How do I feel about this?

[Swamp Dog]

I encountered a strange situation today. A little background is needed by way of explanation.

My business is based out of a warehouse in a business park. It is a stones throw from Meadowbrook, a pretty cool outdoor concert venue. The space I am renting was previously occupied by a radio station until they were bought out by one of the big conglomerates.

It's actually a pretty cool space, about 1800 sq ft, 1400 of which is mine. The business next door rents part of the space as well, the big offices up front that I don't need. That helps keep the rent down for me as well. The radio peeps still rent the garage in the back of the warehouse, which I don't need either. Again, helps keep my rent low.

There is absolutely nothing worth storing in that garage except for a Weber grill, which they use when they are there for corporate sponsored shows, such as last night's and tonight's concert. Everything else is outdated radio equipment.

Ok, enough background info.

Today I go in to the warehouse and there are hotdogs, ketchup, mustard, relish and a case of water in my fridge.

I'm not sure if I feel violated or if I could care less. Part of me says WTF? You could have called and asked (my phone # is all over the place) and I probably would have said yes, but it's pretty presumptuous to just go ahead and think it's ok.

Or is it ok?

FWIW all I had in there was a bag of ground coffee and a gallon of water, not that that matters. I was even thinking of shutting it off because it's not worth running for that. But sometimes I get groceries on my way in.

so tell me what I think about this!

 

[Solincia]

A couple of questions....

Is the space where the fridge is open to everyone? Can anyone access this? or is it in your portion only?

Do the others have access to your office, and do you have access to theirs? or is this a common space?

I guess how I would feel about it would be based on these things...

 

[Swamp Dog]

A couple of questions....

Is the space where the fridge is open to everyone? Can anyone access this? or is it in your portion only?

Do the others have access to your office, and do you have access to theirs? or is this a common space?

I guess how I would feel about it would be based on these things...

good questions for me to clarify. It is NOT a common space. Everyone has access right now though, which will change soon. They are installing a door to close off the front offices (I will actually miss seeing some of those guys during the day).

But the radio people have a key to my back door because it is the only way into their garage. The garage has a big overhead door that can't be opened from the outside if it is locked. Still, it is not a common area and it is not a common fridge. At least I didn't think it was when I put it there!

 

[Robyn]

I think what I would do is give them until Monday as they may be waiting to contact you until Monday thinking you don't work on the weekends. They may very well say "Sorry, we got caught off guard and had nowhere to put the stuff, we'll get it out today" which would open a line of communication for you. If they do not I'd call them and say something like "While there may be times that I don't mind you using the fridge for an event I would appreciate you asking me first and promptly removing anything within X number of days."

 

[Jilly]

I kinda agree with Robyn. That said, is there any way to move the fridge into your specific area. Or padlock the fridge like college days. You want/need to keep the peace with the radio guys! If you brought in the fridge then they really don't have a right to it. But if its there, I do think that they will use it!

 

[Swamp Dog]

well, the fridge is in my specific area, which has been empty for over a year until I moved in. It's pretty obvious that it is mine, I have my logo magnets all over it and it is with my stuff. I have a table next to it with a coffee pot, mugs, paper goods and utensils. Against the other wall is all my rentals items, cribs, strollers, etc. So they had to go thru my entire area to get to the fridge.

My son says I should tell them I am a kosher vegetarian and let them think about that for a while LOL

But sadly I'm not as patient as you ladies. I had to go over there tonight to take care of some things. The water is gone and the hotdogs are now in the freezer. And the entire thing stinks.

So I left a note: "This is not a community fridge. I would have been happy to share had you asked first. My name and number are all over the place and you should have called. Please remove your food from my fridge." signed, name and phone number.

I just don't want to be labeled as the tenant who's hard to get along with. I'm really not. I would never dream of doing something like that without asking first. Just a little consideration for others and their belongings is what I ask for. What's next? They decide one of their kids needs a high chair to eat a hotdog in?

I see it's lose-lose for me, I've been in similar situations before.

thanks for the input.

 

[LilaBear]

Me, I'd address it up front while it can be done politely - before it's become such an issue that any response is too passionate and devoid of respect on both sides.

First to remember - this is a business issue, not a personal one. You do need to establish boundaries, or as you say at what point do they believe they can use your other business items, or you end up with a freezer full of their stuff and unable to use it for yourself. Approach it as any other business issue - let them know that this fridge is for the use of "business name".

It could have been a guest or infrequent visitor who took advantage and didn't know any better, just think of this as a way of notifying them of the changes to the set-up - i.e. this is now your business space. If they really need to have a fridge/freezer and not just bring supplies as and when needed, it seems like there is enough room in the garage and no reason why they wouldn't supply their own - so you have no need to feel you're being hard on them.

You are going to have to be polite but firm with many of your other paying clients, use this as practice!!!

 

[Solincia]

Then yes, what you followed through with was a good idea.

As someone who knows what it's like having multiple people use a fridge at work, if things aren't kept under control, it becomes a mess!!

And I agree, it's not a personal issue, it's a work issue. It's in your office, therefore it's your fridge. Consideration is key here. They need to respect your boundaries considering they have to walk through your offices to get to theirs.

 

[Swamp Dog]

don't even get me started on everyone using my bathroom and leaving the seat up! If they would just put the seat down I'd never even know LOL

I'm real close to putting a lock on it.

 

[Kiragirl]

I say "fire up the grill" and get cookin!

 

[Pequenita]

I get prickly when people are in my space without permission. I don't think it matters whether this was a business issue or not because I would have reacted the same either way. Either way, it's your stuff, and you're paying for the electricity, space, etc.

Given that they didn't have prior permission, the only thing that could have made me not prickly is if someone had posted a note on the fridge (since there were magnets and stuff) to the effect of "Hey - I hope you don't mind us storing some stuff here just over the weekend; we couldn't get it all in the car and we'll get it out on Monday and clean up any spills. Signed, Squatter (with contact info)." At least that would have reflected that they knew it wasn't communal, that it was temporary, and that they were aware of imposing upon you. But seriously, half of the stuff they put in the fridge doesn't need to be refrigerated. A case of water? Ketchup? Mustard?

I would have reacted similarly with a note of some sort.

 

[liquidfeet]

New Hampshire, YESSS!!!
Just noticed your location.
So here's an off-topic question:

Where will you be skiing this winter?
I ski NH, every weekend during the season...
Attitash and Wildcat, plus other locations
if my club is racing there.
Perhps we can get together....???

 

[Swamp Dog]

New Hampshire, YESSS!!!
Just noticed your location.
So here's an off-topic question:

Where will you be skiing this winter?
I ski NH, every weekend during the season...
Attitash and Wildcat, plus other locations
if my club is racing there.
Perhps we can get together....???

I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you on this, I just noticed there were new posts on the thread.

We will definitely get together this winter! I'm closest to Gunstock but it's on the bottom of my list for places to ski. It will be better than nothing, and I hope to work there a bit, but if I'm going to go all day, it will be further north. Love Wildcat!

Oh, and for the record, I waited a week and threw out the stuff in the fridge. Never heard from anyone about it, either before or after. Still need to talk to the landlord about it as well and will when I bring the check over on the 1st.