MBOMBELA – Damaged and missing furniture have started a war of words and accusations stretching the distance between White River and Cape Town.
Ms Chantel Cook explains that when she moved to Cape Town earlier this year, she made use of Arbor Furniture Removals and Storage in a shared moving truck.
However, not only did her things arrive more than two weeks later than expected, but some of it was damaged while other items were missing altogether.
She explains a lengthy process during which her furniture was collected later than the agreed date of January 28 and the date of delivery was changed numerous times – all at a great inconvenience to her.
When it finally arrived on February 15, Cook’s flat-screen television, dog kennel and gardening tools were missing. “The driver said these had not been loaded. My expensive coffee table was broken and my mattress ruined.”
Cook alleges that company owner, Ms Brenda Venter, has done nothing to remedy the situation. Venter denies this, explaining that her company is not a registered financial service provider. “Even if I want to, I am not allowed to insure her things.”
According to Venter the client must claim for any damage or losses through her own insurance company which can either claim from Venter’s or Arbor can make the co-payment on Cook’s claim. “I am not willing to replace the items. But we have to follow the whole procedure.”
She explains that this involves assessors being appointed to determine when the damage was inflicted. Staff can be requested to undergo lie-detector tests. If they refuse the police have to get involved and the whole process tends to take a long time.
“We complete an inventory when we put furniture in the store and when we load them on a truck. Upon delivery the client gets this list. She can’t phone me two days later to say her television never arrived.” Venter adds that the shared-moving agreement allows her two weeks’ grace from the planned date of delivery.
But Cook maintains, “When I contacted the transport company about this they showed no empathy or consideration and offered no apology for any of their stuff ups”.
- Read 10 reasons why you should move to the Lowveld here.
