How can I get my stored tools and projects back from TechShop?
January 19, 2018 6:14 PM Subscribe
I had hundreds of dollars of tools and projects stored at TechShop (in California) when they closed down. They have not responded to repeated requests over two+ months for information on when/how I will get them back. What steps can I take?
TechShop announced it was declaring bankruptcy back in mid-November 2017. They said they would be contacting members shortly with information on picking up their stuff from their storage lockers, but since then there has been no information sent to me about when or how to do that.
Since then there's been talks of a deal to sell the company, but it's been in progress for over two months and no signs of it getting done soon. It also seems like the original TechShop is responsible for returning my stuff to me even if there is a deal in the works.
The only contact information they give is the trustee email address (techshop.trustee@gmail.com) and I've sent many emails asking about getting my stuff back with no response. I've tried calling my TechShop location's phone number, but nobody picks up. I've tried emailing the main person involved in TechShop 2.0 (dan.rasure@techshop2.com) asking them to put me in touch. I've tried emailing Adafruit since they've done interviews with the people involved in the sale asking if they can put me in touch, all with no response.
There's a Facebook group for the TechShop 2.0 people, but it's private and I don't use Facebook (or other social media).
I'm not willing to wait and see any longer given that there's been literally no response to many attempts to contact them over months. What other options do I have? State Attorney General? District Attorney? Small claims court?
The total value is under $1000 so I suspect a lawyer is not worth the money.
I've never needed to do something like this before so I'm not sure which of these options are likely to be effective.
It also looks like eviction notices have been posted for other TechShop locations and I'd prefer to get my stuff out before that happens to mine.
TechShop announced it was declaring bankruptcy back in mid-November 2017. They said they would be contacting members shortly with information on picking up their stuff from their storage lockers, but since then there has been no information sent to me about when or how to do that.
Since then there's been talks of a deal to sell the company, but it's been in progress for over two months and no signs of it getting done soon. It also seems like the original TechShop is responsible for returning my stuff to me even if there is a deal in the works.
The only contact information they give is the trustee email address (techshop.trustee@gmail.com) and I've sent many emails asking about getting my stuff back with no response. I've tried calling my TechShop location's phone number, but nobody picks up. I've tried emailing the main person involved in TechShop 2.0 (dan.rasure@techshop2.com) asking them to put me in touch. I've tried emailing Adafruit since they've done interviews with the people involved in the sale asking if they can put me in touch, all with no response.
There's a Facebook group for the TechShop 2.0 people, but it's private and I don't use Facebook (or other social media).
I'm not willing to wait and see any longer given that there's been literally no response to many attempts to contact them over months. What other options do I have? State Attorney General? District Attorney? Small claims court?
The total value is under $1000 so I suspect a lawyer is not worth the money.
I've never needed to do something like this before so I'm not sure which of these options are likely to be effective.
It also looks like eviction notices have been posted for other TechShop locations and I'd prefer to get my stuff out before that happens to mine.
Use social media to get in touch with other people who have stuff in Techshop (join Facebook if you have to) and
a)Hire a lawyer as a group to represent your claim, or…
b)Go as a mob to break in and reclaim your stuff (this is definitely not legal advice!)
If the company is sold, the purchasers of their assets may have no duty to you, the whole point of bankruptcy is that it wipes obligations away.
posted by rodlymight at 7:28 PM on January 19, 2018
a)Hire a lawyer as a group to represent your claim, or…
b)Go as a mob to break in and reclaim your stuff (this is definitely not legal advice!)
If the company is sold, the purchasers of their assets may have no duty to you, the whole point of bankruptcy is that it wipes obligations away.
posted by rodlymight at 7:28 PM on January 19, 2018
If they are in bankruptcy, a judge has been assigned their case. He appointed the trustee. Contact the judge or his clerk. I have worked for two companies that declared bankruptcy including one where I was responsible for liquidating part of the assets and had to testify in bankruptcy court. The judge is your friend here. S/he will direct the trustee or the company to take appropriate action. In what state did they file for bankruptcy? What Chapter of the code? Is it a liquidation or a reorganization.
It sounds like the potential buyer wants to stonewall all the users like you as long as they can with the hope that you will continue to be a user after the deal closes. If they can keep your stuff, they know you cannot go elsewhere. A strong letter to the judge saying your stuff is being held hostage and none of the creditors are entitled to your stuff and therefore it should be released immediately.
posted by AugustWest at 7:34 PM on January 19, 2018 [7 favorites]
It sounds like the potential buyer wants to stonewall all the users like you as long as they can with the hope that you will continue to be a user after the deal closes. If they can keep your stuff, they know you cannot go elsewhere. A strong letter to the judge saying your stuff is being held hostage and none of the creditors are entitled to your stuff and therefore it should be released immediately.
posted by AugustWest at 7:34 PM on January 19, 2018 [7 favorites]
Which location? There are a few people at the SF, SJ and MP locations who have gotten access although it may be too late for SJ now. If you want to send me contact info, I'm on the various Facebook groups and can try to connect you via email...
posted by dttocs at 8:39 PM on January 19, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by dttocs at 8:39 PM on January 19, 2018 [2 favorites]
Not a lawyer, so I don't understand how bankruptcy court could consider your tools as TechShop's assets.
posted by Homer42 at 8:44 PM on January 19, 2018
posted by Homer42 at 8:44 PM on January 19, 2018
Response by poster:
they put that on hold once the possible opportunity to sell the company came up.
posted by unus sum at 9:22 PM on January 19, 2018
If they are in bankruptcy...I could have been clearer here. Though they initially announced that they were declaring bankruptcy
they put that on hold once the possible opportunity to sell the company came up.
Which location? There are a few people at the SF, SJ and MP locations who have gotten access although it may be too late for SJ now. If you want to send me contact info, I'm on the various Facebook groups and can try to connect you via email...Thank you dttocs, that's a kind offer and I will send you a memail shortly. That seems like a good next step.
posted by unus sum at 9:22 PM on January 19, 2018
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by ph00dz at 7:09 PM on January 19, 2018