What to do about a bike left uncollected by a customer?

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classic33

Leg End Member
Most that i visit have a 3 month collection notice stuck somewhere behind the counter.
Not fully legal either.
 

Globalti

Legendary Member
Dry cleaning and alterations shops must suffer from this a lot; these are the visible symptoms of the chaotic lives some people lead. Abandoned bikes and cars and unpaid bills are all the same; people forget, they move, get ill, die, go to prison, have a breakdown, breakup, or just can't afford or be bothered to collect the item.

In this case the customer probably can't afford the repair and has just gone and stolen another BSO. I would text him a warning that after three months you are going to sell the bike. Deduct your costs and keep the rest to give back if he ever shows up and your conscience is clean. Take photos of the bike and the bit you've repaired and keep them with the cash in an envelope so as to settle any dispute.
 

HorTs

Guru
Location
Portsmouth
The leaflet linked to in an earlier post suggests at least 3 months if there is any money owed to you.

I'd be inclined to go by that, and take screen shots of your phone for the messages/calls you've made if possible.

As a customer I would be more than accepting of your efforts.
 
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Cyclopathic

Cyclopathic

Veteran
Location
Leicester.
Maybe Cyclopathic gave the impression to the customer that he didn't want the bike in his shop therefore the customer thought sod it i'm in no rush to collect it?
Maybe you don't know what went on between me and the customer and are just talking out of your hat? Maybe? Or maybe you were there and are qualified to say how the interaction went. Maybe you have a spotty back. Maybe you're ugly and your mum dresses you funny. We can all speculate sunshine.
 

Accy cyclist

Legendary Member
Maybe you don't know what went on between me and the customer and are just talking out of your hat? Maybe? Or maybe you were there and are qualified to say how the interaction went. Maybe you have a spotty back. Maybe you're ugly and your mum dresses you funny. We can all speculate sunshine.


Mmm maybe a customer service course wouldn't go amiss in your case? Bike mechanics with attitude problems eh!:cuppa:
 

Crankarm

Guru
Location
Nr Cambridge
Years you say! Yikes. The bike is a real piece of crap so I wouldn't be surprised if he's just thought it's not worth the £30.00 to redeem it. Which is astute of him because it really isn't though I did point this out to him at the time but he still wanted me to go ahead.

Should have taken full payment up front or at least a deposit of 50% or just declined the work.
 
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Cyclopathic

Cyclopathic

Veteran
Location
Leicester.
Should have taken full payment up front or at least a deposit of 50% or just declined the work.
It's an idea but this is the first time it's happened in over a year so I don't want to get too heavy with the customers. I did tell the guy that it might be better to cut his losses and forget about it but he was insistent that he wanted it done. All of which I did with tact and diplomacy and a generally helpful demeanour and sunny disposition despite any wild and unfounded accusations to the contrary by people who might or might not be a tw@.
 
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Cyclopathic

Cyclopathic

Veteran
Location
Leicester.
I don' think i'd take a bike all take way to Leicester for repair Adrian!:rolleyes: Especially with the prospect of having it rammed down my throat up up my arse if i didn't collect it on time looming over me!:laugh:
Nah, I'm sure there are people much closer to home willing to perform that particular service for you.
 
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Cyclopathic

Cyclopathic

Veteran
Location
Leicester.
Anyway, as I said thanks to everyone for the suggestions (except Accy obviously) and I'm going to call it a day on this thread.

Accy if you want to insult me just pm me. Feel free to have the last word.
 
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