Piano Rebuild Client AWOL

[Joseph Alkana]

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Steve,
See my message back to Terry. You, too, are most probably the owner of =
the piano in question via mechanics lien. Check the state statutes =
regarding this to see what you must do to perfect the lien at this time. =
Most states require a posting of intent to dispose of merchandise left =
un-paid for. Once you are comfortable with satisfying the requirements =
of the mechanics lien, proceed as though you are the owner and dispose =
of as you see fit.
Joseph Alkana RPT
  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Stephen Grattan=20
  To: Pianotech List=20
  Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 11:03 AM
  Subject: Re: Piano Rebuild Client AWOL


  Hi Terry,

  Get any past due and future due funds ( to reassemble the piano and =
needed parts) in advance and send in writing to her a new contract =
stating what you are going to do and what warranty you will offer (if =
any) because the job will not be complete. Do not proceed without =
receiving a new signed contract from her. I have had this happen twice =
and it is no fun.  In fact one such problem is occurring now. Customer =
moved to Vegas and we have not heard from her in 5 + years !

  Steve Grattan

  Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com> wrote:
    I've just run into a first for me. Couple years ago I contracted =
with a local couple (the husband to be specific)&nbs! p;to remanufacture =
their old Baldwin M grand (5'3") - new soundboard, action, finish, etc. =
The piano was originally purchased new by the woman's grandmother and =
was handed down to her (read: sentimental value - no other piano will =
do). They put the first 1/3 of the contract fee up front. I completed =
building the new soundboard, bridges, ordered parts, etc., etc. The next =
step was to move on to refinishing - that is when the next installment =
of funds was due.

    I tried to contact them at that point (several months after I =
started) and was unable to - all phone numbers disconnected, etc - I =
tried internet searches with no luck. I now learn that the couple got =
divorced, the woman moved to the Carolinas and the man seems to have =
disappeared from the face of the earth.

    I stopped work! ing on the piano a long time ago because it seemed I =
did not have a client and roughly 1/3 of the work had been completed.

    This morning I get a call from the woman's mother inquiring about =
the piano. I explained the status and she asked if I could just "put it =
back together" and that she had no funds that she wished to invest in =
the piano - but realizes that it may cost something to make it whole =
again in some minimal fashion.=20

    So now I'm trying to figure out some sort of solution to this =
situation. I seems very clear there will not be a "good" solution to =
this situation (unless, of course, the husband is found and is willing =
to complete the contract - which mom will try to do - but I'm not going =
to hold my breath). I only wish to get paid for the work I do to the! =
piano. I do not wish to hold anyone to complete the full scope of =
contracted rebuilding tasks - that would be best for the piano, but I =
don't think anyone will want to pay for it. I'm going to figure up a fee =
for making the piano whole for the least cost. That will be such an =
awkward solution - new fabulous belly - peeling finish - dull plate - =
so-so action with chipped/cracked ivory keys. I feel so uneasy about =
such an end. And I know the lady won't be happy with the piano either.

    Does anyone have any constructive thoughts for a least-bad outcome =
to a situation like this? Maybe there is some avenue/direction that I =
have not thought of. Thanks.

    Terry Farrell




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