Re-selling unclaimed computers?

[C.Quill]

I have a computer that I repaired for a customer back in December, I've made numerous attempts to contact them for payment and have not heard from them. Money is tight right now and I would like to be able to re-sell the computer.

If live in Florida, does anyone know the general laws regarding reselling unclaimed items?

 

[BryanLee]

I dont know the specific laws for Florida, but I do know it varies from state to state. I would be sure to cover your tail if you are thinking about doing this. Consulting with an attourney probably wouldnt be a bad idea. Being right never prevented anyone from being sued....and even losing.

 

[Ccomp5950]

Talk with an attorney. In Texas I'm covered as long as I make notice that anything not picked up after 30 days can be sold to recovery costs. For me it's on the work order request form they sign when they drop off their computers, another shop in town has a sign posted behind the front desk and was fine (went to court over it twice actually). They recently added it to their work order request though as well.

 

[16k_zx81]

I have a computer that I repaired for a customer back in December, I've made numerous attempts to contact them for payment and have not heard from them. Money is tight right now and I would like to be able to re-sell the computer.

If live in Florida, does anyone know the general laws regarding reselling unclaimed items?

You have rightly noted that laws on this vary from place to place. I think one relatively standard issue to build into T&C that you provide to customers when they have their machine serviced are the conditions under which this will occur in accordance with local laws.

Definitely something to consider, as T&C ensures that customers understand the terms under which they are receiving service, so that you are less likely to get a nasty comeback when issues like this arises. There are other protections that are worth building into it.

In SA, where I am, the law states 90 days. The rule is that you can sell the item, but must refund any balance over the cost of advertising + repair/parts. Customer must be notified though

Just my 5c

 

[JAbbott]

After looking into the laws you may want to write this into your terms and policies if you ever figure you may do this again. If the law says no I sure would not do it though!

 

[AtYourService]

I have a sign saying after 60 days it gets donated
I have a customer who's 1 week away from me actually having to do this

 

[Cybjun]

In California, I have to make a "reasonable attempt" to contact the owner and hold it for 30 days after that at least.

I've done this numerous times;
log contact with customer including attempts.
send a letter to the address you have on file "certified if possible" with a delivery confirmation.
then 30, 60, or 90 after the delivery confirmation is received wipe and reload and do what you wish with it as long

then I sell the machine for between 175 and 250. (its odd but when I try to sell them for less then 175 they wont sell)

 

[homebase]

In California, I have to make a "reasonable attempt" to contact the owner and hold it for 30 days after that at least.

I've done this numerous times;
log contact with customer including attempts.
send a letter to the address you have on file "certified if possible" with a delivery confirmation.
then 30, 60, or 90 after the delivery confirmation is received wipe and reload and do what you wish with it as long

I'd like to know where you read that about California law. My interpretation of California Civil Code Section 3052 and its related sections is that there is a much, much, more cumbersome process involved. See this link

 

[Cybjun]

I'd like to know where you read that about California law. My interpretation of California Civil Code Section 3052 and its related sections is that there is a much, much, more cumbersome process involved. See this link

3052.5

I've only had one system results in small case claim, which was ruled in my favor and that case was one were I sent a letter 30 days after invoice and 35 days after that I disposed of the computer. I was asked what the determined value of the unit was (a generic celeron 1.6ghz, 512mb, 60gb hdd, cd-rw, xp home machine) I valued it at 40 dollars of which it had a $195 labor balance due.

 

[minc3d]

I've done some refining of this clause on my terms, but here is the current version of what I put on every service invoice or estimate (which customers routinely sign to):

Equipment will be considered abandoned by the client if it is not picked up or scheduled for dropoff after service is complete, with payment provided for all services rendered. The grace period to claim any equipment is a period of (90) days from the final invoice date. FireLogic will make a best effort of at least (3) recorded contact attempts with the client including email and/or telephone and/or postal mail, utilizing no more than (2) of the same methods of contact. After the aforementioned time period with no contact from the client, equipment will be considered the sole property of FireLogic.

 

[Tony_Scarpelli]

Our sign says after 14 days of not hearing from you, your computer is ours. No furthur notice will be issued.

That is harsh, we do try to call them a few times and document those steps and we send a registered letter. Then we sell it. We document what is is, speed wise and what the net value of it is, as well as what the charges are on it.

I know others who put $3 per day storage charge after 10 days. So in 90 days it is $270. Then they forclose or take it. Same difference. You must have your policies posted in clear signage.