biddulphs.co.za

Avoid at All Costs – Costly, Careless and Unprofessional

My experience with Biddulphs was unacceptable from start to finish and caused significant financial loss, damage to my property, and unnecessary stress.They were the most expensive quote I received, and I specifically chose them expecting a professional, well-coordinated move. What I received instead was poor planning, delays, negligence, and a complete lack of accountability.On the day of the move, the team arrived late and with a truck that exceeded the size restrictions clearly communicated at booking. This immediately created issues with the estate I was moving from. Despite having eight workers on site, the team was extremely slow and inefficient. Packing only started around 10:00 and was only completed at approximately 16:30 for a three-bedroom house, which is entirely unacceptable.The supervisor, Petrus, demonstrated a complete lack of control, urgency, and care. He continuously provided incorrect updates and failed to manage his team effectively. I had clearly communicated that the receiving estate has a strict 17:00 cut-off, yet this was completely ignored, resulting in the move not being completed.Due to Biddulphs’ delays and incompetence, we were left stranded without accommodation, without access to essential belongings, and forced to make emergency arrangements for the night. We also suffered financial loss as refrigerated food spoiled with no access to proper storage.I dealt directly with Jafta Ndlovu, the director/branch manager, whose level of customer service was shocking. At a critical point, I requested simple written confirmation for the next morning’s delivery time, as required by the estate. He refused. Instead of taking ownership or offering solutions, I was left chasing him for updates while dealing with a crisis entirely caused by his company. He also indicated that they would subsidise R1300 towards the inconvenience, yet since completion of the move there has been no follow-up, no communication, and no accountability.The following day, the situation deteriorated further. The team handled my furniture with complete disregard. My belongings were damaged, my newly built home was damaged, and there was no care shown at all.The damage includes (and this is only a portion of the items affected):• Study desk dismantled with screws and stability components lost, leaving it unusable• Custom-made sideboard chipped and structurally damaged• LG fridge dented despite clear warnings about its fragile finish• Two mirrored bedside pedestals significantly damaged, with cracks and chipped glass• Walls, staircase, and even a staircase light damaged during the moveI had to repeatedly intervene and instruct the team to stop damaging my furniture and property, which should never be necessary when dealing with a so-called professional moving company.Boxes clearly marked as fragile and “do not stack” were ignored. They were stacked, flipped on their sides, and carried carelessly, resulting in further damage. Biddulphs explicitly states they do not insure customer-packed boxes, yet they handle those same boxes with reckless disregard, effectively ensuring loss while avoiding responsibility.This is not just poor service, it is negligence.I have submitted an insurance claim, but based on the level of service and lack of accountability shown throughout, I fully expect resistance and attempts to avoid payout.I would strongly warn anyone considering Biddulphs to avoid them entirely. Paying a premium price does not guarantee quality, professionalism, or care. In this case, it delivered the exact opposite.If you value your possessions, your time, and your peace of mind, do not use this company.

Date of experience: Mar 26, 2026