I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. This is one reason I like to pay by credit card. Some card companies are great about stopping payment if services aren't rendered. You don't need to "ask" for your money back. Good luck getting the machine, and I also recommend the local news for help!

They've got her machine. This is a hostage situation!

EXACTLY!!!

The police should be able to get your machine back with the receipt tag. THAT they can do, especially with the mismanaged cleaning of the first machine and the ill will of the establishment.

You should have stayed and wait for him to call the police. Number one, they would have laughed at him for accusing you of trespassing, when you hold a receipt and he is holding an item that belongs to you. If he refuses to return it, he is the one going to jail, not you.

When you know the shop is open, go back. Drive around or go to the nearest police precint. Ask a cop if he would go in with you because he refuses to return your machine and you are afraid to go in if fear of your safety. Once you tell them this, they can not refuse you protection. It may be a civil case but once your safety is compromised it isn't anymore. You will see the machine show up. You may have to give in and pay the fee to prove that you mean peace. All he can do to you is to tell you never to go back, but I don't think you would do that anyways.

Yuck so sorry to hear you had to deal with this. So wrong!

Let all your friends know. If you belong to a local club, warn them. If you or family belong to a local Senior's club, warn them. Don't worry, once word gets rolling it will pick up steam and cover an amazing amount of the town.

When you return, take some big guy with you with a video camera..cameras scare the heck out of the less honest!! Be polite, write out your problem on paper and learn it by heart,
then give your speech and don't argue with him. Speak up plainly and make it obvious you are talking to the camera.

To each of you, thank you for your ideas. I'll let you know the results.

Well, mimee4, I pray you get your machine & $$ back with the least possible hassle. This is horrifying. Do keep us posted. PA quilters, be prepared to stage a machine rescue operation!

Sorry for your ordeal. I just don't understand how business owners think they can do this to people. I would let it be well known what type of business this is and how they are running it by way local television news people or the local newspaper.

Sorry for your experience. I hate when people do that and get away with it!