Company Response Review Report Review
Same 2-star experience as Russell below (reviewed on 5/20/13)

Derek Submitted this review about Domestic Auto Transport
Review made Live: 6/9/2013 11:43:00 PM
Unrealistic price quotes and shady business practices ruined what was otherwise a pretty good experience. I was quoted $960 (Kim said I "might have to pay $50 more" to get the pick-up date I wanted - certainly not more), but then my first quote was for $1,250, about 30%/$300 more. Ended up paying $1,085 as I was basically told that was my only option.

Of course, prices are "quotes" and not set in stone, and I'm sure the response to my review will be exactly this, but I pose the question... how often are actual prices paid LOWER than the quote? I am guessing virtually never, and not by hundreds of dollars, either. Beware of getting lured by false "conservatively low" quotes, because you'll likely be paying more. If the quote is not accurate, what is the point of a quote?

Domestic's communication was actually very good, which is why I chose them, and my car was picked up and delivered on time. However, my experience was soured by a follow-up e-mail asking me to write a review here, and that writers of 5-star reviews will be entered into a drawing for a full refund (see also Russell's review a few entries down). This is a huge turn-off, and reeks of poor, unethical business practices for obvious reasons. The response to Russell's review says that the company is not trying to bribe people into rating them 5 stars - well then why aren't ALL reviews entered into the drawing? It is 100% BS that it is not trying to bribe people, and it's insulting to be told otherwise. Not only is this practice unfair and unethical, but it shows that the company does not care about improving its service by hearing and responding to constructive criticism. As such, Domestic's 5-star rating should be taken with a huge grain of salt.

Finally, I am aware that Domestic only acts as an agent to countless small shipping/trucking companies, but the fact that my car was damaged in transit just added to the bad taste in my mouth. My experience with Domestic started well but got worse at every turn, and that is why I recommend giving your business to a company with more honesty and integrity.
Shipment Details
Origin State:
Michigan
Pickup:
On Time
Destination State:
Washington
Delivery:
On Time
Customer Service
Honesty:
Knowlegeable:
Promptness:
Customer Service:
Review Details
Quote or Order Id:
3000748
Quote or Order Cost:
$1085

Car Condition
  • Vehicle was damaged
Company Response
Terry Williams from Domestic Auto Transport Submitted this response.
Response Date: 6/10/2013 11:41:00 AM
Kimberly@Domesticautotransport.com 360-853-2814 CALL OR EMAIL ME FOR A FREE QUOTE ANYTIME! Derek, First I would like to apologize if you did not have a pleasant experience. When you were originally quoted, you were at 1139, we then placed your order at 960 with you agreeing to go up to 1010 because you were going to be out of the country. When I emailed you for the first carrier, you did have the right to decline which you did. We then found another carrier for 1085 total for a pick up as expedited service. Normally a quote for that is over 1600. So I did everything I could to avoid that extra cost for you. A quote is an estimate not a locked in price. That is why it is a quote. Never should anyone tell you that you will never pay more than your quoted price, again because its a quote. The carriers are the ones that control the pricing, we as the broker do our best to quote you as accurately as possible. As for the follow up email for the review, our goal is to get a honest review from every customer whether it is a 5 star or a zero star. We want future customers to see how we actually do business. If you feel that our services were only a 2 star based on the email for the contest, then that is your own opinion. Based on the review it looks like Domestic did a good job, you just do not like the follow up emails about the contest. We are doing the contest so our valued customers have a chance to win the full cost of their transport back. The only way we can qualify if a 5 star review, people are welcome to leave less stars but it simply will not qualify them for the contest. I am sorry if that bothers you but we have to put rules in place for this contest. We are not trying to bribe people, because as you can see based on your review, you left less than a 5 star review, we accept the review, but you simply will not qualify for the contest. As for the damage on your vehicle, we spoke with you on the phone and did tell you that in order for insurance so help you, there has to be proof of damage. You also told Jessica yesterday that you did not notice the damage until a few days after the delivery, and again unless the damage is noted at time of delivery there is little we can do. The damage must be done while in the carriers possession. So again as Jessica told you yesterday if you can show proof that the damage did occur during transport then the insurance will help you. If you do need anything else please let us know and we will be happy to get you what documentation we can to help you with a claim.