can I get my deposit back, or, what should I do

[corrideo]

I ordered some furniture back in Nov and paid a �200 deposit, delivery stated to be 6-8 weeks. Still waiting and after numbers of alternative promised dates, I have discovered the retailer may be in trouble. They have given me another date for end Feb but I want out, can I get my money back and what should I do next?

[Ethel]

In the first instance telephone and tell them you wish to cancel as they have failed to meet the delivery dates and you are not prepared to wait any longer.

Follow that up in writing.

[corrideo]

thanks Ethel. I have drafted a letter to send, but I am worried if I cancel, they may have the right to keep the deposit?

[annie0000]

I think that they have already broken the terms of the agreement by failing to deliver at the agreed time. Did you pay by credit card? If so, you can go to the credit card company and get your money back even if the shop are not being reasonable. My Auntie did this when she ordered a suite and they did not deliver by the agreed date.

[corrideo]

thanks Annie, I think/hope you are right. Interesting about your relative's experience. I did pay by credit card though the credit card company were less than helpful when I rang them - nobody available to advise me. :-(

[Oneeyedvic]

Phone up the credit company and tell them that you want to make a claim under section 75 (of the Consumer Credit Act).

They will put you through to a different dept.

Tell them that you the furniture company have broken the contract and that you wish to have your money credited back to your account.

[corrideo]

Cheers that sounds very positive...

[Lindylou]

Good Luck! We paid just under �1,000 for a settee and three days later the company - UNO - went bust. They MUST have known it was about to happen and yet they still accepted (and cashed) our cheque. As we were customers we were considered 'unsecured' creditors. The Banks/Inland Revenue and the Administrator all got their fees. The customers who'd ordered and paid for their furniture but were awaiting delivery got absolutely nothing. Insist on having your money back, if necessary visit the Head Office and speak to the Managing Director personally. They'll probably give you your money back just to make you go away. Good Luck!

[corrideo]

Sorry to hear of your trouble Lindy, there seems to be a lot of it about. Agreed you need to make yourself unpopular to get anywhere these days. And it pays to use a credit card, too, I have discovered. :-)