A satisfied customer. Review on Agarwal Packers and Movers Ltd

We recently shifted from Hyderabad to Cochin and had quite some household items to be moved. I was in the same confusion as to which packers and movers are reliable and with reasonable rates. I started with Leo, Professional, Transworld but all of their rates were pretty high and my budget was 20k (coz my new comp will reimburse only upto 20k).

I also enquired the local packers and movers and found their rates less than 10k. On further enquiry about local packers and movers I found that they don't have any office in Cochin. Some of them may have a point of contact (will be lucky to get one). I found this a bit scary because if there is a delay in getting the goods or a claim needs to be done there would be no one at local place to be contacted. Finally I appraoched Agarwal and their quote (packing + transport + taxes) came exactly 20k. For unloading the goods we took the responsibility. Also they have a godown at at Alwaye(in Cochin) and also an office at Cochin. I could also get a contact person at Cochin and his name is Gigi, the contact number can be obtained from Hyd office. So I made up my mind to go with Agarwal.

So they took my final word and said that they will have a confirmation call before the day of packing (3rd Jul, Sat). On Friday I received a call with confirmation that they would come on Sat for shifting goods at 10:30-11AM. Next day the staff from Agarwal came before 11 with all the required packing material. Before that we packed all the utensils (porcelain and steel) with paper and tape. Also all the electronic items were already dismantled and kept ready for packing. After they came the work started without any delay and they started with electronic items. For all the electronic items I already had the packing material and necessary thermocol. The same was used and some extra thick carbon paper was used for packing the material. One important thing to be noted is to keep an eye on how they pack the items. Always insist in putting the thermocol and thick cardboard paper around the electronic items tightly so that no damage happens on the item. Also after the packing in the carton is done make sure the box is covered properly with water proof material (do insist on these).

For the utensils (esp crockery) we told them to cover with thick cardboard paper. Also to ensure more safety we covered those items with t-shirts that I wear at home. At first the staff mentioned that it is not necessary but when we demanded it they had nothing to say. I would say it is necessary for all crockery and glass items to ensure its safety. The remaining items were double bed and mattress which were well packed with cardboard paper and water proof material. The two matresses were kept in the company cover (I kept it thinking it might be of use someday) and both were again covered together with water proof material. Finally the remaining water material was used to pack cartons which had crockery and couple of other boxes.

The items we shifted were - TV, Split AC, Washing Machine, Double bed (dismantled), Two King Size Mattresses, Godrej 3 Door Almirah (dismantled), utensils and other household items. Finally by 2PM everything was completed with full payment done (this is the company policy - one thing I didn't like). They already mentioned that a maximum of 9 days would be necessary for transportation as the items that I had was not sufficient for one load of big truck. The staff who came said that by Sun the load would definitely move to Bangalore eventhough the truck is not completely filled and from Bangalore to Cochin. I had given my home address and home landline number as destination contact details. We had a total of 28 boxes and everything was listed down properly. All the boxes were also numbered accordingly. Make sure that the list of items match with number of boxes. Also please note that value declared is properly written on the final list that they provide. They should provide you the complete bill, complete list of items with value declared and some other invoice (don't recall it).

I flew to Cochin on Sat and on Tue noon we receive a call that items will be arriving in a hour at my doorstep. I was quite happy to hear that glad news and now the only thing to know is the condition of the items. All the goods were unloaded and on same day we unpacked all household items & utensils and everything was totally fine. Not even a single scratch on a glass and I was pretty relaxed to see that everything went fine. We checked the mattresses and other cartons (from outside) and everyting was looking fine. I haven't opened my electronic items but I don't think there will be any damage to those things as they have the company packing.

Overall I am satisfied witn Agarwal except for the rates. Some tips for safe shifting:

a) Keep all the company standard packing (even smallest piece of cardboad paper). All those will definitely help while shifting goods.

b) For utensils and other household items do pack properly with paper and tape. Also glass items insist for a cardboad packing and also pack them again with spare clothes or home clothes (t-shirts are good).

c) Always supervise what the staff do and how and where things are kept while packing. If possible keep all the crockery in one carton and write "GLASS" on it so that those who load/unload will know what it contains. If you think some extra packing is required then demand it, don't beg for it. That's why you pay them so dearly.

d) When you talk to customer service check how they behave and how well they know abut packing materials, rates, taxes etc.

e) Double check all documents, list of items, bills are properly provided with all details properly entered. Do the payment only after you are completely satisfied. A little attention and time is definitely required. If the staff is lousy always keep an eye on what is done.

Well dat's all from my side. I hope my experience would be pretty useful for all.