How can I get my things back from a handyman?

Question

Early in May, I hired a handyman (that I found on craigslist) to pick up a couch that I had bought. I had also wanted a couple of wicker pieces painted and a table stained and painted.

I paid the handyman $40 up front for gas (the store was about 45 min away). When he brought the settee back, he said there was an accident and the settee slid off the truck and ended up having 8 holes in it. I was annoyed, but he took the little covers on the arms of the settee to see if he could get someone to patch the holes. He also took the few pieces of furniture to be painted and stained and agreed to do them without charge. I trusted him, but I was very foolish because I gave him the other $40 I owed him. I only have his phone number. He was sick, but he's back working again because I saw ads on craigslist. I've spoken to his mother a few times and him once. I have been angry but it has not worked in my favor. The guy hasn't called back. I just want my furniture back.

Answer 1

Honestly there is not much you can do. Trusting someone is a good thing, but you are open to people who don't value your trust more than their lazyness or greed for money.

Forget about your furniture, it will cause you much more grief worrying about it than it's worth.

Answer 2

Wow, you sure picked the wrong dude.  I hope you let Craig know.     You can request a police officer to join you on a visit when you know he will be there.  Not returning the stuff probably equals theft of the furniture.  Small claims is the way to go to recover the lost value of the settee.

Answer 3

Small Claims Court