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Original poster

Desperately seeking your opinion!

13 replies

choccywoccydoodaa · 26/02/2006 16:50

I have been running a small business with a friend which by mutual consent we have decided to close. We have been left with a laptop, printer and a few bits of office equipment. The laptop and printer was bought for the business but remained at my home as most of our business prep was carried out there. My partner agreed that I could use the laptop for personal use too.

Now the business is closing, my partner is putting me under some pressure to buy the laptop. Am I being unreasonable in saying no?

OP posts:

alexsmum · 26/02/2006 16:51

yes. if it was a joint asset then should be treated a s such.

Mytwopenceworth · 26/02/2006 16:54

if the business was a 50/50 partnership then assets should be split 50/50, so yes, you should pay her half the value of the laptop.

Original poster

choccywoccydoodaa · 26/02/2006 16:55

It was a joint asset and there was no agreement that I would purchase the laptop. I want the laptop to be sold and the proceeds split 50:50. Why is this unreasonable?

OP posts:

Original poster

choccywoccydoodaa · 26/02/2006 16:56

Misunderstanding here I do not want to keep the computer. (If I did I would willingly pay for it!)

OP posts:

alexsmum · 26/02/2006 16:56

no thats not unreasonable but you didn't make that clear in your post.you made it sound a s if you wanted to keep it and not pay for it.

koolkat · 26/02/2006 16:56

choccy - did you have a partnership agreement, even a verbal one ?

How was the laptop paid for ?

If you BOTH paid for the laptop, and you decide to buy it, then you should only pay HALF the original price, not the full price.

Alternativley, if you both paid for it, then sell it and split the proceeds evenly.

kid · 26/02/2006 16:56

You shouldn't have to purchase the laptop if you no longer want it. Sell it and split the proceeds. Has your partner said no to this? If so, what was the reason?

Original poster

choccywoccydoodaa · 26/02/2006 17:18

Her reasoning is that I used it most of the time. At the time she made it quite clear that this wasn't a problem but I really don't want a laptop. I'd much rather invest in a PC for my office at home.

It's difficult because she is a friend but I don't want to be subtley bullied into purchasing something I do not need just to avoid making waves.

OP posts:

Twiglett · 26/02/2006 17:25

just say no clearly and firmly and that it is property of the business and will be dealt with accordingly

Original poster

choccywoccydoodaa · 26/02/2006 17:58

Thanks everyone - I am clear about what I will do. Say no to the computer and suggest that all assets are sold and proceeds split accordingly. You mumsnetters are such a sensible lot!

OP posts:

kid · 26/02/2006 20:22

What difference does it make how much it has been used? Surely the age of the laptop is more relevant than the amount of use.

thewomanwhothoughtshewasahat · 26/02/2006 20:31

I also don't understand what difference it makes to her whether you purchase it or someone else does - either way she gets half the value so why does it make any difference?

Mytwopenceworth · 26/02/2006 23:54

oops sorry - i also thought you wanted to keep the laptop as a freebie from the business! if you dont want it, then she cant make you ffs! as business is closing, all assets to be sold and proceeds split would be normal procedure - if you have any creditors, they'd get it, if not then you'd split it.

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