Jul 22, 2012 10:03 PM
3136 Views
We have recently relocated from Chennai to Delhi. The foremost issues in our mind were getting a house nearby work and then shifting the entire household. Since we had our own flat in Chennai we had accumulated lot of good furniture and other goods including AC's, water filters, other kitchen appliances etc. We made a quick trip to Delhi and were lucky to finalise a house in one day thanks to the brokers.
Next was the shifting. I surveyed the various movers and packers available and also checked up with some of my colleagues and our office administration who were helping senior official for relocation. The feedback from our office was to go for Writers Packers and Movers being an International brand. I contacted their Chennai office. One of their senior executive responded and informed me that he will visit our home on Monday. But no response after that. After some follow-ups they sent another executive who made a survey and informed that the quote will be sent by email.
Again no response. In the mean time I contacted Agarwal Packers and Movers who had a reputation for Pan India presence. I was happy by their prompt response. Their representative came the very next day, surveyed and gave the offer then and there. I had lot of queries which he promptly answered and also explained the packing methodology, time taken, issues that can rise. He also told that Car will be transported separately and will be delayed in delivering. I asked him specifically if they will provide a full container truck for the goods and he informed that for such quantities they will always go by an exclusive container truck.
Writers Packers offer did not come for a week but I was still inclined on Writers based on feedback from office. Again repeated followup and then the email came. It was a whooping Rs.30, 000 above Agarwal rates !! I was ready for upto Rs.10, 000 given their reputation but this was too much for me.
I decided to take a chance with Agarwal. I checked up with Mouthshut and could see mixed response with more negative feedback. I had to take a chance as Writers was way too much above my budget.
Agarwal promptly came on 2nd July to my place. They gave the Order ref - 813425 dated 2nd July. There was a Supervisor and another 5 members. I was impressed by their various packing material including a foam cloth for all wooden furniture and glass objects. We were amazed at their speed of packing at the same time the care taken for each item. The prompt marking on each carton, their planning for which should go first, the care for electronic items etc. They had informed that ACs need to be dismantled by an electrician but they volunteered as we had only window ACs. We found that one of the ACs had a dove nest above it with two small doves. When they found this they were extremely careful. They took the doves and placed them in a safe place with so much concern. In the mean time the carrier came by around 15.00 hrs as promised. Its height was not permitting it to come inside our apartment complex. The Agarwal staff carried all the packages and goods all the way to the truck. It was really a tough job, but I found them so enthusiastic without any cribbing. All were from UP.
Finally when everything was packed, they gave me all the documents and all contact numbers including the number of their driver. the driver informed me that he would reach on 6th. We were surprised as they had told it could take 7 days to reach. It was luck that I spoke to the driver directly. He promised that he will wait till we reach Delhi ( we were supposed to reach on 7th).
I asked them to take the Car the nest day. They asked me the time and I told them 4 PM. Their rep was in my house at sharp 4 to collect the Car.
We reached Delhi on 7th and promptly we got a call that day evening from Agarwal Delhi office that goods have reached and waiting. I asked them to come next day.
Again, their Supervisor and two staff reached promptly next day. The vehicle had arrived in the night itself and was waiting at our premises. I was again surprised at the manner in which they dismantled and arranged everything. The also cleaned up the place of all the packing material. There was one computer table whose leg got broken - the only casualty. They noted this down and told their rep will visit regarding this. I was least bothered as rest of the goods had reached even without a scratch and no hassles for me !!
Again they impressed me. Their rep visited us and surveyed the broken table leg. I had in the meantime got it repaired for around Rs.1500. They asked me how much I had paid and they took down the details. Next day someone called me and told they can reimburse only Rs.1000 as per their norms. I had no issues. The cheque reached me in 3 days time.
I least expected such a professional conduct from Agarwal as it is not a very sophisticated job. I would strongly recommend them. I know I cannot generalise with one experience but I am sure they have a good system, well trained staff, infrastructure and packing material and tools. Atleast in my case they never gave any false promise and stood by what they promised.
I thank myself for having saved Rs.30 K by not choosing an international brand. They could not have bettered Agarwal.
Suresh Varma
