Topic: I really need some creative social-engineering help!

[Francois]

I know it doesn't sound like me, but I really need some help!
My local grocery store has closed down their lab about 2 years ago, a story which I've already told here.
Since they closed down, they basically abandoned a full Fuji Frontier system in the room... the old lab manager says the lab has been bought back by Fuji... but somehow, I don't think they would pay for something and not go and pick it up (I start to think he invented bulls***).

But now, the store will be going through extensive renovation and I have the feeling that they are just going to throw it in the dumpster... that should be added to the list of deadly sins!

Anybody know of a way I could go about and get them to dump it in the back of my van instead of simply sending it to the landfill?

Nobody at the store seems to want to touch the subject with a ten foot pole... but I would like to put the setup in my garage really bad (especially the high speed scanner).

All creative solutions will be welcome

Thanks

[astrobeck]

Other than making up some phoney environmental re-sourcing "we're taking the machine off your hands so it won't contaminate the landfill" badge and commandeering it, I'm sorry to say I don't have any ideas.

Grand theft comes to mind, like the Italian Job, or something bizarre like that.....
I'm still thinking because it is a SHAME to know something like that is going to waste.

Have you actually been able to speak to the manager of the store?

[Photo_Utopia]

I have actually bought two Fuji Frontiers. Fuji in our case bought back the minilab when we up-graded, it could be they are on lease hire and Fuji has a contractor to pick up the unit-the one in the UK was Cusak Photo.
http://www.jimcusack.co.uk/

If they bought outright you could be lucky-keep bugging them...

Mark

[johann]

Maybe just keep bothering them. Let them know you're very interested, give your contact info to every manager, employee, etc. So that when the time comes for them to make a decision they think of you to take it off their hands.

[Francois]

I already tried bugging a few people to no avail.
The store manager fits in the "dungeons and dragons" category... she's scary and wears a mullet... even scarier 

I thought of disguising myself as a delivery guy and making a fake Fuji letter... but since I go there more than a few times a week, they all know my face pretty well (red hair does have its drawbacks)...

Any other ideas?

[Photo_Utopia]

Set up a minilab recovery business-we'll dispose of it environmentally–I'll do your letter heading etc.
Send a letter to the shop manager and the area manager, saying how you could dispose of any old photo equipment, film, paper and chemicals.
If they say yes, hire a van get 2-3 mates and take it :-)

Worth a try.

Mark

[jojonas~]

wow~ I'd go with mark's idea. sounds real smart!

[original_ann]

Photo_Utopia may be on to something.  I'm pulling for you Francois!

[jessthespringer]

Photo_Utopia may be on to something.  I'm pulling for you Francois!

Agreed.  Maybe get some of your friends to go in and speak to them, saying as they know your red hair so well 

Really sad when stuff like this gets dumped, what's worse and is totally sickening is all the stupid Health & Safety crap that comes hand in hand with it, more or less meaning it has to go to the dump. 

Good luck!

[Suzi Livingstone]

Offer them a few quid for it?  

Essentially, bribery, but it might work!

[Francois]

OK, I have some news about the lab's demises.
The company sent some movers in the early morning or possibly the night shift to pick up the gear...
Not even the employees have seen it being taken out!

I just hope it will get put to good use 

[Mike (happyforest)]

Francois

Looks as if Mark idea worked and somebody beat you to it.

Mike

[original_ann]

Oh Francois!  Too bad!!!

[Francois]

I guess that if I really want one, I'll have to figure out a way to build it myself....... tough job to do.

[jojonas~]

but not impossible! I read an article this summer from an old photo mag about two swedish dudes that had contructed their own. it turned out so good that they started making more to sell~

also, you might have seen this already.. but I find it inspiring to look at http://www.photobooth.net/mt/archives/2010/06/10/inner_workings_of_a_vintage_photobooth.php

[Francois]

Yep, I found this a while ago and saved the video. Somehow, I tend to find the mechanical sounds somewhat appealing and relaxing

[jojonas~]

yeah, I could totally play that while going to sleep. would work much better than "the sound of the sea" or something like that haha