Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2 3

Original poster

To expect them to use professional movers?

67 replies

rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 13:34

We are giving away a large, heavy, bulky musical instrument for free. We no longer use it and need the space for something else. It needs a minor repair which I have been upfront about and I have also said it is free on the condition that whoever takes it uses professional movers with insurance as we don't want our house damaged in the process.

A local man wants it and came to look at the weekend. He's happy to pay for the repairs etc and wants it. But, he doesn't want to pay for professional movers. He reckons he has a friend with a trolley and a strong brother.

AIBU to insist that it only gets moved by someone who is insured and would therefore be responsible for any damage caused? We have quite delicate floors and a newly refurbished house which has cost us our life savings to build, decorate and furnish.

OP posts:

VinylDetective · 19/10/2020 13:36

I think if you’re going to insist on professional movers, you’re going to have to pay for them. After all, it’s for your benefit.

Original poster

rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 13:37

And yes, I realise this might seem trivial compared to other problems at the moment . Technically they are doing us a favour by taking something we don't want but we have worked so hard on the house and don't want it damaged by someone who won't be insured.

OP posts:

Brefugee · 19/10/2020 13:38

can they arrange third party insurance for the move?

Original poster

rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 13:38

Hmmm, even if it was listed as 'only apply if you are willing to pay for professional movers'.

We could dismantle it and burn it or take pieces to the tip. I'd rather not as it it worth hundreds of pounds and may bring someone great joy.

OP posts:

Original poster

rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 13:39

@VinylDetective

I think if you’re going to insist on professional movers, you’re going to have to pay for them. After all, it’s for your benefit.

Yes, we want it gone. But they are getting a beautiful expensive piece for free. And I made it clear from the very beginning that it would need to be moved professionally.

OP posts:

flaviaritt · 19/10/2020 13:42

Sounds completely fair enough, OP. You’re giving it away, with the condition of professionals attached.

ittakes2 · 19/10/2020 13:42

I am guessing it’s a piano? If you only want professional movers why entertain the idea of letting him not use them? If he says no find someone else to give it to you...unless no one else has expressed interest?

caffeinebuzz · 19/10/2020 13:44

If you made it clear from the start that it was to be moved professionally then YANBU

Original poster

rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 13:44

@ittakes2

Yes, it's a piano. I had made it clear he'd need professional movers in the advert and in my message before he came to look. He then asked to come and have a look. He's only now saying he'll get his mate to do it. I can't help but think that someone who has ignored what I have said will probably not care about damaging my home.

Several other people have expressed an interest. I think I will tell him professional movers or no piano.

OP posts:

PaulinePetrovaPosey · 19/10/2020 13:46

Pianos (I assume) are very difficult to give away - loads more people have one taking up space than the number of people who want a slightly schlocky second hand one.

So you might not be in a position to be choosy.

flaviaritt · 19/10/2020 13:46

Exactly, OP. You were clear. Tell him no.

VinylDetective · 19/10/2020 13:48

If you have other interest, just say no. I still think it’s precious.

Original poster

rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 13:49

@PaulinePetrovaPosey it needs around £50 in repairs and a tune. It's in very good general condition and is an excellent make.

Plus, I have a list of interested parties...

Like I have said, I would rather dismantle and dispose of than have the house damaged by someone moving it shoddily. I have been completely upfront about professional movers right from the beginning. I was being made to feel guilty but now realise it's mine to give away to whoever I wish to.

OP posts:

LonelyFromCorona · 19/10/2020 13:50

Your rules, clearly stated - take it or leave it.

Find someone else if he refuses.

fluffiphlox · 19/10/2020 13:51

Wouldn’t damage be covered by your own house insurance?

CrotchetyQuaver · 19/10/2020 13:51

Offer it to the next person in the line, people become pisstakers when it's free stuff. Any piano should be tuned after being moved so that's not exactly an extra as such.

Franklydear · 19/10/2020 13:52

@rosesinmygarden do you have a music school near? Sure they’ll love it and treat it with respect.

Original poster

rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 13:52

@VinylDetective

If you have other interest, just say no. I still think it’s precious.

Thanks, it's good to get opinions.

It might seem precious but it would need to be carried over wooden floors, through expensive bifold patio doors and past a lot of paint and woodwork. All of this is so easily damaged. It has cost us our life savings and we cannot afford to repair it right now. So, it doesn't seem precious to us really.

I guess I will work my way down the list and if no one will pay for the movers then there's answer .

OP posts:

Mumdiva99 · 19/10/2020 13:52

I understand what you are saying but professional movers will cost at least a hundred pounds.....which is a lot.

You can say no to him....but you might come across the same issue again.....

Also what do you consider professional...inalways use the same man with a van for my FB purchases....he's a professional because that's his job.....but he's not a professional piano mover....would that be ok? Or is it about the person having their own insurance? In which case just tell the man that.

MaskingForIt · 19/10/2020 13:52

We are giving away a large, heavy, bulky musical instrument for free.

I love how cryptic Mumsnet is. It is so obviously a piano, just say it!

It’s like the mysterious and very “outing” husband hobbies.

I am having a potato-topped mince-base pie for dinner tonight, but I can’t say what it is because it might be “outing”.

ThatLibraryMiss · 19/10/2020 13:53

Tell him no, see if the other interested parties still want it and will arrange movers. If not, find out how much movers will cost and advertise it for that cost, delivered. You will then have control over the movers.

Original poster

rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 13:53

Yes, I would want it to be someone who was insured for any damage they caused while moving it.

The piano is worth far, far more than £100. It's a really nice one.

OP posts:

SleepingStandingUp · 19/10/2020 13:54

I think the problem is giving it away free, you'll get people who fancy it or may sell it on bit aren't that bothered so won't pay for movers. Probably I'd charge the cost of movers, then organise your own and say you'll deliver it

Original poster

rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 13:55

@MaskingForIt

We are giving away a large, heavy, bulky musical instrument for free.

I love how cryptic Mumsnet is. It is so obviously a piano, just say it!

It’s like the mysterious and very “outing” husband hobbies.

I am having a potato-topped mince-base pie for dinner tonight, but I can’t say what it is because it might be “outing”.

I actually thought I had put piano in the first message and wasn;t trying to be cryptic at all. Posted in haste. But I'm glad to have made your day

by giving you something to laugh at...

I predict you are having shepherds pie? Or is it cottage pie? Oooh the mystery!

OP posts:

Waveysnail · 19/10/2020 13:56

Why dont you source a couple of movers and gets some quotes so u can tell people the cost?

Flip

1 2 3