SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020—Messenger
You named the group Deb Anderson · Samick SG-450 Digital Baby Grand.
Deb—Is this available?
Gregg—👍Yes
D—I’m in the process of moving to Bradenton and am very interested in taking a look at your piano. Could you tell me why you are selling it?
G—Because I’m in the process of moving myself. It would be too difficult to coordinate my move to Rhode Island with it.
G—And if u don’t know yet, most Floridians only buy digital since humidity will warp the acoustic style pianos. So digital is definitely the way to go.
D—Ha! OK. I think I'm probably going to end up making a trip down (currently living with my sister in St. Pete while I wait to close on my new home). How comfortable would you be with the idea of coordinating with you to visit and take a look?
G—Yes of course u may.
G—To be honest, I did have a gentleman call this morning, and he seemed interested, but haven’t heard back. You are most welcome to come by and try out.
G—But I take that as a grain of salt
G—He hasn’t texted me back since morning
G—So please u are most welcome to come and play
G—I’m very close to saint Pete
G—Here is my #...
D—Cool. I'll be back in touch once I hear from my realtor about when I need to drive over the bridge. If you get another serious buyer, of course, please don't worry about me. If I decide I want it, I couldn't take possession until March 1. Is that a problem? My phone number is ... so will text for next correspondence. Please do the same if you end up selling it in the meantime. Getting ready for the Super Bowl! Thanks!
G—I will of course let u know
G—I am supposed to be all moved out by end of lease which is May 31
G—So no problem on March for u if I don’t sell before
G—Enjoy the game!😀
D—👍
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5—Messenger
G—Hi Deb, this is Gregg. I own the digital baby grand piano we spoke about the other day. The person who was interested in buying didn’t work out. So if you are still interested let me know. Have a great evening.
D—I’m actually coming to Bradenton on Monday for a 1:00 appt. on the west side. Would it work to try to coordinate a visit 2:30-3ish? I think the appt shouldn’t be more than an hour. You’re east of 75?
G—Monday is good. I am actually west of 75. I live in Carlton Arms Apartments on SR-64
D—Oh Carlton Arms! One of my closest friends lived there right out of high school. How about I text when leaving my appt?
G—I do have to tell u deb that I’m having surgery on my foot on Feb 26th so I wouldn’t be able to help move it for u.
G—If u are truly interested, I’d be more than willing to work with u on price
G—Since I can’t move it due to foot surgery
G—I look forward to hearing from u. Any questions feel free to text or call …
D—Appreciate that as it is priced above what I’d budgeted for. We’ll talk Monday! Thanks, Gregg.
G—Ok sure no problem.
G—Your very welcome
G—Have a good evening😀
D—You too!
G—ty
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9—Messenger
G—Hello Debbie! I hope u are enjoying this beautiful Sunday afternoon. I wanted to check in with you to see if you are still planning on stopping by to try out my baby grand piano tomorrow?
D—You bet! My appt is at 1 near 75th and Manatee. I’ll text when heading your way so you can then share your address. I’m thinking 2:30/3ish?
G—Perfect
G—Talk to u then! 🙂
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10—Messenger
D—I’m done with my appt and I think I’m going to stop by Rooms to Go on Cortez for a few minutes before heading to you. Remind me...Carlton Arms is out Manatee right? And I’ll need the exact address
G—Hey Deb
G—Carlton Arms is on State Road 64
G—I will send you the address as soon as I get home I’m right down the street I had to go to Publix
G—I’ll be home in five minutes then I will text you my address
G—You will have to give guard at guard shack my name
G—And address
G—Gregg M... ... Carlton inlet dr, apartment .... It’s bldg #... and u will see my car out front, silver Hyundai Elantra, along with an old antique car
G—Near it. Not my car but it’s a checkpoint
G—Any questions Feel Free To call me …
D—I ended up buying a bunch of stuff! Just about to finish up.
G—Sure no problem Take ur time
D—ETA 3
MONDAY—Text to my sister
D—Hey Sues, the address I’ll be at is … If I don’t text you again in an hour, call the police. 😁Seriously, just in case, since I’m going to a stranger’s house.
Susan—Yep! Gotcha covered.
MONDAY—Face-to-Face upon arriving at Gregg’s apartment
D—Oh, I really like it.
G—I used to enjoy it every day, but I’ve had so many health issues, I haven’t had time to play it.
D—Is that why you’re selling it?
G—No, I’m actually getting ready to move back to Rhode Island. The majority of my family is up there and after my divorce, I just really have felt isolated down here.
D—Yes I understand. Good time to start over. I am in the process of doing something similar. I sold everything before moving down here.
G—Sorry about the cat. Snickers! Stop bothering her. She’s really friendly.
D—I don’t mind.
G—She keeps me company and I’ll definitely be bringing her with me to Rhode Island.
D—When are you looking to move?
G—Sometime in May.
D—I definitely want to buy the piano from you. But, I can’t take possession until end of February, maybe even early March because I won’t be closed on my new home until February 26th. Does that work for you?
G—That works great. I’m actually having surgery on the 26th on my knee, but I’ll be back home that evening. My friend Liz will be here all day on the 27th just to make sure I’m recovering okay.
D—Well, I can’t get it on the 26th, but maybe on the 27th. Or how about the 28th? Or early the week after that?
G—Oh, yea, you said you’re closing on your house the 26th. Yes the 28th will work, too.
D—Great. I’ll text you again at the beginning of that week just to be sure that the closing is on target. You know how those things can go.
G—Oh, yes, sometimes things can get messed up.
D—Yep!
G—Would it be possible for you to bring me cash?
D—Oh sure. No problem. I can do that.
G—And I won’t be able to help move it at all. It only weighs 250 pounds or so, but with my knee.
D—Oh, no, I had no expectation that you would help move it. I’ll hire some people to do that.
G—Make sure they’re professionals who know how to move pianos. I know this one is smaller and digital, but still, it can get damaged pretty easily.
D—I will be hiring professionals who have handled pianos before.
G—Don’t let anyone rip you off. It shouldn't cost more than $200.
D—I won’t, thanks for the guidance.
G—OK, well I’ll wait to hear from you.
D—Thanks, again. I’ll be in touch in a couple weeks.
G—Bye!
D—Bye bye.
MONDAY—Text to my sister
D—Sues, I’m leaving and heading to your house. The piano was fabulous! So excited.
S—Oh good! See you soon.
MONDAY—Messenger
G—Thank you for stopping by Deb. If you like, I can mark the piano as “Sold” on the website,
Or try and take ad down. I’m happy it’s going to a good home. Blessings to u! 😇 Gregg
D—Yes thank you! Take care!
G—Will do drive safe.
Posts on Marketplace Samick SG-450 Digital Baby Grand—Gregg sold Samick SG-450 Digital Baby Grand. Gregg removed the item from Marketplace.
G—I went ahead and deleted all listings. Look forward to hearing from you.
D—Yes, I saw it. Thank you!
G—Hi Deb, I just wanted to touch base and ask if u mind paying in cash? Of course we will
Write up a bill of sale, because it is a expensive item. Thank u again,
D—I can do cash
G—Thank you Deb. Have a nice evening.
D—You too
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13—Messenger
D—I’m getting a moving quote today. What day is your surgery? And do you have a preferred day—any day beginning 2-25 on.
G—Hi Deb, my surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26th. It’s an outpatient surgery, so any day before or after will be fine. Do u have an idea of when you would like to pick it up?
G—If at all possible, do you have any kind of straps that can be used to secure moving parts? If not, then I do have moving/packing tape that we maybe able to use to secure, if you are okay with that? Not sure if it’s a good idea since it’s tape and may do damage to finish? Another suggestion is some kind of bungee rope? Between the two of us we can figure out best way to move the piano for you Deb.
D—I’m quoting with an actual piano moving company so I’m sure they’ll have straps but I’ll make sure they do. I’ve tentatively asked for the quote with moving day 2/25 so will be back in touch.
G—Hi Deb, just a quick FYI, you may want to shop around and definitely let the movers know it’s a digital piano and not an acoustic, as they usually charge a lot more for acoustic pianos. I’d hate to have them quote u an astronomical price for an acoustic piano move when in fact it’s a lot lighter digital. I remember being told this once before. I just know they may try to get u to pay top 💵 when in fact it shouldn’t cost much. I believe I was quoted between
$125-200 for professional movers to move it. I just want you to be able to get a great price.
D—Who did you quote with?
G—To be honest Deb I do not know I wish I could find the information that goes back to when I first bought the piano almost 3 years ago. I would suggest calling around but do tell them that it’s a digital not an acoustic because there is a big price gap between the moving in acoustic which is much more tedious than a digital
D—I’ll do my due diligence!
G—👍
G—Ok great
G—I look forward to hearing back from you.
D—Thanks, again.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16—Messenger
D—OK we’re all set for the morning of 2/25. The movers will be there at 9. I will come as well to give you your cash payment of $.... This company has moved many digital pianos and their quote is about what you thought it should be. See you a week from Tuesday!
G—So happy to hear this Deb. I’m happy to hear that you have received an honest quote.
G—See u on the 25th. Blessings. Have a nice Sunday.
D—BTW, 2 men from Stronger Moving will need to be given the OK to drive in, as will I. Have a great week!
G—Yes of course. Please forward the following to them
And yourself to allow the front gate to let you in. They/you will need the following information....
G—Address …
G—In case they or you need my number …
D—👍
G—Debbie, I will also print out a bill of sale for us, A copy for you and one copy for me for the amount of $... I will include the piano name model serial number and I will include the words sold “As Is” within the language of the bill of sale. Please let me know if this is OK with you and I will proceed to write that out today or during this week thank you again Deb have a great day
D—Sounds good!
G—I will take a picture of the bill of sale to make sure you are comfortable with the language, specifications, etc., so that we can both be in agreement and can sign it on Tuesday. 🎶🎹
D—👍
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25—Messenger
8:12 AM D—Good morning! Recd confirmation from movers. See you in 45 mins or so!
8:50 AM D—I’m a few minutes early, and thought I’d better message again since I hadn’t heard back from you.
9:00 AM D—We’re here!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25—At Gregg’s apartment door, where I meet up with the movers. There is an Amazon package sitting on Gregg’s welcome mat.
Knock knock knock
Knock knock knock
D—That’s weird
Movers—Did you call him yet?
D—Well, I messaged him. I get out my phone and call the number he gave me. It rings and rings and then goes to voicemail. I leave a message.
D—Let’s give him a few minutes. Maybe he overslept.
M—Sure thing. We can just sit in the truck. How long do you want to wait?
D—Ten minutes?
M—Sure
Ten minutes later
Knock knock knock
Knock knock knock
9:15 AM D—Well, I can’t imagine, or rather I don’t want to imagine, what has happened, so let’s go ahead to the house and unload the POD
M—No problem, see you there.
TUESDAY—Messenger
D—OK not sure what’s happened this morning with you. Sure hope you’re OK but regardless of your situation I have now incurred the expense of hiring movers who I will have to pay for the time set aside for the piano move. We might be able to salvage the sale if you’re interested but it’ll have to be at a lower price in order to make up for the cost of today. Again, truly hope you’re OK, but this has put me in a bind.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27—Face-to-Face at daughter and son-in-law’s hotel pool
Ariel—How did you meet this guy you were supposed to buy the piano from?
D—He advertised on Facebook Marketplace.
A—What do you think happened?
D—I think he might be dead.
A—Oh, Mom.
D—No, really. He was completely responsive, was an oversharer, very concerned that I get the right movers. I just have a feeling that the only explanation for him not being there on Tuesday is that he’s dead. Or in the hospital and unable to communicate.
A—Are you friends with him on Facebook?
D—No.
A—Do you know his full name?
D—Yes.
A—Let’s stalk him to see if we can find anything out.
Ariel and I open Facebook, search for his name, find him, and see that his last post was February 18, just two days after our last Messenger texts. The post is a big black box. We scroll back into his timeline and see that he posts just about every day. But after the February 18 post, nothing. Ariel clicks on the list of people who have responded in some way to his post—all sad faces, and, weirdly, he himself has Liked his own post. Also weirdly, one of the people (Liz) who has responded has two friends in common with me. One of them is my niece. Ariel suggests I message this woman, Liz, who was going to care for him after surgery, and say that we have two friends in common and explain why you’re getting in touch with her. I do.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27—Messenger
D—We, weirdly, have a couple friends in common but also have a Gregg M... connection. I was supposed to buy his piano on Tuesday, but he totally ghosted on me and I'm worried that something happened to him. Do you have any information?
Liz—Omg Deb I’m so sorry... we were really trying to figure out how to get in touch with u. Gregg took his life last Tuesday. We are in shock and I’m trying to put the pieces together. Did u pay for the piano in advance?
D—Oh Jesus! I was so afraid this might be the case. I have a sixth sense thing that sometimes people think I’m crazy. No I didn’t pay for anything except the movers. But let’s not worry about that. I’m so sorry for his friends and family. I have gone on to make other piano plans so I’m also sorry if finding a home for it was something people were counting on. I actually think I’m about to cry and I didn’t really even know him. Lots of love to all.
L—That’s very sweet of u... we keep trying to piece things together but it still doesn’t make sense. I’m so sorry u paid for the movers. And I understand the sixth sense all too well. It’s not weird or crazy... Gregg had those senses too. That’s probably why he wanted to sell u the piano. He wouldn’t just sell it to anyone. He loved that piano. I don’t know what else to say besides we are grieving immensely. It’s been troublesome for his family to get his belongings. The apartment complex is giving them a hard time. Again, I’m so sorry about the piano situation. I wish there was a way I could get the piano to u. I’m glad u found another piano though. Thank u for reaching out. I’m so happy we can stop worrying about who bought the piano. I’m also happy to hear u didn’t pay in advance. Thank u for the kind words. Take care Deb 😊
D—💔
Copyright DJ Anderson, 2020
