Gateway Parts

My computer disappeared from a local repair shop.?

It has been eight weeks since I dropped it off to have a simple software issue fixed. I was understanding at first because they had moved into a new location and were having problems with their land line and internet companies. Now when I call, the owner's son basically just laughs about it and is offering to give me a discount on a used computer that they have in stock. I have been told by a former employee that they have been parting out computers that have been brought in for repairs and selling them as used computers to other people. He says that is why he left the business. He called the local PD for me and explained the situation and the officer told him to have me come in to file a report. After the report is filed, he will take my service tag number and go in and look for my computer. The chances are slim however, that my computer is still in one piece at the original location and now it is my word against the business owner's. I want justice. I have taken out ads in three of the local papers to see if I can find anyone else that this has happened to. If I can find anyone else, I will file a lawsuit and put this guy out of business. Until then, can anyone think of anything else that I can do to get some justice? This is so unfair, I hadn't even finished paying for that stupid computer yet!

Public Comments

1. If you have paperwork showing you gave them the computer to fix, all you have to do is take them to small claims court. It's an open and shut case. They will have to give you a computer as good as the one you lost. If they don't show up in court (most likely case) they lose. If they don't pay you, you can get a sheriff's officer to go to their place of business and take it out of the cash register!
2. Report this to the police so they can file a report for the computer store's insurance company, which should reimburse you for your loss.
3. I hope you have your receipt. I would contact your local PD and report it missing/or stolen, and give them the info. I would then contact the "Better Business Bureau" and report your incident. I would then contact a lawyer and talk to them about your options.
4. I am assuming your computer costs less than $3,000. This being the case, forget hiring a lawyer. I would WRITE a letter to the owner of the business, but do be polite, stating your complaint, your disatisfaction with their service in that they 'lost' your PC. Also state you want a complete refund for its purchase price (the original receipt or a credit card statment). Include a copy with the letter. State the date by which you want the refund. If you do not receive the refund by that date, tell the owner you will file a civil suit against him in small claims court and make it a matter of public record. At your discretion, you could also state you will enlist the help of former employees in your suit to support you. You will want to WRITE a letter, no phone calls, You want a 'paper trail.' Send it registered mail. But yes, it would be helpful if you found one or two other people to join you in the suit and substantiate this guy's duplicitous business practices. It will only bolster your side of the story. As an aside, you do have the 'ticket' when you dropped off the computer or some paperwork that indicates your PC was turned over to this guy. He has to prove he gave it back to you. Good luck!