What would ya do?

[HotHolly]

So, I have a not-so-hypothetical situation and was wondering how you would handle it. Just opinions...

My portrait display was permanently misplaced (aka lost) at a recent auction event. Several times a year we make donations to groups raising money for a cause. So far we have given our expensive books, albums, 20x24 framed prints on easels, and had no incidents of neglect or undue wear and tear.

A swank group of rich people recently approached me and asked if we could do a display with a donation like they saw at XYZ's auction. I said yes. I dropped off my stuff. I set it up. I told her I would pick it up on Monday. She said OK. They had their auction. I haven't seen my stuff since. I needed for obvious reasons, but also for an event this weekend.

So, I know Im jumping to conclusions, but the woman that was responsible for my stuff has been dodging my calls. When we went to the office to pick up our stuff, the receptionist said there was nothing like that there. So, maybe they auctioned off my display? That would suck. I hadn't thought of that.

MAIN QUESTION - Assuming the whole display was toasted, what do I do? Not cheap to replace.

Again, wealthy art group - not a children's hospital. I didn't think acting like it was okay would really work and then again, charging them for everything that was lost seems a little off too. Any suggestions?

[kenw]

Chalk it up to experience and go on. Don't cry over spilt milk.

Then.....Deduct it as a charitable contribution.

[HotHolly]

Our display cost well over $500. You really wouldn't say anything? Try to track it down? Nothing?

Edit: Does this type of thing only happen to me? Startin to think so.

[kenw]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

Our display cost well over $500. You really wouldn't say anything? Try to track it down? Nothing?

Edit: Does this type of thing only happen to me? Startin to think so.

no, I would definitely say something and pursue it, but assuming you still get nowhere once you DO get an answer, it probaby isn't worth pursuing financially.

Yes, $500 smackers isn't a little bit, I do understand that.

[Twilight Imaging.net]

That's theft if you ask me...although after remodeling a families home that didn't even have running water, replaced floors, windows, roof, yadayadayada...and a year later the volunteer work/materials/labor was done. Thousands of dollars in donated materials and even more man hours...The family actually had the gumption to complain, well actually went BALLISTIC that we didn't put up window blinds...and threw us out. Sheesh huh?
I don't know Holly, that's sad...just sad! Next time get everything in writing stating what it is there for...unfortunately. Yes, call them on it.

[picasso]

I would tell them it was not meant for auction and that you expect them to at least pay you for replacement cost.

Paul

[markfh]

My wife and I were talking the other night about this that and the other thing and got onto the subject of her growing up as the only girl and the youngest with six brothers.

She was fondly recalling how her father told her almost daily as she was growing up "stand up for yourself, nobody else will". She can't recall him telling any of her brothers that.

I know what my wife would do...

[carrbowl]

I would go talk to whomever I dropped it off with and tell them I needed it for this date for another event and you really needed them to find it by this date. I dont' think I would leave it to a phone call. Be nice and do it face to face...then if they don't meet your deadline, make the other decisions. Good luck..I hate it when you be nice and people do you wrong...it stinks.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by carrbowl

I hate it when you be nice and people do you wrong...it stinks.

That seems to happen a lot.

Turns out - our stuff was "found." I think she was trying to save face. I called, Mike went into her office looking for her, and I sent a few emails and a couple more phone calls. The display turned up this morning. Thank goodness...

So, my 7-day crisis over! Now, other life can ensue. Yippie - such as - I think I finally found an intern!!! Yea!!!

[SaundraU]

Glad they found it.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

Also put them on your S list and don't give them free stuff anymore-not worth the hastle.

[markfh]

Originally Posted by DEMDeepEllumMusic

Also put them on your S list and don't give them free stuff anymore-not worth the hastle.

Or get a receipt.

[guitarbug]

I just started to read this thread and I was feeling pretty bad for you, then saw that you recovered your goods. Now I am happy for you! Glad it worked out. If it happend to me, I think I would have pursued pretty heavily to get it back, but thats me. (Irish In Me!)

[Gambit]

Take with a grain of salt -

Reciept or a simple contract sounds like a good idea, even if no money changes hands. Just to clearly set expectations about delivery times, list the items changing hands, return times, etc, and make sure replacement cost is on there somewhere. Possibly list late fees if someone's been difficult to deal with. :)

[carrbowl]

I am so glad they found it and you don't have to figure out what to do about it...good lesson learned and not the hard way!!!