Need some help

[QBee]

I think i may have just made a big old mistake.

I needed a new engine for my car, so went to one of the websites where it emails all the breakers that deliver nationally and they ring you with prices. I had several calls and decided to go with one company down in Gloucestershire. They took the payment over the phone, and said they would call m e the next day with details of delivery. This was a thursday that i rang them, and so friday came, and no phone call. I left it till the end of the day and rang them again. They said that he hadnt been able to get hold of the courier to get a time, but it would definitely be here on the monday. So monday came, and i rang them in the morning to see what time it would be (after them telling me the courier would ring me) and they said that they werent sure, but the courier had my number and would ring me as soon as he was close.

Alas, nothing came.

I rang them the next day to ask them what was going on, and he said their courier had messed them about and they were going up that day to get the engine back, and then they would be bringing it up to me themselves. After several more promises of calls, i got hold of them and they assured me that it would be there the following day.

I rang first thing to arrange a time, being that i work full time, and my dad was going to wait around as he had a day off, to take the delivery. They said the driver was on his way and would again ring me when he was near by. So after another day of ringing them and asking them to give me the delivery driver's number and them saying they didnt have it, etc etc, it got to the evening, and nothing.

I got a call from them first thing this morning and the guy said the owner was coming in at 11 and they would ring me immediately. After 11 they still hadnt called so my Dad called them and they said that the manager had been called out again, and they would call me in an hour. Nothing. So i left it till about 3.30 and I was told he would be back at the end of the day. So i left it till 5.15, and rang again. Told that he would be back at 5.30...Nothing...Waited until 5.45, rang him again,was told that he was in the work shop and he would be 2 minutes. Gave them 20, and now there is no answer in the office and they've probably gone home.

My mum paid for it on her card, and we've checked and the money was taken the day after i ordedered it.

Ive also checked them out on the internet, and they seem legitimate. Ive also rung a company on the same trading estate to make sure they do actually exsist, and they do.

I just dont know what to do now. I dont know if i can go to the police about it, as i willingly gave them the money, so i think possibly Trading Standards is my only option, but that doesnt really solve much.

Its meant that ive messed around my mechanic, who had booked out this weekend to do it for me, and so therefore losing money himself, and it also means i have no car for ANOTHER week, so have to rely on friends, family and public transport to sort me out.

I dont really know where i stand with this...can anyone shed any light for me? Should i go to the police?

Thanks:(

[QBee]

Sorry for the most long winded post ever....

[Bambi]

I would definatly get in touch with trading standards as they can help, but sometimes it takes a little time. Tell trading standards what has happened and see what they recommend. You could also ring the company again and tell the that you have been in touch with trading standards, (sometimes thats all it takes to get things sorted).
You could check things out with the police you never know they might be able to help.
Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Bambi]

Does the card your mother used have a protection on it as that might help you recoup you money, but not sure.

[Turboderv]

I'm having a similar thing going now about a uPVC door, too long a story to post right now !


Anyway, Trading Standards where no use to me at all unfortunately so I am claiming my money back through my credit card company, they refer to it as "Goods Not Received".

Give the card company a call and see what they say.

Good Luck !

[XDC]

It's not a police matter I'm afraid. You'd need to show that this firm acted dishonestly in that they took your money but never intended to deliver the goods in the first place, in which case there would be a case of fraud - Criminal Deception being most likely. What you have at the moment is what's starting to look like a bad business tranaction in that you've parted with the money on what is known as a 'Promise to the future' i.e. that they will in return deliver the goods to you. Many thousands of deals are done every day on this basis, and whilst buyers obviously expect to receive their goods in reasonable time, that's often not the case as we all know - sometimes it's down to just sloppy business practice, and no doubt sometimes there will be acceptable reasons for the delay due to genuine problems from the vendors point of view.

On that basis I can understand why Trading Standards wont get involved as it's only been a week. Sorry I can't be more help, and I do understand the urgency with something like a replacement engine, but I think your best course of action is recovering your money via the credit card company.

[Turboderv]

XDC, whilst i'm in fear of hi-jacking the thread slightly, I would like to ask you a quick question:


As part of my grievance with a door manufacturer, I agreed a price, they over charged me by £100 and for two months I have been trying to get the £100 back. I have a receipted invoice stating the agreed price. I have had about 3 or 4 promises of the £100 being refunded but it hasn't happened. How long should I give them before I report it as possible credit card fraud ?

Sorry QBee don't mean to hijack :)

[XDC]

XDC, whilst i'm in fear of hi-jacking the thread slightly, I would like to ask you a quick question:


As part of my grievance with a door manufacturer, I agreed a price, they over charged me by £100 and for two months I have been trying to get the £100 back. I have a receipted invoice stating the agreed price. I have had about 3 or 4 promises of the £100 being refunded but it hasn't happened. How long should I give them before I report it as possible credit card fraud ?

Sorry QBee don't mean to hijack :)

Well you're pretty much in the same position as Qbee, in that what you have is an unsatisfactory business transaction. The only questionable element here is the fact that they've over-charged you, so that £100 was effectively taken without your permission. HOWEVER.. it's not difficult to see how a £100 over-charge could be a simple one key stroke entry on a keyboard, and mistakes do happen. The fact that they've admitted over-charging you, shows it's not in dispute anyway.

The police aren't going to look at this either. I'm sorry if that sounds unhelpful, but the reality is that the police need a situation where the circumstances under which you part with your money amount to theft or fraud, and that really isn't the case here.

The credit card company should help to get your money back. The other option is a solicitor's letter, but that costs money and it's a fairly modest sum you're chasing, If all else fails the Small Claims Court is probably your best way to proceed. In the meantime I'd keep writing and phoning this firm until they're sick of hearing from you. ;)

[18wheeler]

QBee,i'd def consider trading standards,no harm in talking too them too find out how you stand,then get straight onto said company and explain too them you've spoke too trading standards,you could always elaborate a little bit;) ,sounds like the engine company have with you:( . i'm guessing the engine they quoted you for,was at another companythey probably deal with,and for whatever reason,its probably been sold too someone else,so now your engine company are desperately stalling for time whilst they locate another engine for you??? just guessing on my part,it might also be worth your while keeping a record of dates and times of phone calls and persons spoke too,i did this a couple of years ago when my bank,(big black horse,cough,cough) said i owed them money,after "8 months":eek: :eek: :eek: ,of serious hassle,i wrote too the chairman of said bank,at their london hq,in the letter i quoted,trading standards,banking ombudsman, and every,time date and person spoke too,i also gave them a list of phone calls i'd made and letters i'd wrote,which at their charges too me,would have amounted too £600 :eek: :eek: ,within 2 days,the chairman had wrote too me,and within a week,his p.a. had resolved the whole saga,and i recieved a cheque for£800 compensation:D :D :D . sorry that was long winded QBee,but just wanted too show,occaisonally you can beat the people who think they can mess you around,good luck:tup:

[Turboderv]

Thanks XDC :)

[LB]

ring them up ask for the consigment number and which delivery firm it is and ring them direct to arrange delivery, if they can't provide then you know they're up to something. and Turbo if you have a confirmed invoice agreeing the price then contact your credit card company straight away!

[Mice_Elf]

Would the ombudsman be of any use in this situation? Certainly a letter, sent to the managing director, marked "Without Prejudice" might get some results.'

[Meridian]

I'm a little confused by one thing: how much time has elapsed since you originally ordered? I can only account for about two days in that message, so it strikes me as way too early to call the cavalry out even if they promised "next day delivery". If it has been a couple of weeks then yes, CAB etc, but otherwise just keep in contact and keep trying to arrange delivery. Be polite rather than threatening, but be firm. But it is entirely possible that they are telling the truth, and things have conspired against them.


M

[QBee]

Thanks everyone

Meridian, it will be 2 weeks ago this wednesday that they actually took the money (assuming that question was directed at me)

I have spoken to them and they have promised me they are bringing it themselves this wednesday. I said as they couldnt provide me with a tracking number, i would be calling them tomorrow and i want the driver's name and telephone number so i can communicate directly with him to keep track of it.
Seems reasonable.

As for sorting it out with the card company, typically we paid with a switch card, which i dont think protects you against things like this.

Have to just hopeit arrives on wednesday....Watch this space...i'll keep you updated.

Thanks again though, the advise is really helpful. :)

[XDC]

Glad you seem to be getting it sorted. :) Do keep us posted!

[18wheeler]

perhaps its being delivered by 18 wheeler express:D

[QBee]

An Update!

IT ARRIVED!!!

After much foot stamping and tantrum throwing they turned up 2 weeks late with it, but it arrived nevertheless!!!

Thanks again for your advise tho everyone, gave me a lot of ideas should it of turned out for the worst.

:D:D:D

[Hoon Devil]

:woot: Pleased to hear it QBee

[Bambi]

Glad it worked out for you :D

[18wheeler]

touch:D

[wazza]

Cool