor will they care about wasting and losing your time, $$, belongings, and memories.

It is genuinely upsetting to know that so many others had similarly bad experiences, and that they are still in business.

This is a truly terrible company.
Do not trust them.
Do not give them any of your money.
(ZS and 1-800-Pack-Rat share the same despicable owner so go ahead and avoid both.)

If I could give this company no stars it would ve appropriate. They partner with 1800 PACKRAT. My husband and I moved from WA to AZ. We spoke to Favrin Williams who set us up with a Pod and asked about us needing help with the move. We agreed we did need help as we are no longer at an age that lifting and moving our own furniture is a good idea. Zippy offers assistance for two hours of move help at an additional cost and we were happy to be signed up. We signed up for the insurance coverage and paid our deposit. The day our trailer was loaded I showed the movers what to move and gave them a stack of blankets. We were only putting furniture in the pod (which turned out to be nothing but a steel cage. I thought this was odd that it was not an actual pod/trailer. I work from home so I went back to my office while the movers in less than two hours loaded up the furniture.
Two weeks later when we arrived in Arizona our Zippy Shell arrived and to our horror every single piece of furniture was damaged in one form or another. The third party movers did not use any of the moving blankets we provided. There were gouges and gashes on my dining set, by end tables, my bedroom dresser etc. Our bedset was ripped apart and hardware missing. I was in tears. The men who unloaded our trailer even commented they never saw such disregard for someone elses belongings.
Believing that we were at least covered since we purchased insurance, we filed a claim. Our Claim was denied. We were told the insuance did not cover the failur to properly load the trailer. Are you kidding me? We used their third party sub contractor. I thought this has to be a misunderstanding so we appealed the denial. Three weeks later our appeal was again denied. No one will return my messages or call me back to explain why they are not responsible for their subcontractor. They are cowards. They sent both denial letters after the close of business and then will not return your calls or speak to you. I have submitted a claim to the BBB. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY, After looking at their profile you cannot leave a review for them on their own website, Google or Facebook. Thank goodness for Yelp. I am only providing a few photos and hope I prevent someone else from ever having to go throught this. We paid $4000 for this, the replacement value is $11,000. Don't let this happen to you.

Worst company ever that doesn’t care about you at all. Not only was my pod delivered 4 days late to the facility, on the day it was scheduled to be delivered to my house, it just never showed up. No one reached out to me and I only got an answer by calling customer service at 8pm on the day it was supposed to be delivered to get an update. Was told “yea it’s probably not coming today” like what???? How do you decide to just not deliver my stuff. They said the best they could do was be contacted in 2 days to see if I CAN get my stuff delivered. You’re a delivery company!!!! You have one job!!!! And you can’t even do that one job. They can’t even go out of their way to get my pod delivered to me the next day, instead I have to wait 2 more days to be put back on the schedule. Absolutely ridiculous how this company doesn’t value their customers’ time or property. Along with paying over $5k to not get my items, as well as getting extra charges that were NEVER stated or discussed when booking. This company is a scam and so frustrating to work with. I just want my stuff at this point and some sort of refund for having such a horrible experience with them.

What a mess! There was so much miscommunication, it’s a wonder they’re still in business. We moved from Billings, MT to Houston, TX. The original date was supposed to be July 9, but that got pushed back to July 10 at the last minute. We were told one container would be more than enough space for our items. My partner went piece by piece with the dimensions, and the house square footage. It was $4k for one pod. On July 9, a gentleman came to our house to look at everything, and he said we’d need two. My partner contacts Zippy Shell, and he was quoted $7.7k for two. We declined it because that was a too much. We were told we’d receive a call before they deliver the container. There was no call, and the two loaders arrived at 8 AM on July 10. I want to preface this with the people who loaded the container are contractors, so they don’t actually work FOR Zippy Shell. The loaders were helpful and quick. This is where miscommunication (again) comes in. Zippy Shell DID NOT INFORM THEM that we only had one container. The loaders thought we had two, and I’m glad I caught on to that before they went and got a second container that we didn’t authorise/pay for. That would’ve been a fiasco, and thousands of more dollars. My partner was charged storage for TWO containers when we only had one. Over the course of two days, he called 3 times to get this resolved. First call was outside of business hours, even though it was 16:30. Second call, he listened to hold music for 45 minutes. Finally, he reached a representative on the third call after being on hold for a long time, and they refunded the extra charge in two minutes. My partner and I got a U-haul trailer for the rest of our stuff, and stuffed the smaller things into our three vehicles (a friend drove the third vehicle. That was cheaper than a second container. We were quoted 5-10 business days, and that it’d be delivered no later than July 24. Surprise surprise, today is July 26, and it arrived today. The container didn’t leave Montana UNTIL July 24. Now, when we ordered the container back in the beginning of July, it was explained that my partner and I would load AND unload the container ourselves. We found out on July 9 or 10 (can’t remember) that the $4k we paid included having someone load it, but not unload in Houston. We moved into a two story home, and have a few heavy items, so my partner paid a different moving company $200 to have an unload for tomorrow, July 27. He chose a different company for the unload, due to the stress from Zippy Shell. When the Zippy Shell container arrived in our driveway here in Houston, the guy said they were to unload it, as well. I immediately phone my partner and have him come home (he’s at work) because ONCE AGAIN, there’s miscommunication. My concern was I didn’t want to be out $200 if these guys with the container unload it, instead of the loaders we had scheduled for tomorrow, July 27. Also, the guys said it was paid for, but with the miscommunication, I didn’t trust that the unload was actually paid for. I asked was it part of the $4k we paid for the pod, and he said he didn’t know. So, he’s on the phone with his boss, and I’m on the phone with my partner trying to get him home. My partner even received an email FROM Zippy Shell that shows it’s a “Self Unload.” I was not about to deal with another charge from Zippy Shell, so I wanted to make sure everything was squared away first. Reminder, these unloaders (not the same gentleman in Montana) are also contracted through Zippy Shell, so they’re being told one thing, and my partner is being told another. Also, the guys needed the container our stuff was in for a job in Galveston later that day, so they needed it unloaded. Once my partner gets home, he was able to cancel the $200 scheduled unload for July 27, and have the three gentleman present unload it. While the guys are unloading everything, I get a call from Zippy Shell and pass the phone to my partner (his name is on the reservation and he’s been the point of contact), and it’s about the delivery. The representative stated they’re waiving the labor cost (however much that is, and proves my point about not wanting unknown fees tacked on) for the unload, even though it was supposed to be a self unload, and my partner had the email proving that. The contractors in Montana and here in Texas have been great, but Zippy Shell is a hot mess. Nothing was communicated properly on their end. I have NEVER used movers in my adult life to move around until now, and this will be my last. Renting a U-Haul is far less of a headache, and yes, I’ve driven a U-Haul truck across the country before. Go with a more reputable company, if you can afford it, or rent a U-Haul if you’re capable of loading and unloading it yourself.

*It’s 13:50, and my partner just got an email from Zippy about a redelivery…Good lord. Get it together!*

You will not get your belongings delivered on time if at all! Worst company ever!!

We paid $8k (they billed us in full without delivery!) to have 2 containers transported from Benicia CA to Richmond VA. The containers were NOT picked up on time from CA yet I was repeatedly lied to, claiming they were. I never received any information other than lies and “I don’t know”.

Our pods are now expected to be a week late and I never would have known this had I not called several times a day, speaking to multiple agents who gave me contradictory information day after day. I was given the complete run around for weeks!! Now I’m in an empty house and am out thousands of dollars as I have to rebook my family’s trip back out to CALL and again to VA. This is a nightmare DISASTER. Horribly disorganized, terrible leadership, NO accountability, NO alignment of processes and procedures, nobody knows what anybody else is doing (nobody could ever tell me where my belongings were!! I still do not know!) and appealing customer service and communication.

Check out the terrible reviews on Reddit. These people should be out of business. It’s a total scam! I am beside myself with frustration and grief over what we may never see again! And the amount of money we have lost. This company has left is completely in a lurch and has nothing to say about it other than it’s not their fault and they admit no blame. We should sue them in a class action civil suit. Let’s put them out of business!

DO NOT USE ZIPPY SHELL! They are holding my stuff for weeks after the pre quoted delivery date and leaving me sleeping on the floor without any of my clothes or other items. They told me if I have a problem with that I can go pick up the stuff myself. These guys are a nightmare, STAY AWAY from them as well as Pack Rat, who is responsible for transferring my stuff to Zippy Shell

The only silver lining here was it was easy to book and for them to take our money.

On the day of our move, the movers were working too quickly and continuously disregarded packing instructions, which meant they had to repack our metal crate twice.

On the day of unloading, the subcontractors were not able to contact the warehouse so our delivery was delayed for hours. We found our furniture damaged, dusty, and with a few spots of visible rust and the unloaders said multiple times it was one of the worst packing jobs they'd seen.

Since we had insurance through Zippy Shell during storage, we filed a claim in mid October or so, submitting pictures of the damages. We were denied months later and the 10 day appeal process similarly took months (we were denied for the final time today, in the end of June, over six months since our delivery).We received no coverage or refund of insurance, and they denied all liability since subcontractors did the moving - however at no point in the claims process were we interviewed or allowed to ask questions, or even receive an update when they exceeded their own timetables by months.

Well to sum it up they completely botched the delivery date. They gave me a rate which included 2 containers plus labor to load. Then said it was actually 1 container. Then said oh sorry it’s $4000 more in price to load, so you will have to load it yourself. It’s a complete nightmare! They are so unorganized.

My account has been debited but yet no pod yet to be delivered. It was supposed to be delivered yesterday and they have to be out of their apt in a day. Flight scheduled to leave Sunday morning. Just a mess. Customer service can only say we have no ETA. Just wow!

I wish I could leave less than one star. I've used them twice. The first time was OK. The movers they provided were difficult and they ruined some of my furniture but otherwise the first move was OK. The second move was a nightmare. They changed the dates that the units would be dropped off without consulting me. When I called to fix that they messed up the input. The day before they were supposed to arrive I called to confirm and I was told they would be placed in two weeks. I managed to get them a day later than they were supposed to arrive but I had already paid for parking permits and hotels so I was out those expenses. The first person told me they would give me $200 off for the inconvenience (which was a pathetically low amount on a $6k move). The second person said no, I would get $150 off. I got neither. When the units were due to be placed at my new location I called the night before to confirm. They wouldn't give me a window of time. Then we waited around all day only to call back and be told they moved it out two more days without notifying anyone.

Two days pass, we received a text with a window of 11-3. It's 4pm and despite a call to the corporate office, I still have no idea if they are coming...again. I've now wasted two days sitting around waiting for trucks that never come.

Never, never, never again. Hot fkg mess!

Update: Our stuff finally came. Three days after it was supposed to and three hours past the window of time they were supposed to arrive. I had to go to work. They placed the first unit so close to the house that we couldn't open one door. We had to wiggle everything out and walk it all the way around the container rather than straight to the door. I called back and asked them to reposition it. They scheduled a time. That morning they called and said we'll be there in an hour to pick up both units. Ummm, not what I asked for or planned on. At that point, we just rushed to empty them to be done with it. As they drove off, I gave a giant sigh of relief that we were done with Zippy Shell. Josh said he would call back with the outcome of my case being reviewed. He didn't. (That actually happened a total of three times in this story.) The only response I've received is the canned response below. But wait folks! We're not done yet! I just received another charge for a month of storage. The second person I spoke with while booking told me they were giving me the month of storage free because freight charges went up so much when I needed to change the date. Is there no end to how much they can mess this up? I'm beyond frustrated at this point. I really just want it to end. Nobody follows up. Nobody follows through. Josh was the only one that seemed to care...but not enough to follow through. It was the worst experience I've ever had with a moving company. Actually, it was the worst experience I've had with any company.

The day the movers showed up I tipped them all with venmo. They charged me, and the manager called a few days later saying I wasn't supposed to be charged yet. Then he asked if I wanted to "leave the tip on for the guys." I was confused because I venmoed their tips. The manager informed me that $193 was added on as a tip. So they basically tried to steal from me. When my furniture showed up there was clear WATER DAMAGE on my dresser. It was literally falling apart. So much for climate controlled facilities! Then as the movers were leaving they hit my neighbor's mailbox and broke it, so that's how I got to meet my new neighbor. By her telling me the movers broke her property. I called to put in a claim and they want a ridiculous amount of information, such as original receipts from when the furniture was purchased. Because I hang onto that kind of stuff?? Apparently the fact they they physically moved my dresser isn't enough to believe I bought the dresser at some point? The claim process was so rigorous, and I have so much going on already with this move that I just don't have the time or energy to go through it. And I 100% believe they set it up that way on purpose to discourage people from submitting claims. All in all, a horrendous experience. I've experienced attempted robbery, property damage, and gaslighted from these people. It's safe to say I will never use them again. I wish this site allowed for photos, because you should see the number they did on my dresser and my neighbors mailbox.

Absolute HORROR using this company— literally use ANYONE else!!! I did the right thing of recording my sales call, during which the sales rep CLEARLY stated that the final agreed upon price would not be altered and would NOT have additional fees added. He also said I would NOT be charged storage fees because it’s a door-to-door delivery. My first additional fee was the storage fee— itemized as such. I called and asked why there was a storage fee when my sales call said, and I quote, you wouldn’t be charged a $250 storage fee. Well, even though it’s itemized as a storage fee, it’s a “rental” fee— which they tack on as a hidden fee onto EVERY container, despite telling you there will be no additional fees. The next hidden fee was tacked on after delivery, an extra $500(!!!) fee for gas(?!) despite their sales rep DELIBERATELY telling me that there would be ZERO additional fees, and yes— I have this all recorded. I wouldn’t even BOTHER calling to rectify this, I spent close to an hour and a half on hold only for them to say “read the fine print, (how? I signed up for the move over the phone with your rep) and that it doesn’t matter what our sales rep tells you, that’s not legally binding”

Final move cost a thousand dollars more than what I signed up for, and there’s nothing they will do to help.

Avoid like the plague.
*******
I’m editing to include— when my pod was delivered, it was unrecognizable. My bureau was entirely exploded into shrapnel, our family heirlooms damaged beyond repair. Here was their response to this review, which they commented on to pretend to help:

“Monica

We do apologize for the damaged items, and we are attaching a claims form to this email, However the contract is clear when it states any extra fees. Once the move agreement is signed, we take that as the customers aknowledgement and agreement to any fee's as well as any terms listed on said contract. We apologize but the fee will remain valid on the account.

Thank you,

Moving Help Team“

Rodent damage to ALL of our $20,000 in stored furniture, clothing, etc. We paid extra for the Zippy Shell protection plan and they denied the claim. Total BS....

I'm glad I didn't use this company the reviews were right on. After seeing that they steal things I do agree. I called to push my date out by 2weeks. They showed up any way. and they showed up with a 3rd party truck stating that the container was inside the box truck. They took 2 payments out before the truck showed up. I was told only 2 payments half when they loaded and they other half when they delivered it to the destination. So actually it 4 payments not 2.. I cancelled it all together and was charge $299.00 after I was told they would wave the fees. I ordered a closed container not a cage inside of a 3rd party truck.

Never will I use zippy shell or rat pack what ever they are called they told me one price and over charged me 821 dollars do not use them

When I booked the agreement with Gregory Forrester out of the Tampa, FL office, he told me the final price was $3,110 plus $219 for the month of storage - for a total of $3329 + tax. When I repeatedly asked him if there were any other hidden fees that would be added on, he assured me there were not. Yet I received an additional Fuel Subsidy charge in the amount of $156.37 on my bill that was not part of the original contracted price. I wrote to both him and the billing department stating that this charge should be removed from my bill since it was not disclosed to me when I signed the original contract and should have been factored into the original price. I did not receive a reply from either one.

The other issue that I was dissatisfied with is the length of time that it took for the pod to come down to my new address. I was originally told that it would take 7 days. While I understood that weekends and the holidays extended this time, our pod sat up in New Jersey from Dec. 21st until Dec. 28 - when I received a message that our belongings were in transit. On Jan. 2nd, I received a message that our belongings were at the destination warehouse and to call customer care. It took half an hour before someone picked up so I could ask that our belongings be delivered to the new address ASAP. I then had to wait for a text message telling me when the pod would be delivered, which I was told would be Jan. 4th. I responded to the text asking if that was the earliest it could be delivered but received a text to call customer care with any questions. Not having another 30 minutes to call the understaffed customer care department, I accepted this delivery date. The pod arrived around 1:30 in the afternoon on Jan. 4th.

The delay in having our items delivered caused a major inconvenience for us. We tried rushing to pack the pod, resulting in us leaving many items behind which I still need to make arrangements to have delivered to us after we've already spent a considerable amount of money doing so. Secondly, we only had a handful of items with us that we brought when driving down. Since we had limited items, we were forced to purchase many items that were sitting in a pod that we thought would have been delivered much earlier. As far as I'm concerned, this is unacceptable.

I went with this company because I had read good reviews and thought they were a reputable company. I am just thankful that I will never have to make this kind of move again in the future, and if I do, I will certainly not use their services or refer their services to anyone I know. It would have been nice if their reviews had matched their service to make our transition go more smoothly, rather than adding on more stress to an already stressful ordeal.