Bike held hostage! Any trained negotiators here?

[Sara_H]

Radchenister's advice is the best to start with.

You may not get a lot of initial joy with the police as its verging on a civil matter - this doesn't mean they won't be able to do anything, but for he police to be involved they have to be satisfied that there is a crime (theft) and two plausible (if not reasonable for you) excuses as to why he couldn't return it don't quite add up to it. After Radchenister's suggestion, that should however be enough if he's still making excuses. If you do phone for police help, mention its not a 'proper' business and he just works from his basement as this muddies the waters somewhat too.

Personally though, I'd play it by a different tact. I'd send him a letter (recorded delivery) stating that you will be round at a particular time, on a particular day (make it reasonable) to pick the bike up, after the two previous failed attempts. After this day, you will charge him £20 a day to cover travel costs whilst you don't have the bike, which you will be claiming through the small claims court. I bet he will give it back then like a shot.

Good advice, thank you.

 

[Fnaar]

Threaten him with an opera singer, who'll enter his premises in full wig/viking gear, and sing the loudest/highest notes possible until he returns the bike. He will then be liable for the cost of hiring the singer. Probably.

 

[matthat]

Good luck!!

 

[fossyant]

Just go round and get it. Best advice.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Good luck Sara

 

[classic33]

I'll call him if you like.

You're still in hospital.

 

[classic33]

You entered into a contract, which is controlled by many laws including the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 and the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002. These laws give you certain consumer (sometimes referred to as statutory) rights under the contract. You are entitled to expect that the repair work is carried out:

• with reasonable care and skill- this means that the person should carry out the work competently and to a expected standard.
• in a reasonable time(if there is no specific time agreed)
• for a reasonable charge (if no fixed price was set in advance)

Is the first part of the "shop name" also that of a local football ground?

 

[classic33]

We could flash mob him!

So whats the number we're supposed to phone then?

 

[Sara_H]

You entered into a contract, which is controlled by many laws including the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 and the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002. These laws give you certain consumer (sometimes referred to as statutory) rights under the contract. You are entitled to expect that the repair work is carried out:

• with reasonable care and skill- this means that the person should carry out the work competently and to a expected standard.
• in a reasonable time(if there is no specific time agreed)
• for a reasonable charge (if no fixed price was set in advance)

Is the first part of the "shop name" also that of a local football ground?

No, in fact I just looked it his website up and its disappeared.

 

[classic33]

No, in fact I just looked it his website up and its disappeared.

Get round there now. It may not have been is other half that he needed today for.

Time to speed things up, quick!

 

[biggs682]

i would just tell him that you will accept it back in what ever state he says its in , and move on

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

My mother (retired solicitor) always said the broken record approach was best. Don't get angry, just keep repeating yourself and the same level & tone until he pays attention - helps if you are a face to face. It has worked wonders over the years. keep trying, if the website has gone, it could be that he has gone out of business and is trying to hang onto your property as a means of some extra cash... I would be knocking on his door very soon.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

nyone know what a 1987 Dawes Galaxy goes for these days?

I would say £250 plus or minus £50 depending on condition.

 

[Sara_H]

Set the lab on him! A bit of wagging tail and a game of fetch will crack any hardman.

More seriously the 'polite but persistent' route is much better than getting angry. He might not like to see Plod on his doorstep either - what will the neighbours think?

What, this daft bugger?

Don't think he'll help much, he's the Father Dougal of the Labrador world!

 

[SquareDaff]

What, this daft bugger?

Don't think he'll help much, he's the Father Dougal of the Labrador world!

Will lend you mine. Just as daft but looks like a Rottweiler apparently. It's great watching the local youths crossing the road to get out of the way.