Smoke Damaged Goods - Can We Sell Them On?

[shadow 10]

We recently had a fire in our kitchen and the cleaning company sent by the insurers has written off all the electric goods in the kitchen - three of them failed an electrical test (including a 10 month old £1000 Miele washing machine), while our fridge freezer was written off due for mild cosmetic reasons.

 

While we are waiting for the replacements (could be a while), we've been told that we can still use all of them, as basically they all still work fine - we've just been told to unplug the washine machine between uses.

 

While the insurers are happy to dispose of everything, we've also been told that if we wish, we can arrange for 'disposal' ourselves, as long as the plugs have been cut off and the 'warning - smoke damaged' stickers are left on. Obviously the first thought was 'can we (legally) sell these to anyone'? Perhaps specialist companies that deal with fire-damaged goods etc? It seems a shame to throw away a top quality washing machine when surely the non-electrical parts must be salvagable (or the damaged electrical parts just replaced).

 

Is it illegal to sell fire damaged goods (assuming you make it clear to the buyer that they are fire damaged)? If not, anyone know of somewhere in Sheffield that may be interested?

[RazorSHarp 10]

I wouldn't, unless you get them to sign somthing saying you informed the new owner of the damage and use restrictions you may be left liable. You know how the British have adopted the US claim/sue mentality !!

I believe the seller has a responsibilty to the new owner especially if you are aware of problems that the unit may have.

I'd just get the scrapped and leave it at that.

[dccjb 10]

I agree with RazorSHarp, I think it would be safer to scrap them, we had a house fire several years back & we let the insurance dispose of everything.

[floyd77 10]

You would be fine to do this - obviously you have to make it clear they are fire/smoke damaged, and give a receipt stating as such, keeping a copy for yourself.

 

Dont know of any in Sheffield off hand, but there are plenty of people / companied that actively seek out such items to fix up and sell on as 'refurbished'

[tifftifco2 10]

Well i hope your honest when you sell them because no one likes been ripped off i would just scrap them and not risk anyone getting hurt!

[neeeeeeeeeek 10]

If you dont flog thrm whoever takes them away will, probably with no warning!

 

What you got? I might want it if it cheap.

[neeeeeeeeeek 10]

What test did they fail? I canb't see why smoke damage and a bit of heat would knacker them!

 

Did they get a soaking from the fire bridage?

[Bonny 10]

I really wouldn't risk selling them on - let the insurance company arrange for the disposal. Smoke from a house fire is corrosive and can continue to cause damage so something that doesn't appear too bad now may well deteriorate quickly. With electrical items it's always better to be safe than sorry

[Suffragette1 10]

I don't know how you could possibly entertain the idea of selling on goods that you yourself are not happy to continue using; I wouldn't dream if it. I find it highly unethical, even with a warning.

[shadow 10]

I don't know how you could possibly entertain the idea of selling on goods that you yourself are not happy to continue using; I wouldn't dream if it. I find it highly unethical, even with a warning.

 

Oh calm down and get a grip, I'm not talking about selling them to unsuspecting little old ladies here; I knew I'd get someone trolling on this. Please re-read my original post - I asked if there were any bonafide companies that specialise in dealing with fire damaged goods, i.e. to salvage spare parts unaffected by the smoke.

[tifftifco2 10]

Oh calm down and get a grip, I'm not talking about selling them to unsuspecting little old ladies here; I knew I'd get someone trolling on this. Please re-read my original post - I asked if there were any bonafide companies that specialise in dealing with fire damaged goods, i.e. to salvage spare parts unaffected by the smoke.

 

'can we (legally) sell these to anyone'?

 

yes you did say that!!! then yu said PERHAPS specialist componies:hihi:

[Noodle 10]

Why did you have a fire in the first place? Was it an electrical fault or a forgotten pizza under the grill? To be honest, you could have lost your home and lives due to that fire, and now you want to put people in the same situation with goods that have failed safety tests? For how much money? Seriously... no morals. Be glad you're insured and still have your home and life.