Deposit taken

alan Submitted this review about AA Auto & Home Movers
Review made Live: 11/30/2010 9:33:00 PM
I made a reservation to have a car picked up in Texas and delivered in NY. At the time of making the reservation, I specifically said the transporter needed to call the dealer as I was uncertain when the car would be ready. When I called AA to inquire about the pick up, I was told the dealer told the transport company that the car wouldn't be ready for another week- so be it. The following week, when I called to check on delivery, I was told by AA since the car was not ready on the original date I lost my deposit of $175.00-
I know that the deposit taken at the time of booking goes to the booking agent and the balance is what the driver gets. Upon calling to remedy this situation, I was told I had to give a new deposit if I wanted transport. I tried to argue that since nothing was done except for a phone call, I should be entitled to use the deposit to make a new reservation- However, the agent repeatedly insisted I was wrong and finally referred me to customer service, which I tried to call throughout the day
with no luck . I have owned my own business for close to 20 years and can't imagine trying to take money from my customers without delivering what was promised. I have since contracted another carrier that has a refundable deposit policy should a situation arise. Do your research before booking this company-

Company Response
Mark from AA Auto & Home Movers Submitted this response.
Response Date: 12/1/2010 10:59:00 AM
We too recommend all potential customers review our policies which are freely available on our website in our Terms. We welcome their research so that our and customer responsibilities are clearly understood and the lack of merit of this review will be obvious. The deposit was not taken at the time of booking – it was taken after we provided the customer with a transport company, which btw takes a lot more than a phone call. By signed contract Mr. Cancelino agreed his vehicle would be available for transport on 11/17 – 11/19. We provided a carrier to pick it up on 11/17. The dealership told the carrier company that the vehicle wouldn’t be ready for another week and would not release it for shipment. There is no justification for a refund or for this negative review. Our policies were disclosed to and accepted by Mr. Cancelino in writing prior to the work being completed and the charge being made. We rendered service exactly as we were authorized to do. The claim of having said the vehicle may not be available during the period he agreed it would be available makes no sense.