Cancellation of kitchen - deposit question

robp

Hi All,

My father in law has just ordered a kitchen from Betta Living, but now feels that he was under pressure to sign up after the salesman stayed for 5 hours.

He has signed a 96 week finance deal and paid around £800 deposit.

If he pulls out now, is he likely to loose the deposit or would this be refundable as the ticket was signed on Saturday and he is due to cancel on the following Monday (tomorrow)?

We've read some bad reviews of Betta Living (specifically their fitters), but I'm gobsmacked that the salesman told him he can pay off the full amount in 6 months if he wishes. What the guy failed to make clear is that it would also cost >£800 per £1000 borrowed for that privalige. They'll get the interest one way or the other!

We're going to speak with Citizens Advice tomorrow for him as a precation but I wondered if anyone here could advise.

Thanks for your help,

Rob

PasturesNew

When was it? Unless the law's changed, if he signed it in his own home then he has 14 days' cooling off period.

Update: Small font, but it looks like 7 days http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/before_you_buy/be_aware_of/doorstep-selling

robp

Thanks PasturesNew, I've just called him with the news and instructions and he's very relieved!

thebaldwindowfitter

the cooling off period is 14 days for finance agreements

baldelectrician

The cooling off period for any work in a customers home is 7 days (longer if finance). There is a minimum 7 day period now for all works

Believe it or not I have to get a client to sign a paper saying they have a 7 day cooling off period and if they want the work done prior to the 7 days they waive their right to a cooling off period.

The cooling off rule change is designed for circumstances like your FIL's.
The company must make him aware of the law and even give a tear off slip with the wording (or similar):

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]By requesting the works to start prior to the 7 day cooling off period I waive my right to a cooling off period, as detailed overleaf.[/FONT]



[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]Instructions to start work during the Right to Cancel Period
[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]You have the right to ask for works to start before the end of the cooling-off period. By exercising this right and signing overleaf you are agreeing to pay for the works as arranged (as detailed over)[/FONT]


[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]

---

[/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]Right to Cancel:[/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]I hereby give notice that I wish to cancel the contracted works- detailed overleaf. [/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]Name:_____________________Signed _________________[/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]Address________________________[/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]Date:__________________________[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]7 Day Cooling off Period:[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]The law provides that a period of 7 days from the date of this arrangement must be given, during which time the customer is entitled to cancel the goods or services without penalty or charge.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]Instructions to start work during the Right to Cancel Period[/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS, serif]You have the right to ask for works to start before the end of the cooling-off period. By exercising this right and signing overleaf you are agreeing to pay for the works as arranged (as detailed over)[/FONT]


[/FONT]The wonderful government we have state that if I do not do this crap then a case will be thrown out of court if I pursue the client for money after the work is done. And I could face a £5000 fine for the hassle :eek:

Is it me or has the world gone mad

nesssie1702

Get your dad to phone Consumer Direct for advice. He'll need to cancel in writing and hope that the company hasn't filled in the wrong date on the Finance Agreement. He should also contact the Finance Company directly as well as the Kitchen Fitting company

08454 04 05 06 - from 0800 – 1830 Monday to Friday, and 0900 – 1300 Saturday, excluding bank holidays and public holidays.

http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/

topman96

did your dad cancel his contract and where did he send the letter to cancel as i have signed up for bedroom and i want to cancel i only signed 15 june 2009 can i get out of it
thanks