This is a photo of a vintage 'spaghetti poodle' figurine. They were made popular in the 40s and 50s and are now big collector's items. My mother-in-law has three poodles (one white, one gray, and one pink) and the other day she discovered the gray figurine was practically destroyed. Two of the legs were broken clean off and an ear was gone. These poodles belonged to her mother. It seems that the cleaning company mamaleh's uses are the culprits. And this is not the first time vintage things in her house have been damaged. Modern light fixtures to vintage Capodimonte flowers have also fallen victim to the cleaning company. And what is worse is how the cleaning people will often break things and hide them in odd places. Not only did they break valuables, they try to hide it and not own up to it. Another thing that stinks is that even though mamaleh knows these people ruined her things, how does she prove it?
So, what is one to do when faced with something like this? These poodles were precious antiques that have a family history. They can NEVER be replaced!
What do you think? What do you do?
Tara
Is the cleaning company bonded? If so they have insurance to cover things like this. If they aren't, she should find someone that is.
ReplyDeleteI would also take a personal day from work and just happen to come home when they are cleaning to see how they are when she is gone.
Lastly, I would check the better business bureau to see if they have any cases against them involving damage. If so, she might be able to take them to small claims court on precedence.
Good luck!
PS I know its not the same, but ebay has some nice replacements for decent prices right now as a cheer up gift- http://collectibles.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=grey+spaghetti&_sacat=10850&_odkw=grey&_osacat=10850&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313
ReplyDeleteI would fire the cleaning company and make sure breakables are put safely away before the new cleaning company comes.
ReplyDeletethat is so annoying and worse so dishonest! I too would fire the company and get another one in.
ReplyDeleteThe few times I've had house cleaning help I scheduled it for when I was home and directly supervised. I think she should phone the ceo, suspend the cleaning contract, photograph all the damaged items, file with the BBB and insist on full reparation.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely switch cleaning companies - and tell them why. There is no excuse for that. Absolutely none. And I have to agree - they should have to pay for the broken items and definitely the BBB.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who would come into her home and break things and hide them like that, there is no telling what else they are up to. Dishonesty doesn't go well with letting strangers into one's house.
Thank you for the wonderful advice and thoughts, ladies! I really appreciate it! I think my mother-in-law is "done" with the company for good now. She said losing another valuable was the last straw. I know that she has filed a claim with her insurance for other things that were taken and I hope this company fires the culprits. I also want to thank Tart Deco for the spaghetti poodle link. Like you said, nothing can replace the poodles that belonged to her mom but I think I am going to get my mother-in-law a little poodle gift. I hate to see her so disappointed and let down.
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