Retailer taken pament for out of stock item.. can they??

DocHants

Recently bought an item showing as In Stock on a website. A couple of hours later, I then get an email stating that the item is actually out of stock, and I may have to wait 2 -3 weeks. I said this was not acceptable and to cancel the order.. I was then told that the money would be refunded within a week...!!!

I was not happy that they have taken the money from me for an item advertised as in stock, when in fact it wasnt...

Surely if I was to walk into a shop, take something and say Ill pay you next week.. I would be done for theft!!!!

Can they do this???

maemaesmummy

OMG Debenhams do this to me nearly every time I order from them... dunno if its legal though!!

Ivory_Tinkler

I think this all depends on how the website operates with regard to their payment processing. Some sites take the money as soon as you order while others get your card authorised but don't actually debit the money until your order is ready to be sent out (much better in my opinion). Have they said that they will process your refund within the week or is it that the funds may take a week to get back to your account? (This isn't the fault of the retailer, it does sometimes take a few days for the refund to clear back into your account).

DocHants

(This isn't the fault of the retailer, it does sometimes take a few days for the refund to clear back into your account).

Always they way.. the take payment in about 10 seconds.. and it takes a week to get it back!!! My money is in limboland again...!!!

I see you point about the website etc.. but as far as im concerned.. if it aint in stock, it should be made clear, and I shouldnt be able to order the item....

The actual email I got from them...

We have received your item for return or exchange and are currently dealing with it as per your instructions.

Refunds will be carried out within 28 days of receipt, exchanges we try to deal with within 5 days of receipt.

Ive not had anything to return or exchange!!!!

Becles

They don't have people constantly checking the stock levels on websites and counting the actual stock so sometimes inventory errors are made.

On sites where the online ordering process is automated, your order can be processed and the card charged before it goes to dispatch where a human realises the item is out of stock.

It's just one of those unfortunate mistakes that do happen.

RobertoMoir

You know what, I realise why you're annoyed, but you just have to deal with the fact that sometimes things just happen.

By all means write a letter of complaint to the business concerned if you feel strongly about this but hysterical caterwauling over every little thing that goes wrong in life really isn't going to help you in the end.

I'm not saying their behaviour is "right" or that I condone it. I'm just wondering if you wouldn't be better served by putting the little things like this behind you and getting on with something important.

Brooker_Dave

RobertoMoir wrote: »

I'm just wondering if you wouldn't be better served by putting the little things like this behind you and getting on with something important.

Where would MSE be without people who can't put the little things behind them?