Timpsons lost an expensive bag...

[AggiePole]

So I had this lovely leather bag , a present from my parents who gifted it knowing I loved it but couldn't justify buying myself (£450). Long story short, it needed a small adjustment (adding poppers as wasn't hanging right).

Took it to timpsons who after 8 months of piss take (taking my contact details over and over and promising to call with updates), they're now saying the bag has been lost and are offering a compensation of £100.

Now, obviously nowhere near its value or what it would cost to replace, not to mention the inconvenience of having chased it up for ages or the sentimental value.

The compensation form states they can 'reasonably' adjust the value of the comp - I politely declined but what do o do if they push back - any advice (please)?

Demand at least £450 (or whatever you feel is fair) or you'll go to to social media. Tweeting is usually the most effective or commenting under Facebook posts.

From a legal perspective, they are clearly liable for the replacement cost. I'm afraid the courts don't award anything for sentimental value or inconvenience. The objective is to put you in the same position as you would have been if they hadn't lost it. In this case, that means they should pay the value of the bag as it was when you handed it over, i.e. taking account of its age and condition.

You should insist that they pay the full amount. If they refuse, you need to send them a letter before action. This is a letter setting out the facts, saying what you want from them and how you've calculated it, giving copies of any documents you will rely on to make your case (receipts, etc.), listing any documents you want from them (if any), giving them a reasonable time to respond and saying you will take legal action without further notice if they fail to respond.

Thanks very much- didn't want to make a move without knowing where I stand legally. These really help