Legal and sensible advice required with regard to b*stard salesman at Ideal Home Show

[Rhiannon]

Try not to nod off too soon on this one but the story so far is:

Bought giant umbrella at Ideal Home show on 22.3.02. Had to pay in full up front (£1938) - complete fool I know.

I asked for delivery time and said I wasn't interestd as he said 10 weeks. He suggested we bought his show model, when can it be delivered I said, as soon as the show ends he said. I then added a couple of extras to it and he said it would be ready in 2 weeks. I signed the order form but our delivery date was a verbal one.

Got it so far?!

After a wait of 63 days, I contacted Visa and they refunded my Visa account plus interest and informed the company on 24/5/02 of this.

On 7/6/02 the company calls to arrange delivery of umbrella which I said was cancelled. They sent a follow up letter saying we couldn't cancel as we'd signed their contract and terms (on the unseen reverse of the order form). This allowing for delivery 3 months or more away.

I have spoken to a solicitor colleague of my brother and she suggested I send a nice letter to them telling them what's happened, how unhappy the whole thing has made me etc. I have done this and sent a fax over and check they've received it.

The solicitor reckoned I didn't have a 'leg to stand on due to the contract I'd signed'. I pointed out to her that I thought I'd signed to authorise payment only. She said that didn't matter.

Tonight I've cancelled my Visa card.

I hate this man and his company so much that I'm prepared to follow him round the country at every show there is wearing a t-shirt telling people how he's ripped me off.

There it's off my chest now, ideas, sympathy, support girls. I can't believe I was such a fool policeman's daughter too! Aargh. R

[Tinker]

I'm sure someone here will know the answer, but if all else fails, write to the Observer (the Cash bit)- and tell this firm that you are going to do. I did that to the Halifax when they gave me the runaround for 2 months, and I got a grovelling apology letter and complete refund by return post.

Best of luck.

PS - What kind of umbrella was it????????????

[Rhiannon]

It was a dogs bo**ocks all singing all dancing umbrella on a winding system, 3m square, fire proof, chlorine proof, with lights. This guy was the most fantastic and impressive salesman and I was completely fooled by the git. I was like a lamb to the slaughter.

At least he's sent a fax saying we bought the show umbrella and what use would there be in buying a used product unless there was some purpose in it? R

[Rhiannon]

No I mean he said the bit about it being a show umbrella and my opinion is the last bit, he didn't say it.

I have sent copies of last correspondence to First Direct Visa so they can see what's happening. R

[bloss]

Message withdrawn

[CAM]

ks, I'm very interested to know if you have actually got your money back from the kitchen fitter.I know you won the case but has he paid up yet?

[SoupDragon]

Writing to Watchdog usually puts the fear of god into companies too.

[sis]

Rhiannon, have you also contacted the show organisers and copied it to the company?

Hope you get it sorted out soon as I know how these things can take over your life...

As a personal ps, to anyone considering buying a kitchen from Chaplins (based in Hatch End and adverts in all the homes type magazines), my personal recommendation, based on our experiences is DO NOT Do it, unless you are born with saintlike patience and don't mind having different kitchen fittings to that on the plan and order form!

Sorry, Rhiannon, hope you don't mind the rant

[Rhiannon]

Thanks for your help especially Bloss, my only problem is he didn't write on the order form that he would deliver in 2 weeks, it was just a verbal thing. I would be very grateful if you could find out if I 'have a leg to stand on'.

I have already got the details of the person to complain to at the Ideal Home Show and will also try to find out who organises the Chelsea flower show (unless anyone knows?) as he had a stand there too.

Before I go any further, I want to know what he does after he reads my letter of complaint. So will keep you posted about that and I hope to God bloss that I don't need to email you but will next week if I get no where. Thanks R.

[CAM]

Oh God are we allowed to slag companies off here cos if so, I have some to warn people about. However I'm going to be slightly wary as I have internet stalkers reading my every posting on mumsnet so I don't want to get sued for defamation. I may be feeling more courageous later though. BTW hello to my internet stalkers - find anything interesting to show around lately?

[Rhiannon]

CAM, you've got to enlighten us about this! Borrow someone else's computer (if you definitely think you're being tapped)and tell us about it.

Funnily enough I read about this in this month's She magazine too. This woman met a bloke over the internet she started to date him and then he started to mention things he would have known nothing about and then it turned out he was a nutter to say the least!

[CAM]

rhiannon - you should have come to the London lunch on 18 May - I told most people there all about it (and no doubt bored the off most of them!!)It relates to the people on a thread I started but had to stop posting on for this very reason - it was called Being Bullied By Other Parents. I haven't wanted to resurrect the thread to talk about latest developments as am definitely being stalked by those people - they have actually looked up my name on the search page and found EVERYTHING I have ever written about and printed it off and shown it around. I'm glad that they are so interested in my views on breastfeeding,etc. and want to know where I've been on holiday, etc. I may resurrect and tell more just to wind them up. As I stand by everything I've ever said there can be no defamation if it is the truth and I'm not going to change my webtag. So carry on reading and enjoy and get a life of your own while you're at it. Sorry ks went off the subject there but I've waited a long time, oh all of 4 weeks, to say that.Anyway hope he pays up quickly, please let me know that he does or doesn't and what can be done about it.

[bloss]

Message withdrawn

[pupuce]

I was wondering about you CAM - for that very reason.... If they ahve nothing else to do - sad them !

[bloss]

Message withdrawn

[Rhiannon]

bloss, I'd be grateful if I could have the 'wording' of what I'd need to say about a verbally binding agreement. Thank you for your words of comfort.

Cam, sorry had no idea about your problem. Sounds like they need help. R

[Rhiannon]

CAM was the 'getting a life of my own' aimed at me? I have only ever shown support for you during that bullying thread. I had no idea this had happened since and it was you that mentioned it in a lighthearted manner which is why I picked up on it and asked you to expand.

The 'life of my own' is now going for a swimming lesson and on the school run. R

[Marina]

Rhiannon, I do think Cam was referring to her web spies, not to you. She has had an astonishing amount to put up with from them in recent months - like Pamina, I was at the lunch.

[tigermoth]

Cam, so sorry you are still being bullied. Good on you for fronting it out and not changing your name. I hate underhandedness. Sorry you are a victim of it at present.

Rhiannon, I'm absolutely sure CAM wasn't referring to you.

[jodee]

CAM, so sorry to hear about the ongoing bullying. Well done you for rising above it.

Soupdragon, it's known as 'Watchbitch' in our house on account of the fact that it seems to continually pick on the company dh works for (naming no names!)

[WideWebWitch]

CAM, I read the thread about the bullying: it sounds awful. I really hope these sad people grow up and leave you alone soon. The extent of their obsession is unbelievable. Well done for not giving in or changing your name.