How long do shops have to take your money?

[Jackstini]

I had my kitchen done last year and to save money sourced products from many different places.
Anyway, I have had a call today from a company that sent me a tumble dryer and splashback in September 2006. They say they have recently discovered that the payment didn't go through and they need to debit me again.
I have checked back and they are right, but I really don't have 500 quid spare at the moment!
Anyone have any idea where I stand? HELP!

if you owe them the money, then they have the right to request you pay it to them.

I would talk to them and see if they will let you pay in instulments. Fact is though you will have to pay them because you have had the goods.

I think they will let me pay with some postdated cheques but not sure how long over - I have asked them to put it in writing.
Just difficult at the moment - PIL just split up. Won't live together and can't afford 2 properties so have MIL living with us until her house is ready and we have bought another house for FIL who pays rent that doesn't cover the mortgage!

I thought it has to eb 2 or 3 months

recall this from someone who was asked to pay centre parcs for a meal that didnt go through months ago and im sure it was after 3 months they cant ask you for it.

Over a year later seems too long IMO, and i wouldnt expect that they can make you pay it

from what i can recall by giving your card detials to a company you are giving them authority to remove the agreed funds which they normally do in a timely manner however on occasions there can be delays (the bank i work for received notification that h&m had not placed their debit card payments to the accounts for oct nov and dec and they were to debit in May!) banks also cannot stop a payment once you have given authority and so would feel that they can take the money however in view of the length of time as their error they should allow you to repay in installments - probably worthwhile contacting cab for further advice!

Thanks all - will ring CAB tomorrow

how did u get on?

would love to know what they said

I would call my bank and ask them

Was out in London all day plus bad traffic so never called CAB today - will let you know what they say tomorrow!

Well I have spoken to the Consumer Association and it is still within the statute of limitation (which is 6 years apparantly) so legally they can just take it all as long as they give me 7 days notice.
They don't have to offer to let me pay in installments either but they have offered to take a post dated cheque for January.
Still and they have put me in this position just before Christmas! Grr

They're right, card payments can be applied for within statute limits and they dont have to offer instalment terms etc.

Did you not notice at the time the £500 hadnt been taken? Most people would notice a payment for that amount hadnt gone through.

happymumofone...

im sure you are right that most of us would notice that it hadnt gone through....

BUT how many of us are likely to call them and tell them?

I honestly didn't notice. We were doing the whole kitchen and to get things as cheap as poss I used over 20 different suppliers for various things. The total was over 20k and we had about 3-4k go in and out of our bank every month so I just missed it.
It is just timing really. We could afford it then but situation very different now we are having to support PIL!