Background and Common Scenarios
You arrange for a company to store goods. They advertise a reasonable price.
Now they raise their price and require some type of insurance. When you seek to complain and stop making payments, they threaten to hold or even sell your goods, and add different charges. Ask to speak with a supervisor, no one is available but they demand a large payment, here are some things you can do.
Arbitration
Most storage facilities provide for arbitration. Originally, some lawyers could file class actions, but a leading case allowed for a contract clause providing for class action waiver with individual arbitration. The company avoids arbitration may face significant charges to arrange for the arbitration, typically about $1,600 in the American Arbitration Association. Once you request arbitration or file a demand, you may find the nasty customer service person who says there's nothing we can do is replaced by a pleasant corporate representative with flexibility who says can we address your needs.
False Advertising or Deceptive Practice
Companies may advertise one price, but quickly change it to a higher one with a markup, and if you moved, you cannot easily remove your items and are forced to pay. If the practice is misleading you can assert a deceptive practice or consumer fraud claim. Note this operates outside the contract, and an agreement cannot eliminate liability for deception.
Agreement
The company may rely on a one-sided agreement. If the agreement is confusing with items in small print, it may violate state Plain Language Law and you can assert that in arbitration. Again the nasty site representative may be unwilling to listen while the company rep facing costly arbitration and hiring an attorney to defend the company may be more interested in resolution and addressing legitimate concerns.
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