Used item entrusted to seller

gem1979_2

I am trying to help a friend who entrusted someone to sell a used item for her. She had a horse saddle which no longer fits her horse. The saddle fitter took the saddle to sell on her behalf as obviously he is in regular contact with people looking to buy. It has now been over a year and he is ignoring her calls. He did respond to one email and said he would get it back to her but that was months ago and he is now not answering calls again. I managed to get through to him from a different line and he knew exactly which item and who I was talking about. He promised to call them immediately but hasn't and is now not answering again. From searching online it looks like this is not the first time this has happened. Can anyone recommend which step to take next? Can it be reported to the police as stolen? The saddle is worth approx £500. The saddle fitter is qualified under and a member of BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association). He is well known nationally (for reputable saddle fitting, not pinching them!) Any advice much appreciated, thank you.

Jeff_Bridges_hair

you seem to know a lot about him so you must know his address. Id write him a letter stating that unless he contacts your friend within 7 days with either the saddle or payment you will take him to the small claims court for monies owed.

bris

It can't be reported as stolen, because it wasn't. It's a civil matter that could be settled in the small claims court. Cheap and effective.

kalaika

I expect that small claims may be the way that your friend will have to go.

However, the BETA website has the mission statement:

“The British Equestrian Trade Association works to support our members in their efforts to achieve the highest level of repute, knowledge and profitability”.

http://www.beta-uk.org/pages/about-beta.php

I doubt his actions fit well with the 'highest levels of repute' that they may strive for. They probably won't be too happy to hear that one of their members is acting in this way. I would suggest contacting them and getting them involved.

gem1979_2

Thank you for the advice. Had a feeling it couldn't be reported stolen to small claims seems to be the way to go. Both of us are going to pop by this weekend to see if he is in and if not will put a letter through his door as Jeff Bridges hair suggests. Will see what happens next...

Pleased to say friend has also found the receipt the saddle fitter gave her dated 25/08/09! It also has a value of £500 on there so hopefully that will help if it goes to small claims court.

kalaika

gem1979 wrote: »

...pop by this weekend to see if he is in and if not will put a letter through his door as Jeff Bridges hair suggests. Will see what happens next...

I'd post it special delivery - then there's a definite recorded trail of giving notice of intended legal action.

gem1979_2

A cheque has arrived from the saddle fitter today for £500. We put a letter through his door last Friday so as long as it doesn't bounce (fingers crossed) it seems to have done the trick. Thank you for the advice, much appreciated!