SmallBizGenius Analysis
Zippy Shell, also known as 1-800-PACK-RAT, is a moving and storage company that receives overwhelmingly negative customer feedback. Reviewers report frequent issues with unexpected charges, delays, damaged or stolen belongings, and poor customer service, leading to a very low overall satisfaction rate.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews
Unexpected Charges and Misleading Quotes
1.5/10Numerous reviewers complain about unexpected charges that were not disclosed in the initial quote, such as fuel surcharges, storage fees, and stair fees. Many feel misled by sales agents who promised a flat fee, only to be hit with additional expenses later on.
38 reviews mention thisDelivery Delays and Lost Items
1.2/10A significant number of reviewers report substantial delays in the delivery of their containers, sometimes lasting weeks beyond the promised delivery date. Some customers even claim their containers were lost or delivered to the wrong location, causing significant disruption and stress.
32 reviews mention thisDamage to Belongings
1.3/10Many reviewers report damage to their furniture and other belongings during transit or storage, often attributing it to improper handling or inadequate packing. Some customers also mention rodent infestations and water damage within the containers.
29 reviews mention thisPoor Customer Service
1.0/10A recurring theme is the poor quality of customer service, with reviewers describing long wait times, unhelpful representatives, and a lack of communication. Many customers feel their concerns are dismissed or ignored, and that the company is unresponsive to their complaints.
35 reviews mention thisDifficult Claims Process
1.1/10Several reviewers express frustration with the claims process, stating that it is lengthy, complicated, and often results in denied claims. Customers feel that the company makes it difficult to get compensation for damaged or lost items, even when they have purchased insurance.
15 reviews mention thisContainer Quality and Size
2.0/10Some reviewers note that the containers provided are not as described, with smaller dimensions than advertised and a cage-like structure inside that further reduces usable space. The poor condition of the containers, including dents, holes, and dirt, is also a concern.
12 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"The loaders and unloaders they hired on each end were knowledgeable, fast, and professional."
"At first, business with them wasn't so bad, they had the cheapest rates we could find."
"Excellent phone supportThere was not a lot of info shared over an online account or even sent to my email, but at each stage once I got a human on the phone I had excellent, informative service and quick responses."
Common Complaints
"Be warned! Zippy shell reputes to be the lower cost option compared to Pods or U-Haul… but the quote you agree to and sign—that’s cheaper—is NOT what you end up paying. I was charged over $2000 in miscellaneous fees..."
"DONT USE THIS COMPANY!!! We had scheduled our stuff to get picked up June 28th and they did. We were told it would take 8-10 Business days to get our stuff. But it proceeded to stay in San Diego until July 14th. And got delivered to Colorado in July 15th."
"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."
"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..."
"I would strongly encourage others to carefully consider how claims are handled before using this service."
Common Questions About Zippyshell
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Zippy Shell legit and trustworthy?
Based on the analyzed reviews, Zippy Shell appears to struggle with trustworthiness. Numerous customers report unexpected charges, delays, and damage to their belongings. The overwhelmingly negative sentiment and frequent complaints about customer service raise significant concerns about the company's reliability and ethical business practices.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Zippy Shell have good customer service?
The reviews suggest that Zippy Shell's customer service is generally poor. Customers frequently report long wait times, unhelpful representatives, and a lack of communication regarding delays or issues. Many reviewers express frustration with the company's inability to resolve problems effectively and their dismissive attitude towards customer concerns.
Based on 35 reviewsIs Zippy Shell worth it for small business?
For small businesses, Zippy Shell appears to be a risky choice. The potential for unexpected charges, delays, and damage to valuable business assets makes it a less-than-ideal option. The negative reviews highlight a lack of reliability and transparency, which are crucial for small businesses that need dependable moving and storage solutions.
Based on 30 reviewsWhat is Zippy Shell's claim process like?
The claim process is described as lengthy, complicated, and often unsuccessful. Customers report having to provide extensive documentation, only to have their claims denied. Many feel that the company's insurance policies are not honored and that the claims process is designed to avoid paying out for damages or losses.
Based on 15 reviewsWhy are there so many complaints about unexpected charges with Zippy Shell?
The complaints about unexpected charges stem from a combination of factors, including misleading quotes from sales agents, hidden fees that are not disclosed upfront, and additional charges that are added after the contract is signed. Customers feel that the company is not transparent about its pricing and that they are being unfairly charged for services they did not agree to.
Based on 38 reviews