Small claims court for £30

[sammie96]

We bought a bunny for £30 from a breeder but returned it the following day because it was ill. The breeder said she was more than happy to do a swap. I said I’d be happier to just return the bunny. The breeder said she’d do a bank transfer. It’s been almost a month now and no refund. First she said there was a problem with the bank and then she said her parents would send me a cheque (a week and a half ago) it’s pretty obvious that she doesn’t want to pay it back. I’ve kept all the texts, know the address but not the name. My husband thinks I should let it go but to me it’s stealing. It was actually part of my son’s birthday money. Should I take it to the small claims court?

Wont it cost more?

Doesn't it cost £35 to put in a small claim?

So, no, not worth it.

Umm. You get the filing feedback from the other side when you win. So yes, it is worth it.

if you win

Judge rinder? I've seen him do £30 claims.

Not really worth it considering the costs involved to bring it to the court, and time, and effort

ON other hand threatening small claim courts may do the trick. That and pointing out the extra costs for her. Bank transfer, cash in letter box, cheque in post , PayPal no really excuse these days.

Letter before action.

I was also going to suggest just threatening small claims court. I personally couldn't be arsed taking it to court. But I can see why you are miffed

I don't think I'd bother with the hassle over such a small amount of money. You have to be certain that you'll win, otherwise you'll be out of pocket. It's £30. Maybe just move on and tell others not to use her.

My only communication has been through text. Should I send one saying I’m considering claiming the money back via small claims or send a registered letter saying that, or something else. I don’t have the name of the person I dealt with but I do have the name of her bunny business she uses to sell through, pretty sure it’s an unofficial name. I’d hope if it went to court I could claim fees. Do you think I stand a good chance of winning?

has she got a facebook page for the business? a dodgy review on there would be something she would want to avoid, I'm sure.

Report her to tax man. Make sure she's paying her tax.

Just for starters anyway.

As you don't even know who you are taking to court (business or person's name) it seems unlikely you would get very far.

You mention her parents, how old is this person? I would go and have a word with them and state that you will be taking the matter further unless you get a refund, possibly contact the RSPCA if they are selling sick animals.

YABU for returning a live animal because it was sick! FGS a bunny is not a faulty watch or ripped jacket. I'd chalk it up to experience and maybe get a rabbit from a reputable shelter next time and be prepared for the responsibility/fact that living beings get sick. Can't actually believe the mentality that would lead to returning an animal you were willing to take into your family like that!

I'd do it! You'll probably win if you've got the texts, and you'd only lose £30 if you don't do it (ok ANOTHER £30). I'd do it for the principle. But, a LBA will probably do the trick.

kity it was clearly already ill, hence why OP wants to return it

Don't think it's clear whether bunny was sick when she took it or became sick, if it was sick when she went to collect it surely she wouldn't have taken it in the first place? So I can only assume they realised once they left or the bunny developed an illness after being taken. Either way, you don't treat living beings like a disappointing faulty product.

It was a very difficult decision to return the bunny. The breeder actually said to take it back to her as she preferred for it to see her vet. She said treatment cost £57 she has never asked me for money towards this. If any of my rabbits needed treatment of course I would pay but it seems unfair to have bought a rabbit that already needed treatment unknown to us. I don’t get the impression the breeder was aware of the issue but if she had of checked it over before selling it, it would of been obvious. I should of checked to but didn’t want to handle it to much to soon.

She has just messaged me this:

Hi. Yes you’ve been very patient I understand that.
My parents won’t let me have money at the moment.
I can’t afford to give out £30 after paying the vet bills. Until the bunny is resold. Which I am desperately trying to do. There is nothing more than I can do.
Sorry I haven’t replied. But with work and my little ones first birthday I haven’t had much time.

Who the fuck did you buy a live animal from? To be honest you have bought a live animal from a backyard breeder which is pretty gross and I’d be surprised if you see that money again as they aren’t exactly full of integrity.

how old is this person?

I would knock on her door and confront her parents. She has literally stolen £30 from you - the rest is just excuses.

At the very least she can make a partial payment?

Sorry for all the replies but I would also try to tell her that you’re considering court where her costs would dramatically increase, and you WILL file by x date. Then she will have ‘time’, just sounds like she’s hoping you’ll go away