Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/12/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I signed a contract with this company the end of August for a September 2024 liquidation of items in my home. The company at first, after the sale, was refusing to send me the funds as a result of the sale and I had to threaten the police to send me any money claiming there was a funeral they had to attend however per the agreement, I should have received the funds that day.Then I asked to see what was sold and for how much- obviously to ensure I was compensated fairly. What was sent to me - I do not believe was from my home.This company contacted me during the process, via voicemail, to indicate that they had a company coming into my home to assess how much would be offered for the bigger items they would not sell. However, this company wound up sending me an invoice to collect items.I beleive this company had people in my home that I would not have agreed to and should have contacted me as to who was in my home, what exactly was sold and for how much and what work they actually conducted.They breached the contract by leaving a voicemail that the company was there to give me a quote on how much they would purchase the larger items for- and, by not giving me the exact amount the day the sales process went on. Having to ask for any of that is suspicious and their treatment of their being a "funeral" and not being able to afford me the sales is very odd considering they've been in business 20 years. This company indicated they had a "handyman" at my house to repair a door- I would not have agreed to that. They were there only to sell items- not to do any repair work and I would not have approved them doing that which breaches the contact. I have alerted police to this company, and they asked that I go through this process first. I would very much like this company to upload the contract we agreed to and show where it says they were entitled to not uphold their end of the contract.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/24/2024

  -Signed contract September 4th to conduct a public liquidation at **********************************************  I was referred to ******* by her realtor who was the sales agent on behalf of ***********************  House was active listing on the real estate market and listed on the Pittsburgh Multi List. Liquidation sale date was set for September 21, 2024. 

  
  -Never did I refuse ******* her profit.  The verbal agreement was to mail her a check Wednesday, September 25th along with her ******** modem that she left behind at the ******** residence.  Shipping charges for the modem would be deducted from her profit. The reason for the 25th was due to a family member's funeral that I was attending on September 23rd (an obituary was offered as proof).  After repeated harassing text messages from ******* that day, she was sent her profit via ****** following the funeral service and thereby leaving no funds to mail her modem.  **************** have graciously agreed for her to pick up the modem at their station house, she has shown no interest in doing so. 

  
  -I have been accused repeatedly for letting unknown person(s) into her house. This is absolutely ridiculous.  Keep in mind the residence was listed for sale by *************** at this time and numerous agents and their clients had access to her home.  Not to mention ********* agent held an open house prior to the estate sale.

  
  -Upon signing the contract, I informed ******* of a professional & insured clean out company that could be brought in near the end of the public sale to evaluate the unsold items.  Company would then reach out to her with an estimate for removal of said items, for a fee.  ******* agreed to this, and her listing agent was also aware and on board one hundred percent for this service.  She would be under no obligation to hire this company and be advised I have no collusion with this company.  Never once, did I leave her a voicemail stating an offer would be made to purchase items that did not sell.   

  
  -I did have a handyman onsite to repair the barn door.  It was extremely heavy and precariously leaning against the entrance to the outdoor storage shed.  I called ******* and told her this needed to be fixed asap since the liquidation was days away.  She said a neighbor would fix it.  I arrived onsite the following day and noticed the door was not repaired.  Called her once again and told her I could not wait for the neighbor.  The door was a liability issue for the both of us and it was not safe for anyone to enter the shed and since no one could enter, I could not sell items inside. Therefore, I called a handyman to repair, and I paid for the repair and never passed the charges onto *******. Be advised the handyman never once entered the residence.  Shed is in back yard.  Photos can be provided of the barn door.

  
  -Inventory of sold items have been sent to *******.  Her dispute that said inventory are not the items that were sold at her sale is ridiculous.  Items on the inventory can be compared to the written ad/notice that was published for the liquidation.

  
  -In closing ******* requests a copy of the contract and an explanation of charges, both of which have been provided to her. Client confidentiality prohibits me from explicitly listing such documents on a public forum.  She also is requesting contact by the business.  Again, I have replied to all of her emails and text messages.  Lastly, she is asking for a billing adjustment, basically looking for more money and I am guessing this is why she has made a recent request on my ****** account. Be advised the amount she is seeking is triple the amount of what she received September 23rd. ******* has mentioned in this BBB complaint that the police were notified about this situation.  I would welcome a legal investigation since shortly after the liquidation I had no choice but to involve Lt. ******* of the **************************** 
  
  *** ********
  Before You Move, Inc.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/26/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  

  Notice of Breach of Contract
  To Whom It May Concern,
  This correspondence addresses significant breaches of contract and procedural violations related to the handling of personal property and actions undertaken at the premises located at ***************************, which is solely owned by ******* ********. The following outlines the grievances, supporting facts, and the requested remedies to resolve this matter promptly.
  

  Ownership and Contractual Agreement

  The property located at *************************** is legally and solely owned by ******* ********. A contract was entered into with the vendor concerning the sale of specific items of personal property owned by the undersigned. These items were legally purchased and remain the personal property of ******* ******** unless otherwise lawfully sold under the terms of the agreement.
  

   

  Breach of Industry Standards and Contract Terms

  Failure to Provide a Detailed Sales List:
  It is standard within the industry for the vendor to provide a comprehensive list detailing the items to be sold, including the corresponding prices, for the owners review and approval prior to the sale. This process ensures transparency, fairness, and adherence to the agreed terms. The vendor failed to meet this obligation, which constitutes a breach of industry standards and the contract.

  
  Unauthorized Access and Actions:
  At no point did I verbally agree to or provide consent for individuals unrelated to the purchase of my items to be invited into my home. Further, I did not approve any repairs, remodeling, or alterations to the property unrelated to the agreed-upon sales. Allowing unauthorized access and performing unauthorized actions constitutes a breach of trust and contract.

  
  Failure to Fulfill Refuse Disposal Agreement:
  In the initial conversation, the vendor agreed that refuse disposal was included as part of their fee. The vendor failed to perform this service as promised, further breaching the contract.

  
  Misrepresentation of Services:
  The vendor misrepresented their actions by claiming to bring a company to purchase larger items, only to later issue an estimate for the disposal of these items instead. This "bait-and-switch" tactic directly violates the terms of the agreement.

  
  Inaccurate Financial Accounting and Non-Disclosure of Sales:
  The vendor has failed to provide a complete accounting of the items sold, the financial amounts received, and the remaining unsold items. Moreover, there was no disclosure of why portions of the sales proceeds were purportedly allocated to unauthorized services, such as those of a "handyman," for which no prior approval was given.
  

  Evidence of Misconduct
  I possess security footage and independent follow-ups confirming actions taken in my home each day. Additionally, I retain voicemail evidence that contradicts the vendors claims and supports my understanding of the agreement.
  

  Demands for Remedy
  Itemized Sales List and Accounting:
  The vendor must provide a detailed and accurate list of all items removed and sold, including associated prices and all parties present in the home during this process.
  

  Return of Property or Financial Compensation:
  Any property removed without my explicit approval must be returned immediately. Alternatively, the vendor must provide full financial compensation for these items via *******
  

  Explanation of Unauthorized Actions:
  A written explanation must be provided for why unauthorized individuals were granted access to my home and why actions unrelated to the sale were undertaken.
  Full Financial Settlement:
  The vendor must remit the full amount owed from the sales proceeds, excluding unauthorized deductions, within a reasonable timeframe.
  Next Steps
  Failure to comply with these demands will result in the escalation of this matter to legal authorities. I reserve the right to pursue all legal remedies available, including claims for breach of contract, misrepresentation, and damages.
  

  I am very aware with facts, footage and evidence, literally of before and after, of what this vendor did- it would be advantageous for them to be honest. 
  Sincerely,
  ******* ********
  Owner, ***************************
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/07/2025

  -As I stated previously, signed contract with ******* September 4th to conduct a liquidation at ****************************************************** View.  She will not release the signed contract, so I have attached a copy of my standard contract identical to what I emailed her on Tuesday, September 3rd (contract attached).
  -As to her not receiving financial breakdown of the sale or inventory of sold items is an absolute fabrication.  Financial breakdown was texted to her (2) hours after the sale was completed on September 21st and a formal financial breakdown was emailed Monday, September 30th.  Inventory of sold items texted to her Friday, September 27th.
  -I do not haul trash.  Nowhere in the contract does it state this service is offered.  
  -Complainant claims by Industry Standards I agreed to furnish an inventory of items & prices for her viewing prior to the liquidation.  ******* obviously has a misunderstanding of Industry Standards.  Providing an inventory with prices would make reference to an appraisal.  ********** was never hired by her to conduct a household appraisal, only a liquidation as the attached contract states. 
  -******* agreed to receive a bid for removal of unsold items and I sent her an email Friday, September 20th reminding her this bid would be forthcoming.  Also, this reminder was confirmed in the text message I sent to her (2) hours after the public sale had concluded on September 21st.
  -As to the handyman repairing the barn door, it was an accident waiting to happen.  The wood door was precariously leaning against the shed and I called ******* to discuss this situation Monday, September 16th.  She was fully aware and stated a neighbor was supposed to do the repair.  Given the fact the public sale was days away and the door could cause injury to a customer, I had no choice but to reach out to a professional, not a neighbor, to fix the door the next day, Tuesday, September 17th. The contract clearly states independent contractors services may be used during any portion of the liquidation; the handyman (independent contractor) was summoned for the repair.  ******* was NEVER charged for this service. I paid for the repair.
  -******* has repeatedly stated that I have permitted unknown persons to remove items from her residence.  I have not nor any of my affiliates have removed such property for profit.  As I stated in the prior reply, many people have had access to this property prior to and after the liquidation. 
  -Be advised ******* does not own the property at ****************************  In this BBB complaint she states she is the sole owner.  Property is scheduled for Sheriff's Sale in **************** January 6, 2025 (see attachment).
  -******* has made (2) attempts at my Pay Pal account for additional funds and is attempting to seize the opportunity through the BBB to capitalize financially from my business. Both of her complaints request a billing adjustment & full financial settlement. 
  -To reiterate, on the advice of my attorney, I am not able to provide financial or other detailed information to the BBB which would violate my client confidentiality agreement I have with *******.  However, I am prepared to do so in a court of law.
  
  *** ********
  

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/14/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  The items in my property, what happened in my property and the value of the property/items sold is the issue.  Whatever else went on in my life was of no concern to this vendor. 

  I do not have to answer to her, I was the property owner, she needed to answer to me.  Absolute fabrication that she had a contractor call me under the belief that he was going to purchase the bigger items? I will happily submit the voicemail and the email accordingly.

  My home was not subject to anything but what I contracted with this vendor to do - which was to sell items. Hearing what this vendor did in my home and believing she was not followed up on is what we are arguing- 

  This vendor was going to refuse to pay me unless I had threatened the police.

  Very simple questions: who was in my home, why were they in my home, what were the items appraised at and what did you sell them for, how much money should I have received, why did I not receive the full amount from what you said- and why do you believe it was ok to treat me or my property this way?

  I never met you- why do you think it's ok to treat people this way? If you needed to take my belongings and attempt to circumvent the normal process of business that means you had no intention of honoring the contract.  

  Just to repeat, I was the homeowner. From your letter, what your suggesting, is that you were entitled to not honor the contract because of what you believed of my life? Literally describing how your taking advantage of the contract.  

  
  Regards,
  
  ******* ********