Ice Storm Damage of 2008

[southsider]

Thank you all, yes they are liscensed and insured, but my conscience will not let them buy a new set, I bought this set brand new for my niece and nephew around 12 years ago, they used it and loved it. They grew and my brother brought it to my house since it was still in fairly good shape.
My son used it and loved it but we got it for free and I can not make them buy me a new one.
I will buy him a piggy bank and he can start saving for a new one.
We will have a yard sale and he can keep all the proceeds for his new swingset.
Swanstafa

I agree that the tree service should not cover the cost of a new swing set. They should however cover the cost for a used swing set of similar value to the one that was damaged. You may want to check some classified ads for used swings in your area to get an idea of the approximate value. I would consider 20% - 30% of the price for a new item a rough rule of thumb for the price any used item in good to excellent condition. You do not need to purchase a used set but can use that amount toward the purchase of a new set where you pay the difference.

You should in no way feel guilty about getting a fair compensation for the swing set that was destroyed. I agree it would not be fair to ask the tree service to pay for a new set. That set may have been 12 years old but it still had some value.

[Dengineer]

I agree that the tree service should not cover the cost of a new swing set. They should however cover the cost for a used swing set of similar value to the one that was damaged. You may want to check some classified ads for used swings in your area to get an idea of the approximate value. I would consider 20% - 30% of the price for a new item a rough rule of thumb for the price any used item in good to excellent condition. You do not need to purchase a used set but can use that amount toward the purchase of a new set where you pay the difference.

You should in no way feel guilty about getting a fair compensation for the swing set that was destroyed. I agree it would not be fair to ask the tree service to pay for a new set. That set may have been 12 years old but it still had some value.

I don't get a chance to say this very often, but ITA with you southsider!! They should pay you SOMETHING for the swingset even if it was old. If I owned this tree company, I would probably try to find you a good used swingset myself and offer to have my workers come and set it up for you. That's called customer service, but unfortunately most people have no idea what that means anymore.

[MrsPinecone]

They owe you SOMETHING for it. That's why they have insurance. I would not have one single pang of guilt asking them to pony up some cash for the lost property.

[southsider]

I don't get a chance to say this very often, but ITA with you southsider!! They should pay you SOMETHING for the swingset even if it was old. If I owned this tree company, I would probably try to find you a good used swingset myself and offer to have my workers come and set it up for you. That's called customer service, but unfortunately most people have no idea what that means anymore.

I know we usually take opposing views. If you ever watch any of the TV court shows, depending on the item, people don't get what they paid unless the item is new or near new. Most often I think a year or less is the guideline, although there may be a few exceptions for a longer period of time. Expensive jewelery comes to mind as possibility of being one of those exceptions. When the item is older people will get the fair market value of similar item in similar condition.

[southsider]

One other thing I would add. If you paid to have the set professionally installed you will definitely want compensation for that also. I would also consider asking for installation costs if somebody that does it professionally did it for you as a favor as you may not be able to get it done professionally a second time for free.

[redemption_song]

They should cover the value of the swing set as it was, not new. IMO this could be a good learning experience for your son about taking responsibility. The tree service was responsible for the destruction of the swing set, they should also be responsible for making you whole. If you can find one on craigslist or something for a few hundred bucks that would be completely fair.