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Services
International removals
National moving
Man & Van
Car & Vehicle transport
Pet transport
Art transport
Associations
OMNI
FIDI
IAM
LACMA
About
Stuttaford Van Lines is the oldest removal company in South Africa, boasting over 158 years of experience in domestic and international removals, relocation and specialised services such as pet transport and fine art packaging.
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What is your insurance policy? How do you deal with damaged items?
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Reviews
71% of the users recommend this moving company
H.H.
February 7, 2024
on Sirelo
I had a small inheritance shipped from Cape Town to Vancouver, and shopped around extensively for the best quote. Stuttafords won the business, and were very efficient in collecting and packing my small shipment, in January 2023. They had advised me that 'transit time' could be 3-6 months for smaller shipments, and I went ahead and paid them the full door-to-door costs in advance, as quoted. Four months later, in April, we were advised that there was now enough cargo for a 20-foot container, which should be shipped shortly. Then in July, we were advised that they had now consolidated enough cargo for a 40-foot container, which would significantly improve Stuttafords' profit on the consolidation, and presented with a new invoice for additional costs related to 'differences in freight and exchange'. It was made clear that this was to be paid, over and above the already-paid quoted amount, if our goods were to be included.
So they effectively collected the goods, delayed shipment in order to maximize their profit, and then charged me again for expenses related to delaying the shipment. This seems to me to be an ethically very questionable practice, and left me with a somewhat bitter taste.
Once again, collection, packaging, (eventual) shipment, and delivery was all performed in a polite and efficient manner. But don't assume that Stuttafords will honour their quote when doing the actual shipment.Read more
So they effectively collected the goods, delayed shipment in order to maximize their profit, and then charged me again for expenses related to delaying the shipment. This seems to me to be an ethically very questionable practice, and left me with a somewhat bitter taste.
Once again, collection, packaging, (eventual) shipment, and delivery was all performed in a polite and efficient manner. But don't assume that Stuttafords will honour their quote when doing the actual shipment.Read more
Packing of furniture
Failure to comply
Moved from Capr Town (South Africa) to Vancouver (Canada)
W.V.Z.
November 10, 2023
on Sirelo
My engagement with Stuttaford Van Lines, a company renowned in South Africa for moving services, was a journey of highs and lows. With previous experiences in both international and local relocations, I had certain expectations from them.
Pros:
Punctuality: The team arrived on the dates specified for packing and delivery.
Efficient Initial Packing: The team showed commendable efficiency initially, managing to pack most of my items within a day and a half. This part of the process was handled well, with no damage to the packed items.
Cons:
Customer Service Issues: Interactions with the office staff left much to be desired. Their abruptness and vague commitments were frustrating and unprofessional.
Packing and Loading Challenges: The truck was insufficient for all my furniture, leading to a hurried and careless packing of the remaining items. This rush resulted in damages to nearly all the furniture packed last.
Poor Time Management: The crew's arrival and departure times were inconsistent, affecting the overall packing schedule. Their late arrival and early departure on the first day forced them to extend work hours till after 8 PM the next day, adding unnecessary stress to my house handover and travel plans.
Inadequate Cataloguing: The packing crew's lack of attention to detail in cataloguing and organising the items was evident. They neglected to use the provided house diagram on the boxes and then could not spell all the words, causing disorganisation and confusion when I had to find items again.
Concerning Insurance Handling:
Inadequate Compensation: A particularly disheartening aspect was the company's approach to insurance claims. It seemed as though they expected my move insurance to compensate for their inadequacies. Regardless of the insured value of the damaged items, they only offered a flat rate of R500 per item for damage. This approach felt dismissive and unfair, adding to the overall dissatisfaction with their service.
In summary, while Stuttaford Van Lines displayed competence in certain areas, they fell short in critical aspects like customer service, logistical execution, and post-move support. This inconsistency in service, coupled with a lacklustre approach to insurance claims, made for a stressful and ultimately disappointing moving experience.Read more
Pros:
Punctuality: The team arrived on the dates specified for packing and delivery.
Efficient Initial Packing: The team showed commendable efficiency initially, managing to pack most of my items within a day and a half. This part of the process was handled well, with no damage to the packed items.
Cons:
Customer Service Issues: Interactions with the office staff left much to be desired. Their abruptness and vague commitments were frustrating and unprofessional.
Packing and Loading Challenges: The truck was insufficient for all my furniture, leading to a hurried and careless packing of the remaining items. This rush resulted in damages to nearly all the furniture packed last.
Poor Time Management: The crew's arrival and departure times were inconsistent, affecting the overall packing schedule. Their late arrival and early departure on the first day forced them to extend work hours till after 8 PM the next day, adding unnecessary stress to my house handover and travel plans.
Inadequate Cataloguing: The packing crew's lack of attention to detail in cataloguing and organising the items was evident. They neglected to use the provided house diagram on the boxes and then could not spell all the words, causing disorganisation and confusion when I had to find items again.
Concerning Insurance Handling:
Inadequate Compensation: A particularly disheartening aspect was the company's approach to insurance claims. It seemed as though they expected my move insurance to compensate for their inadequacies. Regardless of the insured value of the damaged items, they only offered a flat rate of R500 per item for damage. This approach felt dismissive and unfair, adding to the overall dissatisfaction with their service.
In summary, while Stuttaford Van Lines displayed competence in certain areas, they fell short in critical aspects like customer service, logistical execution, and post-move support. This inconsistency in service, coupled with a lacklustre approach to insurance claims, made for a stressful and ultimately disappointing moving experience.Read more
Careful with furniture
Damage settlement
Moved from Randburg, Johannesburg (South Africa) to Port Elizabeth (South Africa)
C.U.
November 1, 2023
on Sirelo
Very professional, efficient, experienced and thorough! They were punctual, not loud and very helpful.
Moved from Hartbeespoort (South Africa) to Durban (South Africa)
Kate
March 7, 2023
on Sirelo
Stuttafords is the worst moving company..Totally unprofessional ..in packing and taking responsibility for your items..Items broken.and stolen ..Boxes marked incorrectly.Wasted space resulting in been overcharged. No response from them..Disgusting company..Do not use....
Unprofessional
Moved from Johannesburg (South Africa) to London (United Kingdom)
Juliet
October 4, 2022
on Sirelo
Absolutely one of the worst experiences of our lives ! Have just received our boxes after 10 months ! Communication was dismal. Loads of items missing.
To top it off, they ripped us off and tried to rip us off even further.
Don't know why I went against my gut instinct.
The sales lady was really nice and the proposal sounded great. What a dreadful experience 😪
I don't want the company to contact me. I want to put this awful experience behind me but feel it only right to let others know about the terrible service. I read the reviews and would never have used the company if I'd been aware of their terrible performance.
To top it off, they ripped us off and tried to rip us off even further.
Don't know why I went against my gut instinct.
The sales lady was really nice and the proposal sounded great. What a dreadful experience 😪
I don't want the company to contact me. I want to put this awful experience behind me but feel it only right to let others know about the terrible service. I read the reviews and would never have used the company if I'd been aware of their terrible performance.
Communication
Moved from Durban (South Africa) to Bicester (United Kingdom)
Mandisi
October 15, 2021
on Sirelo
I realized that my TV screen was cracked upon unpacking the box in Durban. It has not been 2 weeks since I logged a claim and my TV has not been replaced or fixed. I am being sent from Pillar to Post whilst my family is suffering without a TV. As it stands, it looks like it will be more than a month or more without a TV. I paid DSTV, Vodacom fibre and Netflix and all my money is going to waste because I cannot watch TV. This is not the service I paid for. I paid for quality and convenience and I am getting the total opposite. I am extremely frustrated and furious. I need my TV replaced now otherwise I will continue to make my experience public please.
Moved from Port Elizabeth (South Africa) to Durban (South Africa)
