Overcharged by a Moving Company

The task

You recently hired a moving company to move your belongings to a new home. Before the move you received a written price quote, but the final bill was much higher than you expected. Write an email to the moving company's customer service team in about 150-200 words. In your email, do the following:

• Describe the move you booked and the price you were quoted.
• Explain what was wrong with the final bill.
• Say what you want the company to do.

Length

150–200 words

Time

27 minutes

Question

3 of 15

Dear Customer Service Team, I am writing about the bill I received after your company moved my belongings on October 12. I booked a local move from my one-bedroom apartment on Whyte Avenue to a townhouse in south Edmonton. Before the move, your sales representative gave me a written quote of $850, which included three movers, a truck and up to five hours of work. However, the final invoice came to $1,240. It includes a charge of $210 for "stairs and long carry", even though both buildings have elevators and the truck was parked right at the door. There is also an extra hour of labour, although the crew finished in just over four hours. I recorded the start and end times myself, and the team leader signed the work sheet. I would like you to remove these two charges and send me a corrected invoice for the amount I was originally quoted. I have attached a copy of the quote and the signed work sheet. If I do not hear from you within ten business days, I will have to dispute the payment with my credit card company. Yours sincerely, Marcus Webb

Why this answer works

• The writer gives exact figures ($850 quoted, $1,240 billed, a $210 charge) so each part of the complaint is clear and easy to check.
• Each disputed charge is answered with a reason introduced by contrast linkers such as "even though" and "although", showing good control of complex sentences.
• The closing request is firm but polite, naming the attached evidence and a realistic deadline without sounding aggressive.