Company Response Review Report Review
Bait and Switch?

M. Berger Submitted this review about Magic Carpet Auto Transport
Review made Live: 4/3/2010 5:44:00 PM
I decided to use Magic Carpet on 3/14/2010, and filled out the online form. It never went through. Fortunately, I followed up with an email. Got the order placed over the phone.

This was not the cheapest company. In fact, another "company" owned by the same person quoted less. I went with these guys because they were supposedly located in Washington.

No further contact until 3/22/2010. I emailed Anthony Quinn to provide updated phone numbers, and inquired about my car getting picked up. Response was "haven't heard yet from dispatch about having a carrier secured yet, but Monday mornings are crazy busy, so hopefully I will hear an update later on in the day." I never heard anything back.

I contacted Anthony Quinn on 4/1/2010 to see if anything was happening. On 4/2, Anthony Quinn emailed back, said he had been on vacation and someone SHOULD have been in touch with me.

Here's what I was told next:

"Apparently our auto quoter was off regarding your route and the quote was too low, which is why we have been having difficulty getting it picked up. We heard word today that we had a truck that was interested in picking it up on Monday, but the total cost of the transport would be $1,100 instead of $870. Our deposit would be reduced from $270 to $200 and the balance owed at delivery would be $900."

A few more quotes from Anthony Quinn:

"Since you are accusing me that I am bait and switching you, which is far from the truth, I am going to cancel your order. I wouldn't want you doing business with a bait and switch company."

"I have chosen not to do business with you as you are accusing me of things that are not true."

Bottom line - this is a bait and switch scheme. String me along for several weeks, wait till I get anxious, and then drop the "guess its gonna cost you more" bomb on me? Sorry... I'm not falling for it.

Magic Carpet Auto Transport has lost my business. I hope those of you who are facing similar issues with this company will reconsider who's hands you are putting your money in.

I have decided to purchase a plane ticket and drive my car to my new home, rather than deal with this sort of rediculousness. Anyone who would like to see the full email thread between me and Anthony Quinn may contact me.
Shipment Details
Origin State:
Illinois
Pickup:
Never
Destination State:
Washington
Delivery:
Never
Customer Service
Honesty:
Knowlegeable:
Promptness:
Customer Service:
Review Details
Quote or Order Id:
2009232
Quote or Order Cost:
$847

Company Response
Terry Williams from Magic Carpet Auto Transport Submitted this response.
Response Date: 4/3/2010 6:33:00 PM
I cancelled your order due to the fact that you were accusing our company of conducting a bait and switch. We work for FREE until we finally get a carrier secured for your vehicle. I never charged you a single penny. We only get paid when your vehicle is picked up, so why on earth would it benefit us to string you along for 2 weeks? In auto shipping, there is no set precise quote schedule. It's a fluctuating animal and controlled by the drivers....supply and demand. Our auto quoter gave us a quote and I actually increased that quote due to the size and weight of your vehicle. We worked on your order everyday, but unfortunately were not able to find an attraction from the drivers at the quote given. We then got our FIRST call from a carrier who said they would pick it up, but they wanted a total of $900 to do it. I asked you if that is what you wanted to do and you said that was not an option. You then accused me of doing a bait and switch on me, which couldn't be farther from the truth. Due to that accusation, I said I would cancel your order. Why would I want to spend my Easter weekend securing a carrier for someone who is accusing me of something I never did. I told you I felt bad that everything worked out this way and only wished you the best. I chose the high road. You did not. If anyone is interested in seeing the email exchange, I have no problem giving it to you either.