Issues with training company deposit

sparklegrrrl

At the beginning of last year I was looking for a change in career and researched a few training companies - the sort of places that offer week long courses in particular subjects at their training centre. I found one and hadn't read any nasty reviews about them anywhere, so trusted them.

I sent off a £150 deposit for one of their training packages. Literally a few days after quite a few things happened in my life that basically distracted me from following through with this training company. I also never received any correspondence from them, but the cheque had been cashed.

When things settled down in my life around 18 months later - or a few weeks ago, I sent them a polite email saying that I had sent in a deposit last year and that I hadn't heard anything from them and could I a) continue on the course or b) transfer the money they had to another course.

They replied a week later saying that a letter was sent out last year saying people who sent in deposits had to speak to them within 12 months to book their place or forfeit their deposit. This letter was never received and the 12 months had passed according to them. I replied saying that it wasn't received and they then said that the original letter I should have received (after sending in the deposit) said I had to book a training date within 6 months. So the same person conflicted themselves with regards to the time-frame in booking a date.

I've asked them to reconsider reinstating the deposit due to my personal circumstances over the past 18 months. They refused and said I could send in a new deposit to start the course. I pointed out that I never heard about this rule of contacting them within a certain time-frame. I then asked for my deposit to be refunded. They refused again.

They're standing a firm ground, but I'm quite sure what they're doing isn't right. They say a contract was formed that there was a six-month "redemption period" of the deposit. But in the correspondence asking me to send in the deposit there is no mention of this. I haven't signed any contract, nor are there any terms and conditions. And I haven't received anything from this company. As I see it, I have paid them for a service and they have renegade on this service.

Has anyone experience on this or have an idea where I stand?

Thank you

hollydays

this rings a bell,can you name the company?

sparklegrrrl

I don't mean to be coy, but I don't want to name and shame just yet. I know it's only a small amount, but I might try to push this matter through the courts and don't want to say the wrong thing or give them ammunition. I know, I know I'm paranoid!

hollydays

do you want to pm me-or search the boards for their name.

hollydays

it wasn't train4 trade skills was it? just remembered.

sparklegrrrl

No it wasn't them. I've searched this company's name all over the net and here and not seen any bad reviews at all.

omen666

It does help if they have been named as then others who may bhave been in the same osition can help. If the company is legit and fine, you can always remove your post

hollydays

Do you have the original advertising material,or was it a website,either it has to be stated in the terms and conditions,they can't just make it up as they go along.They can't prove they sent the letter,you could ask why they didn't send it recorded delivery.

sparklegrrrl

Thanks I'll certainly ask that question. I'm thinking the company appears legit. No negative reviews anywhere. It seems like a totally relaxed company, but they're so relaxed they don't have any published terms and conditions either on their website or introductory email asking for deposit. That should have really sent alarm bells ringing in the first place!

Although that shouldn't be my fault, leading me to lose my deposit.

To give a little more perspective on the company; it is a professional company in that they run a few courses based around their day-to-day business. And the training element seems to be something on the side. For example the business is like a shop that sells home-made furniture to the public that provides courses on how to make furniture. Hopefully that makes sense!

Sorry for being so vague....

PasturesNew

If you type their name in bits, with spaces between the name it won't be picked up by them in search engines. Just mix the name up a bit somehow. As every company will be different there will be different advice and options so it's best if it's advice for that particular company.

hollydays

For a contract to be formed,you have to be made aware of what you are agreeing to,in order to accept it.surely..contract terms have to be implied or stated,i think.