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