Oil Delivered In Error - What To Do Now?

Jakg

The GF's parents neighbours were meant to get some Oil, but the company delivered to the wrong house - half way through they realised, left a bill and then went to the right house and then gave them the right amount.


Obviously theres no way they can enforce the Bill (they never entered a contract for the goods), but they've said either let us take it back (who says they'll take the right amount ) or buy it.

They're standard rate is 48.5ppl, they are offering 40ppl. The GF's Mum will try haggling it down a bit - but I wondered what they should do.

Surely they can't just "take it back" (which is tantamount to stealing)?

The CAB said that basically they would have to pay or let them take it out...

Any advice?

nesssie1702

Hmm, a tricky one. How much oil is involved and will it save the GF's parents from getting a delivery (or are they on a prepayment scheme?) If I could get oil just now for 40ppl, I'd be biting someone's hand off!!

It's maybe worth running it by one of the Consumer Direct advisors - give them a phone on 08454 04 05 06. They give clear practical advice

Jakg

They've already rung the CAB - they said either let them have it back or pay for it.

There is about 750-800 litres of Oil, they do need the Oil for the winter and at least this way they get it cheap (40p versus 48.5p normal price), but at the same time they obviously want the best deal possible, and so they want to know what the standing is

Skintmama

Check the price with their regular supplier and www.boilerjuice.com and you will see if it is a good deal or not. If it is , then take it and be thankful for the mistake!
If they cannot afford to pay for it all in one go they might be able to negotiate spreading payments........still cheaper for the oil company than sending out a tanker plus driver to collect it.
Personally, I would be thrilled if my tank had been filled at 40p/pl.

I thought that the oil belonged to the oil company until the customer has paid for it.

nesssie1702

CAB advisors don't have the same training as Consumer Direct Advisors (CD gives the first line advice in the UK for Trading Standards now). DH works for CD and he's amazed at the number of times that folk come on saying that they were told X or Y by CAB and the advice that they've been given isn't correct.

Might not be the case here, but a second opinion won't harm?

itsnever2lateisit?

40p is a damn good price, and I cant see it getting down to that level this year. If you can afford it, pay them, if not say ' I haven't got that sort of money right now.....' see if they will let you spread payments
HTH

Hatster

40p is a little over 20% off what seems to be the standard today (51p). I'd agree with the others that they should agree to buy it but ask to spread the payments.

moonrakerz

A gallon in the tank is worth more than two in the tanker - or something !

Negotiate very hard - the bottom line is that they will have to come and remove the oil from the tank. That will cost them.
They almost certainly will not have a pump to get oil out of a tank, they will have to get someone to do it. That will cost them.
Insist that they prove exactly how much oil was delivered, then they have to prove that they remove the same amount. Of course you will insist that this is done through an "officially certified" meter - just like the one they deliver through. They will have difficulty in getting one of these. That will cost them.
Insist that they can only collect it when you are present - on a Saturday of course !. Overtime ! That will cost them.
If they muck you around, give them a bill for the storage of their oil in your tank. That will cost them.


To a great extent you have them over a barrel (pun intended !) If they were to add up all the potential costs involved it will be cheaper for them to write the oil off.

You are in the same position as you would be with a "stray" football in your garden. You can refuse access to the owner to recover it, but you must not touch it or do anything with it.They would be guilty of trespass if they attempt to recover it.

Good luck !

Lynt_3

What a great mistake!.:D

I'm having some delivered today (49ppl - has today gone up to 51p). I would be very chuffed if I was asked to pay 40p.

Good luck with trying to get it even cheaper.

Do let us know.

Jakg

Gah they caved in and bought it for just under 40ppl (they got it for about £15 less than 40ppl overall).