I Bought a Shipping Container, Now The Company Is Trying to Take It Back

Ok, so this is definitely not your normal I ordered one thing and got another.

If anyone knows what the law would be in my specific case, please advise, as my google-fu hasn't turned up anything I think is relevant.

The Situation:

I called and ordered a shipping container to be delivered to my building site. I need it to store fencing materials, tools, blah blah blah.
I agreed on a delivery date with the guy on the phone (Ordered Thursday, to be delivered Monday)
Monday comes around, and it's poured with rain over the weekend, and my building site is mostly clay. I talk with the logistics people and agree to delay delivery till Wednesday.
Tuesday I agree on delivery between 10am and 12pm.
Wednesday, 1pm rolls around, still no container. I ask the logistics folks what is happening, suddenly my container is on it's way.
I go to site, the delivery guy arrives, he unloads the container where I want it (fairly easy access, but up a slope, so impossible in the wet)
Today (Thursday) at about 2pm, I get a phone call from some random from the company I ordered the container from. Says that I was delivered the wrong container, and that a truck is on the way to pick up the container from my place. I politely refuse, as I have already put stuff in the container, have locked it up etc. and I'm on my way to go get my Son from school. He gets antsy, but agrees to delay the driver till a time that suits me. He informs me that I recieved a brand new container, instead of a used one that I ordered.
I call my wife, make alternate arrangements to pickup my son, then drive up to my building site to remove my stuff and locks.
I call the guy back, and tell him he can come get the container, as long as my container is on a truck right behind. He says no, one truck only. There is nowhere for them to unload this extra container, shuffle them all about etc. as access to the site right now is a bit hampered. I ask him - what is the cost difference between the two. Save the hassle of swapping them, give me a good price to keep the better item, if I can afford etc. I'll pay, everyone's happy. He laughs me off, "It's like three times the price"
I tell him, the container is ready, come get it and deliver mine. I tell him, it has to be tonight, as I will have guys working onsite for the next 9 days straight, and access will be impossible. And, I need the bloody thing. I need to move all the stuff in there that is needed over the next week and beyond. He tells me he will sort it, two trucks will come, and it will be done tonight.
It starts to rain.
Truck driver (1 of) calls me to ask where the site is. He is lost. he DOES NOT have my container, just orders to remove the container that was sent to me. I work out how he is lost, give instructions to get to the right place, confirm he has arrived. I assume that he is collecting the container, and the new one will be coming shortly. (4:30pm ish)
5:15. I get a phone call from yet another person at the container supplier. The driver has decided that the access is too hard, it's wet now, and he might get bogged… and so it's not happening now. He then tells me I have to advise them by 8am if they can deliver in the morning. I again explain that I will have people on site tomorrow. There will be no access to the container (tomorrow they are installing 2x 44500l water tanks - they are large) After some back and forth I agree that I will call them by 9am to advise if I can clear the vehicles out of the way.
(remember I said earlier, it's raining - it's still raining)
He then says "Well we might have to wait a week to come get it then"
I politely suggest that this will not work. I need this container, to store everything in, for the workers to use over the coming week. He says "That's fine, use that container, you can remove everything in a week."
At this point, I'm starting to get angry. The fencing materials alone is nearly 3t of stuff. This is a decent acreage block. I can't load that container for just 7 days, then have to unload it all again, then load the next one. Not to mention that I need to bolt all the racks that stuff is going onto down for OHS reasons.

So. What are my rights. Can I tell them, too bad, so sad, I tried to help, but you screwed up, so I'm keeping what I got?
(Thanks if you read this far btw)

—edit—
I should point out - at no stage have they appologised for the mistake, appologised for the inconveinience to me, or offered me any sort of compensation for the hassle

Comments

  • +14

    You: Ill buy one please
    Them: Here you go sir
    money exchanges
    Wha happened?

    • Was that the TLDR summary>

  • +21

    More appropriate heading is sth along the lines of: Bought old container; sent new container; seller wants to swap

  • Are we talking about $7.5k for a new 40’?

    • +7

      It's a 20'. Cost $2.2k gauranteed one use in good condition.
      A quick look at Gumtree shows new containers go for bout $4k.
      so thier cost to swap it over I guess maybe $1k. I would have happily paid that, but the guy fobbed me off.

      • +5

        In qld they couldn't come remove it without permission as it would be theft.

        Knew a guy who rented a farm, lease ended, went to get the tractor 2 days after and the guy reported to the police lol.

      • +15

        I would simply tell them, if they want to swap it they will have to unpack and repack the replaced container. Their stuff up, you should not be considerably put out by their mistake. Or offer to have your laborer's do it at an hourly rate at their expense.

  • +32

    Absolute hassle, I'd suggest, save themselves the further hassle and yourself and let it be… seriously….
    The amount of mucking around in your description has already made me angry!

    Ask them to write it off / cost price it to you, put it in the too hard basket. Organising further drivers and stuff ups, is it really worth that much to them?

    As an alternative, I would suggest if they REALLY want it… You ask they deliver the replacement FIRST (for your safety and sanity) then they can have their 'precious cargo {carrier}' back.

  • Take them to VCAT

  • +54

    TLDR

    There are two containers.
    Container A - this is the correct container OP ordered.

    Container B - costs 3x more than container A.

    OP is working on a building site big enough for one container at a time and only accessible to trucks when the ground is dry. This makes logistics difficult. OP is using the container to store three tonnes of fencing.

    OP ordered Container A. Container B arrives. OP loads fence into container B. Seller realises the mistake and wants to swap the container. Seller arranges logistics. Logistics failed - truck to pick up container arrived but truck to deliver replacement didn't.

    OP isn't accepting the seller's suggestion - to pack and unpack and then repack three tonnes of fencing.

    UltraTLDR

    Seller stuffed up storage container and wants remedy to involve OP packing and unpacking three tonnes of material.

    What should OP do?

    • +10

      Container B - Costs about double. Seller bluffed (for reasons I cannot fathom) and claimed it was three times.

      • +20

        Their problem is likely that they've already sold it to someone else.

        • +2

          no longer new?

          @Uncysppam, incidents like dents on containers happens on jobsites frequently don't they?

    • +13

      That’s the Reader’s Digest version. I prefer the Tolstoy version.

  • +24

    You bought a container and they delivered. I say use it and fill it etc and if they want to swap it they need to bring the correct container and move he goods inside themselves.

    • +2

      The problem with that is that if OP claims the container or goods were damaged, who and how are we going to allocate blame and liability?

      • +8

        I honestly wouldn't trust them to do it.

        The main problem (aside from the time involved) is where exactly do I put it all once removed from the container, until the other container arrived so I can load it all back into it. There simply isn't anywhere (especially anywhere secure) to do it.

  • +1

    Ask the seller to swap the contents from Container A to Container B. Then, they can have Container A back.

    • +1

      The problem for them with this solution, is that I will be drilling and bolting stuff into the container. Thier new container won't be so new in a few days time…

  • +21

    I’d tell them that there’s already holes drilled and see what they say. But 100% wouldn’t let them take it back until the correct one is delivered.

    • +5

      until the correct one is delivered

      And they agree to remedy costs involved in swapping the goods between the containers. Why should OP pay their staff to move goods between containers just because seller gave them wrong one.

  • +7

    Seems pretty straightforward to me, who screwed up ? Them, for sending you the wrong container, not your problem, why did you acquiesce to them wanting to swap it around, moving 3 tonnes of equipment cant be that easy, ask for compensation for this.

    • +19

      I get it, mistakes happen. It was relatively small issue for me to pull my locks and the stuff i'd stacked in there today, and have them swap it over - today.
      Now that they have missed that deadline, I'm not going to be so obliging.

    • +5

      I don't know why you say that? I've never had a problem with this before now.

      If you buy some used container from Joe Blow who's been using it to store his old car for 20 years, then yeah, you might be in for a fun time. I bought a guaranteed cargo worthy container, from a (supposedly) reputable company.

  • +10

    It's their fault. They've already done the deal. Woolworths can't come to your house to take back some groceries because they gave you the wrong thing.

    I'd keep the container and tell them to shove it. If they try take it call the police.

    You tried cooperating which was a nice thing to do, but since they're being so horrible about it, they should pay the price I reckon.

    • +4

      Woolworths can't come to your house to take back some groceries because they gave you the wrong thing

      Actually they can to an extent

      An 'unsolicited supply' is when you receive products or services that you have not requested, or a business claims to have supplied services that you did not receive or request.

      If you receive unsolicited products or services:

      • you are not required to pay for the products or services
      • you are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from a supply of unsolicited services
      • if you contact the business in writing, expressing that you do not want the products, then the business should recover the products within one month
      • if you don’t contact the business, then the business may recover the products within three months from the day after you received the products
      • you cannot unreasonably refuse to allow the supplier to recover the products
      • you may be liable to pay compensation if you wilfully damage the products during this period.

      If the supplier does not collect the unsolicited products within the above timeframes, you can keep the products with no obligation to pay.

      You are not entitled to keep the products if the products were not intended for you, for example, the packaging was clearly addressed to another person.

      source: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/sales-delivery/receiving-t…

      • +2

        Interesting, the more you know!

        Again though OP, I reckon unless they cooperate properly, I'd tell them to shove it. Stick to what you've done.

      • Yeah there is a LOT of really bad advise here, just because he is in possession of the item doesn't make it legally his. under the law he can be held liable for any damage or modifications he makes to the container between now and when they collect it. He seems to think while it is on his property it is legally his which is completely incorrect.

      • -1

        The OP refusing to return the container at this point would not be an unreasonable refusal, they have attempted to return the product, the seller has failed to comply and it is now impractical to continue with a return.

        • +2

          That is NOT how the law works. I agree it is a pain in the arse and in this case it is probably unfair. He is entitled to full compensation for his time and hassle and probably could even claim rent for holding it, but he is not entitled to refuse its return.

      • +6

        This is not unsolicited supply. This is incorrect supply. Think of unsolicited supply as when you randomly received a pizza you didn't order, think of OPs case as you ordered Meat Lovers but received a BBQ Meat Lovers Delux… There's no way you can easily tell the two apart.

        • -2

          I only posted that information as the comment that I was referring to assumed that there is no circumstance where a business can not take back an item, which isn't true.

          As for your analogy, here is another way to look at it.

          Meat Lovers = Non-delivery of products & services

          When a business accepts your payment for products or services they must supply them to you within the timeframe they have indicated or if no time was specified, within a reasonable time.

          BBQ Meat Lovers Delux = Unsolicited supply

          • +2

            @triviums: It's not really relevant - that's a different scenario.
            They had to make that legislation because of tactics whereby people would try to sell you things unsolicited - I think Reader's Digest may have been one example - ACCC accused them of inertia selling back in about 2003- they'd leave stuff at your house unannounced then try to bill you for it if you didn't give it back. The warning is about what you can do if they don't take it back… nothing to do with this scenario. Woolies cannot enter onto your private property to take back groceries they gave to you incorrectly.

            • -1

              @MrFrugalSpend:

              Woolies cannot enter onto your private property to take back groceries they gave to you incorrectly.

              Never said they could, but if woolies asks for it back and you refuse and also don't want to pay the difference then yes it is unsolicited supply.

              You have way too narrow of a definition of unsolicited supply

              any good or service supplied to someone who has not agreed to pay for it will be classified as an unsolicited supply.

              source: https://gibbswrightlawyers.com.au/publications/unsolicited-s…

              Here is a scenario where your explanation doesn't make sense.

              If I go to the bank and give them $1000 and ask them to deposit it into my bank account. The teller accidentally deposits $10,000. By your logic, I now have $10,000 as the bank is at fault and there is 0% chance of me going to jail if I use the $10,000 to go on a spending spree.

              Also:
              Non-delivery of products & services + Unsolicited supply = contract issue

              This is because multiple rights under both Non-delivery of products & services and unsolicited supply cancel each other out. This means that all is left is a contact issue. This is exact what was told to the OP when they contacted someone for legal advice.

              • +2

                @triviums: I read that link and see where you coming from but unless there were reference numbers or other details that made it explicitly clear he was not getting the correct shipping container, I would still argue the unsolicited supply rules aren't really that relevant - the seller requested a shipping container and the seller agreed (offer & acceptance), he got a shipping container and paid for a shipping container (consideration) = contract complete.

                OP has already paid under a contractual arrangement and there's now a contractual dispute - Unsolicited supply laws deal with rights for the recipient to not pay for the unsolicited goods etc (they didn't request) and then the supplier can reclaim the unpaid goods (and cannot require the recipient to pay even for accidental damage etc), plus deals with access for the return of goods etc… OP's requested and paid for a shipping container, so that's not what I think this is (unless there is more detail evidencing this being a known different container - I figured they are all fairly generic).

                As for the bank deposit scenario, this is theft and they are liable to repay it under Tort law (Conversion) plus other remedy options - In the bank scenario, someone ordered 1000 x dollar/s and got 10,000 x dollar/s = 9000 extra dollar/s. OP did not order one shipping container and get 9 unsolicited shipping containers as well so the logic is not the same.

                • @MrFrugalSpend: I'm with you on this one - he paid for a shipping container, and a shipping container he got. If the contract specifies the serial number of a shipping container - well fair enough. The refusal of the company to work with the OP, or say sorry would get my back up - I'd be keeping the container.

                  The title to that container, is now the OPs, he used no trick or deception to get it - the title is good.

              • @triviums:

                If I go to the bank and give them $1000 and ask them to deposit it into my bank account. The teller accidentally deposits $10,000. By your logic, I now have $10,000 as the bank is at fault and there is 0% chance of me going to jail if I use the $10,000 to go on a spending spree.

                That's a poor hypothetical. They'll charge you with Fraud for obtaining a financial advantage. You'll probably get off criminal charges.

                You'll still get sued in a civil Court for the full $10,000 and lose.

        • Think of unsolicited supply as when you randomly received a pizza you didn't order

          Example of non-randomly received unsolicited supply:

          With the rise in online shopping, you may find you receive something in the post that you haven't ordered, either because it has been sent to the wrong address or the order has been mishandled.

          Key part:

          the order has been mishandled.

          Source: https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/consumer-rights-and-advic…

      • +5

        This is not unsolicited supply.

    • -1

      So you bought a $200 Timex watch online and when the package arrives there’s a $20,000 Rolex inside. Do you think the Rolex is yours because the seller stuffed up?

      • +1

        If the Rolex was worn with a scratch, would the seller want it back; probably because apparently it's "worth" a lot more.
        This situation involves big metal boxes that would largely look the same given single use vs new. How is OP supposed to know the difference when it was delivered? He/she couldn't have, hence started using it.

        • I agree Nugs. The OP ordered a shipping container, paid for it, got a shipping container. It's now the OP's shipping container.
          Unless there was specific container reference numbers on the paperwork or something that clearly meant the OP knew it shouldn't have been theirs, its the OP's shipping container now.

      • +18

        That's not exactly the case. More like you bought a used Timex online and the seller sent you a new one. Then you tried to cooperate but the seller was a complete shitshow. At that point yes I would tell the seller to shove it.

  • +28

    Refuse to deal any more with them, the transaction is done. If they come on to your property they are trespassing.

    • ^ Exactly this.

    • -1

      yeah NO, legally the seller has a right to reclaim the goods and intentionally obstructing that puts you on the wrong side of the law. However, fair costs and compensation for time, labour and inconvenience is not unreasonable to claim from the seller.

      • +6

        That's not entirely true.

        I have every right to refuse them entry to my private property, within reason. At present they are in breach of contract, and have failed to reach an agreement with me to remedy that situation. At present they have NO RIGHT to enter my property, or to attempt to remove the container.

        If it was me that was in breach of contract (like I didn't pay the bill) then they would have rights to enter my property to retrieve their container, within the bounds of the law.

        I called and checked with the police yesterday, as to whether criminal trespass would apply if they attempt to collect the container without my permission, and I was advised that yes it certainly would, and I would also be able to ask the police to pursue them for theft, as the item is now mine, until such time as a new agreement is reached.

          • +2

            @gromit:

            it is on YOU to get the container to them

            where did you get this from? Cus it's plain wrong.

            • -5

              @ripesashimi:

              where did you get this from? Cus it's plain wrong.

              how is it wrong? He has a right to refuse all access to his property, but he also MUST provide access to the container as it is not his. Therefore if he refuses access to the property (his right) then he has to provide other means of returning the container.

              • @gromit: Yes. Still not the same as 'getting the container to them'.

                • @ripesashimi: ok, concede that. What I meant was getting them access to the container, if they can't get on his property to retrieve it then it will be his responsibility to move the container off his property.

              • +2

                @gromit: @gromit I'd stop offering bad legal advice if I was you.

                I've consulted with my lawyer, I've checked with the cops, and everything I have done is just fine.

                The container was supplied to me. I had no way of knowing I was delivered the wrong thing. It's not like I ordered a blue one and got a red one. There really is no way I could have known when it was delivered.

                When the seller realised, and contacted me, I complied with their request (even though it put me out) in an attempt to resolve the issue as quickly as possible - time is money. When they failed to comply with the new agreement, the contract returned to being in breach, and there are TWO possible options. One, I can terminate the contract. In this case that would mean telling them to come collect the container, and they have to issue me a full refund, and I can also demand (reasonable) costs and damages. Two, I can affirm the contract. This can look like a lot of different things, but in this case, I tried to work with the seller to do that - affirm the contract with new conditions.

                The new conditions of the contract are that I can use the container until such time as it is convenient for me for the seller to collect the container, and replace it with what I purchased. I have advised the seller that this will likely be two to three months. The seller has asked for me to do as little damage to it as possible. I agreed, but have advised that some damage will be inevitable, as to meet my OHS requirements, the shelving needs to be bolted down to make sure it doesn't move or tip. As much as I can, I have used the tie-down points in the container, but that hasn't always been possible. Additionally, the container will get dirty and damaged from use. This is unavoidable.

                To be clear. This is not a case of unsolicited supply or incorrect supply. This is a breach of contract. The rules for breach of contract very much favour the defaulted party. If you are ever in a situation where you don't get what you paid for, no matter what it is, you can use the breach of contract laws (in QLD at least) to correct the situation.

                So, all said.

                No, I don't have to provide access to the container.
                No, I don't have to provide other means of returning the container.
                No, I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT have to return the container to them. Until such time as an agreement is reached, and that agreement includes the return of the container.

                So please, again, gromit, stop offing bad legal advice. All of what you said is simply not true.

                —edit—
                I should add, If the seller refuses to accept the conditions I propose, including fair damages and costs, then they can elect to sue me, to try and have the court levy a solution. Or I can go to QCAT, and ask them to levy a solution. In both cases, you are rolling the dice. Whatever the decision is, is final (well, you can appeal, but $$$$ and time) But if this were to happen I have no need to return the container until the court mandates it.

        • -1

          I agree with WreckTangle - OP you ordered a shipping container, that's entering a contract, paid for it, got a shipping container - done deal now - it's your shipping container*.

          *Unless there was specific container reference numbers on the paperwork, something that clearly meant you knew it shouldn't have been yours, obviously different to the description etc? If not, it's at your discretion now.

          Maybe you don't want to piss them off, don't want any repercussions of an argument so are happy to be accommodating - but you've been more accommodating than I would have been and IMO are entitled to make whatever demands you see fit to make it convenient to you if you feel like you got more than you paid for and will entertain swapping it out. I'd consider telling them they can swap it out at the end of your construction job or at a later phase when its easier for you maybe? (if you think it will be looked after on site). Otherwise, make them supply the labour to move it. Or if you don't care about an argument, just tell them you think the deal is done and have already taken ownership and possession and started using it so want to keep it!

          • +1

            @MrFrugalSpend: no paperwork was provided with any kind of information that could be used to identify any specific item. And there is good reason for that. These guys sell thousands of containers. When you buy one, the truck picks up the next one in the queue and delivers it. They don't offer to sell you a specific container.

            I was happy to try and do the right thing. They made a mistake, I could help them out. But once it became obvious they couldn't organise a root in a brothel, I stopped being helpful. I don't have time to waste on issues like this.

  • +1

    Tell them they can claim any losses as a tax deduction and you had to use it and drill holes in it, and offer to pay what you are willing to.

  • +14

    Tell them it's already filled with bodies.

    • +11

      Better: tell them the container is now buried, the hydro set up and connected to the grid and the crop’s going gangbusters.

      • 😂😂😂

      • +2

        Better: tell them the container is now buried, the hydro set up and connected to the grid and the crop’s going gangbusters.

        (I see someone's a fan of The Gentleman)

        Tell them it's top-notch sh*t though, and if they leave you alone you'll give them a baggie or two, on the house.

  • +6

    So I started to think about this a different way last night.

    Boioioioi post made me think - if Woolies did deliver the wrong stuff, they wouldn't ask for it back, even though they legally can. It's time sensitive. I need groceries to eat now.

    If Dominos turned up at my door, delivered the wrong pizzas and no garlic bread, there is no expectation that I don't get to eat what you delivered. It's time sensitive. I need to eat now.

    I believe that argument applies here. Unlike a lot of goods where I can simply return it and get another, this is something I need to use immediately. I can't afford the time loss that is happening already while the company sorts it out.

    I'm going to call the ACCC and see what they say (if they will tell me anything)

    • +1

      I'm going to call the ACCC and see what they say (if they will tell me anything)

      Good luck with that 😂

      • +3

        yeah, I ended up deciding against it. they won't help me anyhoo.

        Might see if I can find a lawyer and ask them.

    • +3

      Boioioioi post made me think - if Woolies did deliver the wrong stuff, they wouldn't ask for it back, even though they legally can. It's time sensitive. I need groceries to eat now.

      Woolies don't ask for it back not because it's "time sensitive" and you need it now, it's because they can't be bothered and will let it go as goodwill.

  • +7

    Simple tell him your paying for guys to unload the container and this will have to be paid on pickup 1000 dollars

  • +16

    Either way, the seller now doesn't have a new container and a second-hand container; he has two second-hand ones. The fellow who ordered the brand new one at three times the price of yours is not going to be too thrilled when the one you have at present — and have been storing stuff in for weeks, with all the wear and tear that this entails — turns up on his block at a premium price. It's been a stuff-up by the seller, and he is going to lose because of it. His idea of sending trucks all over the country to swap containers will probably just make his loss greater. Try negotiating again; you did, already, offer to pay extra to ensure a win-win situation, but at that time the seller just brushed you off. Time may have mellowed his attitude somewhat, as the transport bills keep coming in. Make your offer a reasonable one so that the loss doesn't hit him too hard, and you just may pull off a win-win situation… or, at any rate, a "win-don't lose-too-heavily" situation. Good luck!

    • +1

      This👍
      I would also ensure your site is fully fenced and locked up, and you might use a digger make a shallow trench ~20m around the container to prevent the seller from busting in a repossessing your container along with its' contents.

    • Yup, this

  • +1

    Just bill them for your time and labour they have used up. They might think differently about how to resolve the situation. It's been done to me before when I screwed up a delivery. And I had the problem corrected within 1 hour too!

  • +2

    I really want to hear how this ends up! Hope you get to keep the original container for all your trouble!

  • +9

    For those who care to know how it ends… it's not over yet!

    I called and got some legal advice from a real lawyer. They say that this is actually a Breach of Contract issue. Basically when you buy pretty much anything or engage anyone else to provide a service, you have a contract. In most cases the contract is verbal. Even buying a coffee involves a contract - if they fail to supply, supply the wrong thing, you fail to pay… all of those things can be litigated against. (https://whatis.law/2020/01/14/breach-of-contract-qld/)

    The definition is: A breach of contract is when someone does not adhere to a term outlined in that contract. When someone has breached a contract, you can choose to affirm the contract, or terminate the contract and recover any loses or damages.

    Based on this, my legal position is actually quite simple. Either I work with the company to rectify the issue, which can include a demand for compensation, or I can terminate the agreement, and also still demand compensation/damages.

    I can also pursue them for trespass as a criminal matter if they do come onto the block and try and remove the container without my permission.

    Anyhoo.

    It rained last night. This morning was clear, but the ground is wet. The work that was scheduled for my site today has been postponed (again!) due to the wet weather.
    I went up to site to check out the access. It's far wetter than it was yesterday, and the driver wouldn't get it then. I call back both numbers that called me yesterday. I eventually get onto someone but he doesn't seem to know whats happening. I tell him the situation, he says he will have to get guy #1 to call me back as he knows what is going on. This was at ~9am.

    12pm rolls around, still no call. I call again, no answer. call guy #2, who again says he will ask guy #1 to call me back. I go up to site, put back up the temporary boundary flagging (unfortunately no fences or gates yet :() and add a no trespass sign (easier to prove someone was trespassing, when there is a sign up saying no entry, right?)

    It's now 1:30. Still no call back.

    I've lost the whole of today. I'm going to have to work all weekend now to get the container sorted for my guys to start work Monday. I'm genuinely afraid that they will come on to site and remove the container, with whatever I have inside.

    • +7

      I'm genuinely afraid that they will come on to site and remove the container, with whatever I have inside.

      You've paid for the container. It's yours unless you've agreed to a contract the supercedes this one.

      Install a hunting camera. They are battery operated.

      If someone comes and takes the entire container away, they are going to prison. It's that serious.

      • +7

        on it. trying to find one I can buy locally so I can put it in asap

  • +2

    Get yourself a gps tracker, or a cheap mobile phone and attach it to the container. If it does go walkabout you can find it again, container company will probably just take it back, at least you can point the police to its whereabouts.

    • +3

      on it. trying to find one I can buy locally so I can put it in asap

  • +38

    And the fun continues.

    I call Guy #1 just before 3. I need to know wth is going on. He finally answers. I ask him what they are doing, he seems genuinely surprised - they aren't doing anything, they haven't heard from me. I tell him that's bullshit and he knows it - I've left him two vmails and he's had more missed calls than that. I've spoken to Guy #2 twice. He says he hasn't had any messages and Guy #2 hasn't told him anything.

    sigh

    so I ask him, blunt. WTF do you intend to do to fix this issue. He verbally shrugs. They intend to collect the container as soon as possible. At that point I mentioned I had taken legal advice, and contacted the police in regards to criminal trespass. Finally he seems more willing to negotiate. He suggests they can come collect it in a few weeks when I'm done with it. I won't be done with it for months, but sure, you want to wait, fine. I tell him, I will be drilling and bolting into this thing. It will NOT come back in new condition. He tells me I HAVE to use the existing tie downs, I can't damage his container. I remind him, currently, it's my container, I will do what I need to. He agrees to wait till I call to arrange to come collect it once I've emptied it in a few months, and they will deliver mine then.

    Considering he can't even manage to call back when I leave multiple messages, I doubt he will even remember I exist in a few months when this thing is empty and I need to move it to the next site…

    • +13

      Taking the absolute piss, it's infuriating just reading this.

      I hope you stick it to these knobs all the way.

    • +7

      Considering he can't even manage to call back when I leave multiple messages, I doubt he will even remember I exist in a few months when this thing is empty and I need to move it to the next site…

      Win! Enjoy your new container!

    • Looks like you get it easy this time. It seems the guy realised he'd get away with it mistake from higher boss so he just played dumb. Probably he'll end up giving you away the new one for second hand price.

    • +5

      Send an email detailing all of the above so he can't come back saying that he didn't agree to anything.

      I imagine this isn't the end of your problems, just a pause until they start messing you around again when they pick it up.

    • Further up a guy said that, legally, if you've let them know in writing and they don't come get it within a month it's yours.

    • You've made attempts to rectify in good faith, now be sure to document everything, so if it gets nasty you have a good recollection of events. good luck.

    • Sounds like they put it in the too hard basket. Use it however you want and wait for them to call you (probably never going to happen). At this point you have the container and they have your money. Given your efforts I doubt there will be any blowback.

  • +4

    Wow, it's a miracle that some companies manage to survive isn't it! Good story OP!

    • If anyone reading has been thinking of establishing a new/used container business, their USP could be something called 'service'.

    • All you have to do is look at the bizarre questions being asked in the comments of JobKeeper posts on the ATO Facebook Page. It’s mind boggling that people can run a business yet be a complete mong devoid of logic of common sense trying to navigate insanely simple processes.

  • +3

    Thanks for the update OP. I would hate to be your position. They've screwed up and yet they seem to have no empathy with how it affects your situation whatsover. Im glad and hope you continue to stand your ground. If it happen to someone else, some poor soul might've just let them get away with it (and do whatever they say).

  • +1

    Tell them too bad. You paid for a container and was given a new one instead of a used one. Their fault for the mistake. Tell them to solve it. Put your things back in it to make it harder for them to remove it - inconvenience them.

    Once you buy it fully paid and have it finally delivered, I believe businesses can't take it back as it now belongs to you. It's only if you don't pay for it or defaults on your payment plan for it that they can take it off you but they have to go through legal courses not just drive up to your site and take it.

  • Some people are just plain bad at business. As you mentioned, if they have already forgotten about you now, no chance they will remember about you in a few months time!

  • +23

    I'll be putting in a few bollards in front of it tomorrow, just to make it a little harder to move, and a GPS tracker will be attached too… just in case ;)

    • +1

      Thanks for the updates.

  • +3

    It's not new any more is it? You've used it, it's muddy, dirty inside, fittings attached. They can't sell it as new any more. Seems pointless to swap.

    • +3

      yup, my thoughts exactly.

      In a few hours it will have a tractor and all my fencing stuff in it. it will really not be new once I've done that ;)

  • +3

    these guys don't sound like they passed primary school

  • +5

    Subscribed, better than some podcasts I listen to,

    These guys seriously have no idea how to run a business, sorry you have to go through this. I reckon in a few months time you’ll still have the container.

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