Help Me Hank: Help Me Hank! Consignment controversy

What's most important in life changes with time. To Robin, no question, it’s now her baby Caleb. Hey Caleb! OK.

But back when Robin was much younger, this was most important item, this upright piano.

Robin Leopoldo, consigned piano
"I had my piano for about 15 years. It was a gift from my grandmother."

Robin learned chopsticks, then easy Chopin, then more difficult. And as she got older, she even gave lessons to her niece.

But when she moved from a big apartment in Cleveland Circle to a smaller place in Somerville, the music had to fade and there would be no room for the piano.

Robin Leopoldo, consigned piano
"I decided to go ahead and sell it."

So how do you sell a piano? Yard sale? Nope. Same way you'd sell fashion mistakes or outdated jewelry, Robin picked a consignment store. They picked up the piano and promised to sell it.

Robin Leopoldo, consigned piano
"The arrangement was they would sell the piano for somewhere around $3,000 and regardless of the sale price, I would get $1,500 within 30 days of the sale."

Months later, Robin called the store and found out, fanfare, the piano was sold.

Robin Leopoldo, consigned piano
"They said they would send me payment the next month."

But the month went by, then another, then another, and the payment didn't arrive.

Robin Leopoldo, consigned piano
"For the next six months I kept calling to check in."

Robin and her family moved again, this time to the sunny shores of Florida. Robin knew this now long distance battle needed a boost

Robin Leopoldo, consigned piano
"I went ahead and contacted ‘Help Me Hank!,’ thinking that maybe they could help me out."

In this case, it's seller beware. Even though consignment stores must follow legal sales practices, Mass. law has no specific consignment regulations. If something goes wrong, your only recourse is to sue.

But music to our ears, Robin did have a contract.

So, we called the store and reminded them Robin had everything in writing, and her piano payment was long overdue. And the next week, big finish, this apology letter and Robin's check arrived in the mail.

And hey, Caleb! OK, your musical mom is now back in the money.

Robin Leopoldo, consigned piano
"I feel great. I'm happy to have everything resolved."

So, bottom-line, don't just hand over your stuff. Be sure to get everything in writing and check to make sure the place has a proper local business license.

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