Complain about a product or service

PODS - Portable On-Demand Storage

PODS • Consumer Complaints • PODS Responds

Kristin of Sarasota FL (12/27/08)
My husband and I ordered a Pod on November 18th to be delivered on November 22, 2008. All went well with the initial drop-off. We were told, when we rented the Pod, that when we needed our container to call and within five days of the phone call our Pod would be delivered. This conversation was recorded and verified as factual by multiple Pod's employees. That wasn't the case by any stretch of the imagination.

We called on December 18, 2008 to schedule our Pod delivery. We were told that because of the holidays they were going to be behind and that the five day quote that they gave us would not be honored. Over the course of the next week, our delivery date changed three times, From Jan 2nd to Dec 31st, back to Jan 2nd. Each time it changed, we called to plead our case. The only response we recieved from Pods was, Sorry ma'am there is nothing we can do. I was finally given a delivery date of January 1, 2009. I was angry but paid the rest of the money we owed, $1,217.00, just to get our furniture delivered.

I have spent hours on the phone with this company pleading for someone to do something for me. I rented a house and I can't even live in it. I have three children and we are living at my sisters home sleeping on the floor just waiting to get our furniture. I have spoken to at least 7 people who haven't done anything to correct their errors.

Then today the day after Christmas my hubby gets an e-mail stating since we didn't sign an online contract that our pod has been rescheduled forJanuary 8th, 2009. That is 21 days after the initial phone call. I was quoted five days. I got on the phone and after speaking to three people this morning. I was finally able to get in touch with a manager. He said he understood my concern and would see what he could do. He called me later today and said he would pull a driver off his vacation to bring our pod to Florida but it still won't be here untill January first, which is fourteen days not the five they promised. I can't believe a company as large as Pods doesn't have enough drivers.

Further more I paid almost 1,900.00 for a service that has been lacking in any type of human compassion or commitment to their service. I threatend to call a news station today, 8 on Your Side, and told them I was planning on starting a letter campaign to try to get some help. It was then that I finally got some, not much, understanding. I will never use this company again and would not recommend them to anyone ever. I wish I would of seen this website back in November. I feel like this company thinks they can do what ever they want because they have your belongings. I just want someone to explain to me why a company as big as Pods is allowd to get away with this kind of stuff. We can't wait to see what condition our furniture is in once Pods decides to deliver it, or how long it takes for them to pick up the Pod once we're done with it.

They charged us any extra month storage fee of $199.00 and $59.00 for container insurance. We had to pay these fees because they didn't honor their 5 day delivery commitment. I was not expecting these fees three days before Christmas. They have not once offered to compensate or reimburse me for the additional costs, due to their error. Our family is still sleeping on the floor of my sister's house because we can't get Pods to commit to a delivery date.

Charlie of Morrice MI (12/20/08)
Like most initial customers of PODS the service was very appealing to me especially because I was doing an international move from Canada to Michigan. During the initial booking, the rep asked me what my final destination in Michigan would be and at the time I did not know because we were still looking for a place....to which the rep said no problem, once you know just give us a call to let us know. He did ask me for my billing address, which is common for a credit card transaction. I NEVER ANTICIPATED THAT THIS WOULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE A HUGE PROBLEM.

The initial move went reasonably smooth, however I was somewhat curious as to why the container went to a different state (Ohio) for initial storage, but thought nothing more of it because I figured that was just a facility they needed it stored at initially. The problems began to occurr about 2 weeks ago when I went to request delivery of the container to unload. The rep said that it was a different franchise where I needed delivery, and he transfered me to a platinum agent. I explained to this individual my situation, to which he said he would pass the information to someone to see if something could be done. (During the ensuing days I was also concerned as I am approaching my rent due date for another month of storage)

After 2 days I had yet to hear back from anyone at PODS, so I called them back. I then spoke to platinum agent Adam, he said he would have his manager call me in 24-48hrs to see if the situation could be resolved. Another 2 days goes by, I don't hear back from anyone so I call them back again and talk to platinum agent Kay. She offers me 2 suggestions: go to Ohio to get my stuff, or pay an additional $1100 to have the POD moved between franchises (about 90 miles) both of which I said were unacceptable! She said she would forward my information to her manager and have followup.

2 additonal days go by and NO RESPONSE again, so I call again and talk to another platinum agent Mary Rose..this time I asked to speak with her manager, to which she was reluctant to do but gave me his name and said she would send him an email with my contact information to follow up...I DON'T EXPECT DIFFERENT RESULTS for follow up! Now I am at my monthly renewal date, because PODS cannot follow up appropriately and make a bad situation right! I just want my belongings delivered to me as explained and advertised...no one ever explained the interworkings of PODS franchises, nor did I have control of my items being sent to a different state for storage!! Their is no concern on their part for my problem, and a TOTAL lack of customer service priority in their system!

Another month of storage fee's $271.15 because PODS did not FOLLOW UP after multiple requests or attempt to RESOLVE. $1100.00 for PODS to move between their franchises, AND if this is not payed my household belongings will not be returned to me!?! This is unethical to say the least!

Gregg of Chester VA (12/10/08)
Contracted with company using credit card. After we were finished we assumed they were going to bill the same credit card. Instead a driver left an invoice somewhere and the next thing we know is we get an later notice 10 days later. When we tried to call the accounting person was never there. We finally sent a check which was returned since they billed the credit card anyway for the amount owed plus the LATE FEE.

Late Fees, confusion and unanswered phone calls

Howard of Cedar Park TX (11/28/08)
A month after my account was closed and we thought the horror of PODS was over (see my previous post) they charged an additional $211.09 to my credit card. Do not ever use this company. They are a nightmare.

John of Santa Clara CA (11/21/08)
We moved with PODS and their partner movers (Pack and Load) from Michigan to California. There were 4 movers who showed up at our home loaded the POD and upon completion I placed the PODS supplied lock on the POD. The POD was then placed into PODS storage for 3 months before we moved into our new residence. The Pack and Load movers came to unload our POD after it was dropped off in front of our new home. When I took the lock off the POD and opened the POD we all saw that my furniture had either been destroyed or badly damaged.

The movers told me this was the worse POD they had ever seen with regards to damage and they called their head office while I took pictures. They unloaded everything and I filed a claim with PODS to try to get money to fix what could be fixed and get some compensation for everything that was destroyed. The insurer for PODS noted that indeed there had been damage done. The insurer concluded that damages to your personal property were caused by shifting of the contents inside the container, which is not a covered peril under the policy. I had the only insurance policy that PODS offered and now they are telling me that yes the POD was possibly dropped etc. but they are not liable?

It has been 3 months since the incident and a representative from Pack and Load contacted me and left a message on my voice mail that PODS asked him to call me. I phoned him back and told him the situation. His response was that my situation is not that uncommon and that he would get back in contact with PODS to resolve the situation...this hasn't happened because I've never heard from PODS.

There was a lot of damage from broken chairs, bookcases, and tables to chips taken off marble tables, marked up furniture, and broken glass.

Howard of Cedar Park TX (11/05/08)
The PODS business model of leaving a portable storage container at my location as we cleaned out our home from the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, and then having our belongings transferred to our new home in another city was very appealing. However, dealing with this company was a nightmare. They were very nonresponsive to inquiries, the driver did not contact us 30 minutes before delivery as promised, we were not allowed 24 hour access to the storage facility as promised, and they added nearly $400 in unauthorized fees to our credit card. Their billing system is very confusing and misleading and nobody at the company ever seems to give a straight answer. I cannot recommend PODS to anyone.

Delays in moving. Unauthorized credit card charges. PODS agreed to refund a portion of the extra charges, but admitted no wrongdoing.

Yong of Aiea HI (09/13/08)
We decided to have our belongings moved by PODS. We placed our belongings in the PODS storage facility and were told that when we were ready to move to our new location the move would be simple and cheap

Now, we contacted PODS to have our container delivered and they told us it is going to cost $6000+. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! THEY ARE HOLDING OUR BELONGINGS FOR RANSOM. I would advise anyone considering using PODS. DON'T DO IT. FIND OTHER OPTIONS. THESE PEOPLE DON'T CARE.

Michael of Durham NC (09/11/08)
Moved with a company called PODS in Raleigh. Agreed to pay them $320 to use one of their portable storage units. They required my credit card number for payment. Would not accept cash or any other form of payment...so what was I to do? Paid them this amount. The unit, once packed was then moved according to the agreement to my new residence. As the end of the rental period approached, called and asked them to take it away. A new addition fee of $58 was assessed which I reluctantly paid.

On the day they said they would pick it up, despite the fact that there were three people at home, said they couldn't get to the pod because a truck was parked in front of it. They told me they would get to it when their busy schedule would permit. Waited. No pick up. Wrote them emails, no response. Not that big an issue with me, yet began to notice withdrawals from my credit card. Two additional payments debited from my account of $169.00 a piece...a rental charge for the pod remaining at my house! When I discovered this, called them. They blamed me for not being able to pick up the item because of the truck. I said come pick up the item and just now got another charge of $58 to pick up the pods! A RACKET!

So, have had to cancel my only credit card to prevent them from taking any more money from my account. AND all of this despite numerous computer generated emails from them informing me that I had neglected to have been asked to sign their contract when their man came to deliver the POD. So, they don't even have a legitimate contract signed by me. The man was so unpleasent on the phone and so unwilling to be fair.

Has ended costing me over twice the amount agreed upon. Have had to apply for a new credit card.

Beth of El Paso TX (08/20/08)
After reading the complaints on this company I am very glad of this site. I called PODS on August 18 and inquired about a POD as I am planning a move. I was offered a POD 8x8x32. As I read the complaints and the responses from PODS I now realize that that was a lie if not down right fraud. I have been ripped off by big corps before and do not want it to happen again so thank you for this help that also goes to the legal department of PODS for their helpful information in the responses to the complaints. If they had not responded I would not have caught the misinformation. Will find another way to move not worth the hassle and I am not rich so I can afford to replace my things or pay for something I have not received.

Shantishia of Atlanta GA (08/06/08)
I orded an PODS on July 3, 2008 spoke to a rep. that set up the initial delivery of the empty container I was told that my PODS would be delivered to me on Aug. 7, 2008 with a balance of 97.08 due at time of delivery. Today is Aug.6.2008 my storage is to be delivered to me tomorrow and I get a call stating I owe a balance of 228.00 that is due before my storage can be delivered and my move in is scheduled for Aug.7.2008. This company is terrible.

I am out my reservation fee for my movers. And I have wasted my time off from work and have nothing to move into my house. I will be in an empty house with my child that has a serious medical condition with no furniture.

Christy of Edmond, Oklahoma OK (08/02/08)
The nightmare started for us at the beginning and we assumed it would get better but no. We started with ordering moving supplies from them and specifically asked if they would be delivered before our return home from vacation because we did not want the boxes, etc. on the porch, in the rain. They submitted our receipt with a date placed ahead for delivery but the boxes were delivered a week early and yes they were out in the rain and even a tornado by the time we got home from our trip. Next, the POD was delivered 8 hours late on the scheduled day so we lost an entire day of packing time and our house had to be shown to a possible buyer with boxes sitting around waiting to go in the un delivered POD.

Now it is the end of the day for the pick up of our packed POD, which by the way we were just told a week ago had to be picked up seven days before it's delivery to our new house that is only 10 hours away. Therefore we've been without our things now for days because it had to be packed for this early pick up but they never picked up because some brilliant person entered it as 2009 in their system.

We've called 6 times today and they kept telling us that they were on the way then at 9 pm they quickly sent out an email that stated we were being picked up tomorrow. Now they say that they are unable to deliver it to our new house until a day later than scheduled which means the movers will now keep our money since there will be nothing to move, our disabled child will be sleeping on a hard, and who knows how clean floor and we lose another day in our move. They have offered nothing to make up for this and still insist that they have to use seven days to get the POD 10 hours down the road. So, this hype about the advantage of having it on your drive way to pack as you please and take your time is crap because it's late then they inform you later that you really have to be picked up seven days before you are ready so you will be without your things.

I only hope they don't lose the POD enroute and I will never use them again. Because of this, we have also had to rent a Uhaul trailer so we can have our daughter comfortable the first night. Isn't that what we were avoiding when we went with PODS, the wear and tear of hauling a trailer, etc?

Vance of Cheney KS (07/30/08)
Nothing good to say about this company. We were moving state to state and to start they delivered the POD facing the wrong way. No big deal so we didn't worry about it. Then they were a day late delivering it to our new location. No big deal so we didn't worry about it. Come pick up day, they didn't show. Some sorry excuse about not being able to get ahold of us so they don't come get it. This was a Saturday and they said they would get it on Tuesday.

They picked it up on Tuesday and tore it through my yard tearing it up on the way out. We were just happy to have it gone so we were going to let it go until we saw a $260 charge on our account for the extra days we kept it (remember, they didn't show up). I've been told they will refund the money so we'll see. This whole ordeal has involved countless hours on the phone as well. Long story short I would advise anyone to think twice about using this company.

Damaged lawn

Suzanne of Winter Garden FL (07/11/08)
I was told initially that the biggest POD would take 2-3 bed house ,this is rubbish ,in the end I had to hire another normal storage unit to have the POD emptied into and then hire uhaul to ferry the reast of the house to storage .My hubby who has a bad heart had to empty the Pod in the blazing heat into the storage unit which did work for us ,I naturally asked for my first month's rent back ,I have twice a day just about asking for a refund of firt month's storage but I get the same story , it is under review ,what a con ,IWANT MY MONEY BACK .These people rip you off and then ignore ,I am telling the BBB next and then writing my local tv station warnIng people against using PODS .

Made my husband ill emptying POD plus the huge cost of two storgae costs and stress by these people ignoring us . WHAT A RIP OFF !!!!!!!

S. of Grosse Pointe Farms MI (07/03/08)
I am in a position where I have to move my belongings, and I had seen someone use the PODS service, so I look it up at their site and amd giving serious consideration. But the site starts taking a long time to even give me a quote, (This always spooks me.) and I had entered the supposed Discount Code that siad I would get an additional 10% off if I used the password. The price comes for me to use the service(Where talking about maybe a 10 mile move with say 8-10 months of storage.) Ok, well price seem ok, a little high, first thing I notice is No discount!

Well maybe it will happen when they deliver the pod or what ever..So at this point, I am thinking, ok I could use these guys!

Then as usual, I start doing some research, other boards and I end up here. And to be honest, after what I have read here, I would not use these guys. My experience has shown that if you see consistent problems with a company, one's where it isn't just people bitching about the same thing, but everyone complaining about almost the same thing. ie..bad customer service, inconsistent communication regarding pricing, difficulty in contacting anyone that can actually make a decision when it comes to help a client resolve any issue.

These are all bad signs for a company! These type of complaints are not just random people complaining because they have nothing else to do, it is people who get sick and tired of companies taking advantage of people and Bully them because they have their Credit Card and know that most people won't make a complaint!

This is just my 2 cents, at first I was looking forward to using them, now, it looks like it'll just be me and some friends and a couple cases of beer! This way I know my friends won't be stealing my credit card when I am not looking!

Thanks to everyone who posted, it was a real help for me!

Chris of West Seneca NY (06/06/08)
I was refered to this company by a family memeber since she thought that it would make my move a whole lot easier. I have nothing good to say about this company. I have wasted nearly 6 hours of talk time in less than three months with people dont know the meaning of cusotmer service. They have lied, cheated and stole from me. They have damaged items and property as well as charged me for items such as a lock and ropes that I never ordered or even recieved. They have cancelled appointments with little or no notice and never call back in the 72 hours promised they did not deliver my stuff for almost 2 1/2 months DONT EVER USE THEM!!!!!!!!!!!! There is soo much more that I can write but not enough room

I have used many mins on my cell phone, I have wasted valuable time needed to study and do school and work projects. I have lost almost 600.00 in rent and fake charges. My oak table big scratch, brand new freezed big scratch, and bed were all damaged. Ironicly I was going to file a small claims case today but since I was stuck again on the phone today for over a half hour I was unable to go and get the paperwork. I have called a local place that does the same thing with storage and they are half the price for delivery and storage and have people who speak english on the phone.

Jack of Waycross GA (02/15/08)
When delivering Pods, the truck broke through septic tank cover. Driver offered to pay for half. I felt this was due to driver error and refused. Since then I have gotten nothing but stonewall from PODS. I have contacted the Corporate Customer Division and get nothing from them either. Can you help? I don't care if they deny the claim, but at least tell me what they are willing to do.

$815.00 to repair the damage.

Michael of Pearland TX (12/14/07)
The driver was delivering PODS to the final address. The first POD delivery went without incident. During the second POD delivery (same day), immediately following the first, the spotter and driver were talking and neither were paying attention nor taking due diligence and care when backing up the truck. The driver ran off the edge of driveway and cracked and busted the concrete. Then he kept maneuvering and cracked and busted another section of concrete with the truck's rear differential.

I now have damaged concrete

James of Glendale AZ (08/28/07)
I have a 98 Pontiac Grand Prix. Like many out there with the similar GM Build, I have had to replace my window regulator/motors due to burnout and general failures. Although I've only had 3 motors burned out, I've had 11 failures of the regulator. Reason: The metal cable, which is attached to a metal motor, which rides on a metal track, is secured to the metal regulator with a PLASTIC RETAINER!!!! 11 replacements in 8 years! Now, I read here that some guy replaced his windows regulator/motors 11 times in 4 years. Now, that's even more crazy!

Anne of Centerport NY (11/01/06)
I called the company PODS to obtain a storage unit. The sales representative was polite and answered all of my questions including, Can I pay by check? He replied, let me check your area code. He came back and said yes. I also told him I did not want the hassle of having to provide three checks-one for the delivery, one for the monthly fee, and one for them to take the pod away. He said fine and gave me the grand total. I then called my husbands office and had the accountant cut a check. When I called the company back to firm up the quote (Quote number 1650217) I was told by a different sales representative that I could not use a check. I told him that I'd taken the day off to expressessly work on getting the POD and that the check had already been cut, at the expense of my husbands work force, and I expected them to stand by their word.

I was then passed on to a resolutions person Michael who told me that was not company policy and I had to use a credit card. He was not at all sympathetic to my situation. When I asked for the name and address of the CEO he refused to give me that information. He said he would escalate my complaint and someone would get back to me in 24-48 hours. I told him that I needed the POD in that period of time! I also insisted that should PODS not honor the word of their sales representative, and insist on my paying by credit card, that I should get some dispensation for my time and trouble, and that of my husbands staff. He said that was unlikely.

I further told Michael that this was NOT cutomer service. After having just read other complaints about the company, I suspect its all about getting their hands on the credit card information so they can bill for services not rendered. I'm so glad there was a place to find other customer complaints so that I could have a point of reference with regards to this company's tactics.

I'm not going to bother waiting for the return phone call that Michael said would be forthcoming. I'm looking for another storage company. I told Michael, if PODS would not honor my check or provide dispensation, I'd put the furniture on the roof before I'd use their company, out of principle. Those PODS are like trodjen horses-they look so good on the outside, but you ain't got a clue what's coming.

Debi of Boiling Springs SC (08/04/06)
I contacted PODS in May, to inquire about using them for my move to another state. They issued 2 of the largest containers, assuring that they would be plenty large enough for my 3000 sq ft house - wrong!! We still had to rent a large U-Haul truck to finish moving. We packed the PODS very neat and snug, but couldn't even come close to fitting all our things. This was just the beginning of the PODS nightmare!! After we moved, I called to set up delivery at our new house. I was told that I never signed a contract (which I was never told about) and they would NOT give my things back, until a contract was signed. They had all of my belongings in their possesion, so at this point, I had no choice except to sign the contract - no matter what it said.

Needless to say, I didn't agree with some issues on the contract, but HAD to sign it in order to get my furniture back. The PODS were delivered to my new house and I was shocked at how damaged my items were. We packed them exactly as it said and left no room for the items to move. However, almost every piece of furniture I owned was damaged in one way or another. A tv and 2 lamps were completely broke and all the dressers, beds, dining room table, etc. had huge gashes, scratches, dents. Some of these items were antiques and irreplacable. I call PODS regarding this and they simply stated that I must not have packed them correctly. Whatever!

Then, a month after the move, I noticed a huge charge on my credit card. When I called to find out about it, they said I was being charged for an extra month because I had the PODS a couple days extra. I was under the impression that I would be billed from the day they gave me the PODS, until the day they picked them up. NOT THE CASE!! They will not prorate and you will be billed for an entire month, whether you have the PODS or not. I tried to discuss this matter with them, but they would not return my calls. Therefore, I turned this over to my credit card company. They did an investigation and found my complaint valid, so they refunded the money to me.

As far as I was concerned, the matter was over. Wrong again!! Almost 1 year later, I get a phone call from a collection agency stating I have an outstanding balance with PODS!! I was furious!! I had not heard one word about this from PODS - no email, phone calls, letters - NOTHING!! The collection agency told me I would have to take it up with PODS. What a joke. I started calling them again, and just kept getting transferred to different departments. I finally discussed this matter with a supervisor, who informed me that I just need to pay it. As I stated before, I paid all that I owed. They were charging me for 3 weeks AFTER they had already taken the PODS back from me. I explained to them that I wasn't aware of the no pro rating policy and they said it was in the contract. This was the contract that I received 1 month AFTER they took all my household furnishings into their possesion.

Needless to say, I have gotten nowhere with them and they insist I pay the extra $300. The last time we spoke, they suggested I contact Kathy in their Legal Department. I have called her every day for 2 weeks and have yet to speak with her. I have left a message everytime I called, and she will not call me back. I tried calling Katie - the supervisor who referred me to the Legal Dept., and now she won't return my calls either. Even the collection agency that THEY hired told me that PODS is very unorganized and nobody knows what is going on when there is a problem.

Maureen of Seaford NY (06/02/06)
I ordered a 16' POD and asked for a price with Warehouse Storage. The Idea of getting a POD is that a customer can pack it at his/her leisure and call to have it removed to the Warehouse for Storage. During the first month I realized that I needed to have the POD onsite (in my driveway). I tried to contact PODS rep Michael Stahl by email and phone. I finally received an answer by email after about 2 weeks telling me that I had reserved the warehouse and therefore was required to pay for the duration of the time I kept the POD.

Firstly, the idea of PODS is the flexibility. How were they to know how long and when I would use the Warehouse. Secon, I think I gave plenty of notice going forward to not have to pay for the warehouse storage. Third. I keep emailing asking for a more detailed understanding of this policy and no one has returned an answer. In addition to all that there is a 2nd and 3rd month discount for rental that I haven't been given. The price for Warehouse Storage with a 16' POD is $189.00 plus tax a month. The Onsite price for the 16' POD is $169.00 plus tax. I have the POD for nearly three months and informed PODS of the change at the end of the first month. According to their website there are discounts for nd and third months of $25 and $20, respectively.

PODS is trying to take advantage of the fact that my property is already in the POD and that it would be an inconvenience for me to make other arrangements.

PODS Responds:
In the above referenced complaint the customer Maureen stated that during the initial order she requested for the contents of the container to be stored in our warehouse however, while packing the container she decided to change her order to on site storage. Maureen states she e-mailed and called a representative Michael Stahl and was unable to complete her request.

Rebecca of Jackson MS (05/23/06)
They charged my credit card without permission. Caused my card to go over the limit.

PODS Responds:

Rebecca of Jackson MS (05/23/06)
They automatically deducted monthly payment from my credit card without my permission. They promised to store PODS in a climate controlled environment and they did not. They are charging tax and TEXAS does not have state tax.

Sally of San Carlos CA (03/03/06)
PODS has engaged in misleading sales and billing practices. They promised me a refund on the phone but now, 3 months later, I have still not received the refund. Normally I would stop payment on my credit card in order to get their attention and resolve the issue. However, since they have my stuff in storage, I am afraid if I withhold payment they will sell my stuff. I have called them and emailed several times, with no response but disrespect.

They owe me $216 plus tax.  They are overcharging me on a monthly basis on my automatic payment on my credit card.

PODS Responds:

John of Bellingham WA (01/27/06)
I had called and asked if they prorated the monthly storage fee after I had started my service with them and they informed me they did prorate. When the time came to finalize my bill with them I made several calls prior to my due date to resolve all charges and to have a breakdown of all the charges so that I was sure I was paying the proper amount. I never received a return call from the billing department or anyone else.

I was told several times over the phone by employees that they would send intra emails to the billing department for them to call and resolve the bill, still with no contact from billing. Any time you call the company they pass you from one person to the next and consume large amounts of your time transferring you around. No matter who you talk to they tell you they are investigating and they will return your call which never does happen. In the end I get charged a twenty five dollar late fee due to the neglience of the company to handle my case in a timely manner.

PODS Responds:

Chris of Hillsboro OR (05/27/05)
PODS is a business that should be shut down immediately. Not only are the pods poorly designed for proper ventilation which will no doubt damage countless personal possessions due to moisture and mold; but the phone customer service is horrible at best. You can expect to wait on hold for hours and if you leave a message, they do not call you back. My neighbor is currently involved in a lawsuit regarding mold damage to his possessions he stored in PODS, and as of yet they are unwilling to assume any liability, claiming the pods are properly ventilated when anyone can plainly see they are not.

In addition, I called to have my empty pod picked up, having been assured it could be done within 5 days of request. However, it turns out they cannot pick it up until over 10 days from now. So I am forced to pay for each additional day the empty pod sits in my driveway. They are charging me up front for a whole month and will not credit my account until it is picked up at their convenience, with no regard to mine.

PODS Responds:

Wm. of Crane Hill AL (10/25/04)
We contracted with PODS for two (2) 16' storage containers. After loading them we asked that they be delivered to Birmingham, AL. After finding a new home we asked that the PODS be delivered to Cullman County, AL and we were advised that they did not deliver to our zip code in Cullman County even though the information for the Birmingham agent for PODS lists Cullman County without any limitations as to zip code. A call to the resolution center has yet to solve the problem. I would strongly suggest that anyone thinking of using PODS seek an alternative solution.

We are without the contents of our two containers and may have to hire a mover in Birmingham to deliver the contents to us. In addition we may have to refer the matter to the courts for solution.

PODS Responds:
In the above referenced complaint the customer Wm. stated that upon his request to deliver the container to his new address he was advised that the address was outside of our delivery area.

Romana of Chandler AZ (08/20/04)
After recieving several high priced moving quotes for my move from Los Angeles to Phoenix, I decided to use PODS from which I had seen a commercial on television. The price was right since I could pack the pod myself and it would be transported for me. I ordered two PODS for my 1550 square foot home and everything fit. They were delivered as promised and I moved to Phoenix.

I recieved my ETS (estimated time of delivery) email the night before they were supposed to come thinking everything would be allright. Well the next morning one one of my PODS showed up. I called their solution center several times that day to find out what was going on and finally found out they had a big mix up of paperwork and the second pod would be delivered as soon as it got into the Phoenix area. He said he would even try to get it here the same day. That was Tuesday. It is now Friday and after not getting any updates of where my Pod was I called them to find out what was going on. Today, Friday, was the day they were supposed to be picked up and for the one I did get nobody showed up to pick it up either. So they again said it was a huge mix up. I demanded a refund for the second pod and the agent told me he would have to submit a letter to the lawyers of the company.

So I will update this complaint if I do ever get a refund. If not I'm going to small claims court as the second POD contained supplies for my home business so each day I dont have it I lose money. I would NOT recommend PODS at all. They did not deliver on the dates they had scheduled and failed to follow up with what was going on. Again if they do not refund my money I'm taking them to small claims court and reporting them to the BBB. What seemed to be a great company completely dissapointed me. Also, as stated by an earlier complaint, do not think that one large POD will fill a 1500 square foot home. It only fills about half that or less if you have a lot of furniture. Ridiculous

Cheryl of Dade City FL (9/18/03):
From the beginning, my PODS experience has been horrible. I originally called in May to find out specifics; i.e., when to order, what size, price, etc. I called about 1 week prior to when I needed it, just to be told the size I needed wasn't available, so I had to settle for the smaller size, 12' - supposedly holds 1200 s.f. Well, it doesn't.

Not only did it not hold everything, I had to rent a 24-ft truck to pack everything else into, and I didn't even have living room furniture, and only had 1 king bed and 1 twin bed, 4 small dressers, entertainment center (small), occasional tables, and lots of assorted boxes.

After this fiasco, all was fine for the duration of my storage on my property. I called to have them come and pick it up after we had unpacked, and was told it would be a week before they could get it. So, I had to pay for a week for an empty POD that I wasn't even using. I wasn't told to call a week before, whatever. Well, when the driver came to pick up, on Aug 20, he ran over my landscape timber retaining wall surrounding my driveway, cracked the asphalt driveway (opening it up for washing out) and destroyed one of my landscape lights.

I immediately called their "solution center" and filed my claim for property damage. The area manager was supposed to call me, but that never happened. All the calls have been initiated by myself, and at times I was called back after numerous calls on my part. After several call from me, they finally sent their warehouse manager on Sept 6 to fix it. While I appreciate his effort, it washed out in the next rain.

I called Sept 15, left message. Called again Sept 16, was told the area manager would call me the next day. She called and said she'd be there sometime after lunch. At 3pm, I called company, and was transferred to legal dept, told them that territory manager did not show up nor call, I was called back by legal that the manager would be there Sept 18. At 2:30 she was still not here, nor a phone call. I called her, left a message that she returned, stating she could be out on Saturday.

I told her that I had wasted 2 days waiting for her, and all I wanted was to be refunded my money that I had wasted on this company. She supposedly will be out on Sept 19 to assess the damage.

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