Deposit and debit cards

GrahamSK8

For our new built house we hunted for new carpets. We found a good deal and arranged for the carpets to be fitted between exchange and completion.

We paid a £500 deposit on a debit card.

Our house sale/purchase was delayed and then fell through, so the move never happened and so the carpet couldn't be fitted - at all times we kept the carpet company updated.

We found that on the original planned fitting date they had taken the full balance of the agreed price off our debit card - we had intended to pay cash once the job was properly completed.

When the sale finally fell through, we called the company, but they have refused to return anything!

So, we are almost £3000 down, with no carpet (and no house!)

So my questions:

Is it legal to take money from a debit card without prior authorisation?

While we have no problem :rolleyes: with losing the deposit, the work was never completed - no labour cost, no underlay etc, and we are very unhappy with losing the balance. They were aware of the situation regarding the new house purchase, so surely we are not liable to pay the full amount?

We'd be happy to hear your thoughts...

Graham

hippey

If the company has done this without any authorisation then yes a chargeback can be raised for any card assuming it is a CNP transaction.

However even if you retrieve the money via your card issuer, you may still be liable to the retailer who could chase you for the money as you have entrered into a legally binding contract which you are liable to complete - as is the retailer, I'm sure they would supply you with the carpet should you ask them to.

sco0ter

When you paid the deposit using the card I take it you signed an agreement. If it states on the agreement that full payment would be taken on the fitting day then there is no problem. You should have a carefull read through ALL things to make sure you didnt agree for them to take the money