what an idiot!

[Sue]

ever done anything stupid?
I seem to have a fuddled mind since we bought the motorhome ( and we havent even got it yet)
Latest booby - the mh needs an alarm, I contacted a company fairly nearby and agreed a date ( 4 weeks away) and paid a deposit.
Next thing dealer tells me they will fit the alarm.
I tried to cancel the original appointment- 1 month in advance, and just 4 days after paying the deposit....no goods bought, just a date set.

No go. cant have the deposit back, even though the guy told me he was extremely busy and I needed to book well in advance.
So he will fill the slot and hasn't lost any money. Wont return it as he says we have a legally binding contract. So much for customer service.

 

[Bill_OR]

The guy is probably within his rights to keep the deposit (depending on the contract you signed) but how about naming and shaming him! You can then show him the adverse publicity he is getting and suggest that you can place similar posts on other vehicle forums... perhaps he'll change his mind?

If you didn't sign a contract and he didn't tell you that the deposit was non-refundable then get in touch with the CAB who run the Trading Standards helpline service on 03454 04 05 06

 

[Sue]

The guy is probably within his rights to keep the deposit (depending on the contract you signed) but how about naming and shaming him! You can then show him the adverse publicity he is getting and suggest that you can place similar posts on other vehicle forums... perhaps he'll change his mind?

If you didn't sign a contract and he didn't tell you that the deposit was non-refundable then get in touch with the CAB who run the Trading Standards helpline service on 03454 04 05 06

he does have terms and conditions on his web site that says a deposit may be asked for (course i didn't read these till after the event! idiot!). I am thinking about the naming and shaming! Not good practice, but I was stupid for agreeing to the deposit and i didnt ask if it was non refundable. Just shocked that he should act this way its cost him nothing in terms of time or money and he gains rather than loses in this...just awful!

 

[DavidG58]

I would not resort to threats of shaming, but presuming the dealer is now fitting the alarm for free you are quids in

If he is not then stick with the original deal for the alarm

 

[Bill_OR]

Sue - give the CAB a call before you do anything. It's better to know exactly what your rights are before you take any action.

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[jollyrodger]

I do believe a deposit is a promise to buy and even a verble agreement is binding in law ,or was.
Unfortunate that it is 10% comes to mind?
Perhaps the legal eagles can clarify.

 

[Sue]

I would not resort to threats of shaming, but presuming the dealer is now fitting the alarm for free you are quids in

If he is not then stick with the original deal for the alarm

he isn't fitting for free, but giving a good deal and great service.

 

[MikeD]

Name and shame

 

[Sue]

I do believe a deposit is a promise to buy and even a verble agreement is binding in law ,or was.
Unfortunate that it is 10% comes to mind?
Perhaps the legal eagles can clarify.

looks like i have learned hard lesson but in terms of fairness and service..isnt he pretty gross!

 

[jollyrodger]

Yep given the circumstances ,a genuine mistake so perhaps a name so that others don't do likewise ?

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[DBK]

If the sum of money makes it worth the hassle you could try the small claims route. https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/overview
If you tried to cancel after just 4 days he may have a problem trying to prove he is out of pocket, ie that he would have made a loss had he refunded your deposit.

However, there will be a fee to pay and there is no guarantee you will win.

The link above also covers mediation, which might be a better alternative.

 

[DavidG58]

looks like i have learned hard lesson but in terms of fairness and service..isnt he pretty gross!

He is pretty poor on all fronts, he has lost any hope of your business or anybody else you get the chance to divert

But in the whole scheme of MH ownership / running costs it is nothing, smile, take a deep breath and move on

Think nice thoughts about your new MH

 

[Gizmouk]

If you paid the deposit with a credit card, then get them involved. Not much more entertaining than watching a shite trader take Mr Visa/Mastercard on in a bare knuckle fight

 

[34127]

Did you telephone the company to arrange the fitting of the alarm or actually visit the place. If by telephone you should be covered by the Consumer contracts regulations.

 

[Sue]

The guy has a mh himself, so may be on here...so hesitating to name and shame( I cant see him, and its not one of the members used by so many!)
just know having had a business that its all about giving good service and this is the pits.

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[jollyrodger]

One who hesitates is lost

 

[Judge Mental]

Quite reasonable to name and shame someone with that attitude, just because you made a mistake......The aim of furums is surely to protect each other and spread the word regards hard faced company's like this....

 

[Sue]

Quite reasonable to name and shame someone with that attitude, just because you made a mistake......The aim of furums is surely to protect each other and spread the word regards hard faced company's like this....

i know
just need to think this through....

 

[Carol]

Quite reasonable to name and shame someone with that attitude, just because you made a mistake......The aim of furums is surely to protect each other and spread the word regards hard faced company's like this....

While like Sue I would be annoyed that I had paid a deposit and lost it, I have to ask my self what is the point of paying a deposit in the first place if you want it back if you for what ever reason don't need the service.

The guy is in business and took a deposit , surly this is not a hanging offence.

 

[bernardfeay]

Of course I don't know the full story but I can sympathise with the dealer if he has to order and pay for specific parts that ultimately sit on his shelf. Not all customers behave in an honourable manner and sometimes a deposit offsets the wasted time.

If the contract says the deposit is non refundable then you have to live with it.

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[Sue]

While like Sue I would be annoyed that I had paid a deposit and lost it, I have to ask my self what is the point of paying a deposit in the first place if you want it back if you for what ever reason don't need the service.

The guy is in business and took a deposit , surly this is not a hanging offence.

the deposit was to secure a date . the date was 4 weeks away, and being stupid , i thought best to make sure. If he had locked in the date and made a loss, i would say fair enough, but i he told me he is very busy(felt pressured to secure the date as a result) so i know he will fill the slot and has not lost out.

 

[Puddleduck]

Perhaps he could fit "your" alarm to another member's MH?

Just a possible solution.

 

[Tootles]

I always thought you, (as the buyer), had 14 days in which to cancel your purchase, and receive a full refund??

 

[Sue]

Perhaps he could fit "your" alarm to another member's MH?

Just a possible solution.

good lateral thinking.
anyone interested?

 

[rangi]

If your dealer has said he'll fit an alarm, and the fella you gave the deposit to has also said he'll fit an alarm, perhaps, maybe! let the deposit fella fit the alarm, and get a deal, for another accessory to be fitted instead of the dealers alarm, by the dealer

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[Puddleduck]

If your dealer has said he'll fit an alarm, and the fella you gave the deposit to has also said he'll fit an alarm, perhaps, maybe! let the deposit fella fit the alarm, and get a deal, for another accessory to be fitted instead of the dealers alarm, by the dealer

Another great idea. you might get a solar panel fitted instead

 

[Tootles]

good lateral thinking.
anyone interested?

£1.50 OK then??

 

[Sue]

I always thought you, (as the buyer), had 14 days in which to cancel your purchase, and receive a full refund??

will check this out, have contacted credit card company and will probably go to small claims court

 

[Sue]

£1.50 OK then??

 

[houdini]

I think Tootles is right, just found if you make a 'distance purchase' there is a cooling off period, so think this would be applicable in your case for a refund. Have a Google.

If you paid by credit card, won't you be covered anyway?

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