Dfs

Jinxy01

Hi
My partner and I bought a new sofa from DFS on Sunday evening. We only went down for a look and were pressured into buying a sofa. We do need a sofa and the interest free deal looked good. Anyway, we went home and double checked the measurements (I know this should have been done in the first instance and I feel like a complete idiot), the sofa is too big - by about 10cm. I phoned to cancel the order, it was under 24hrs when I did this. They are refusing to let me cancel. They say I signed a legally binding contract (which is true) but there is no cooling off period. I have to buy a sofa from them. Please help, I feel totally scammed and I feel like an idiot. Is there anything I can do?

Meepster

Erm...to be quite honest, there isn't a lot you can do. You don't get a cooling off period when you purchase something from their place of business, unless it is written into the contract. (Unless of course the "were pressured" involved them holding a gun to your head, which I somehow doubt)

The best you could do is ask to transfer it over to a product that will fit. You haven't been scammed, you just haven't used your common sense. I hate being so blunt, but always look before you leap...

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

Should have made sure it fit in advance.

Need to negotiate with DFS to find a suitable replacement but they will be within their rights to charge you for this.

Jinxy01

Just to say, I phoned consumer direct this afternoon - they are extremely helpful. If you take out a finance agreement then you can phone the finance company direct and if the order hasn't been executed then you can cancel it with them. However, if it has been executed then you have to go with it. Unfortunately, mine had been executed. Not like the banks to be so organised!

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

Consumer direct don't really know what they are talking about half the time. A NMW employee is still a NMW employee whether they work in a call centre of government organisation.

You could have and still could cancel the finance. you will still be liable for the order or damages for breach of contract to DFS anyway though. The finance agreement is seperate from your contract to purchase a sofa.

mattmcd81

As i understand it, the frontline of consumer direct call center are NMW, however they do have advisers who have extensive knowledge on your statutory rights. Failing that they can forward your complaint onto trading standards.

I'm currently in dispute with DFS over a sub-standard sofa delivered to me 22/07/09, long story short, they seem to think that it's perfectly acceptable to send a brand new, now less than a week old sofa to be re-upholstered!!!!! i digress, needless to say that i have taken the relevant steps to reject the abomination now sitting in my living room, and consumer direct have been a priceless source of information and support.

As have everyon on this forum who has replied to my post.
matthew

wannaberichbtch

This is a really common problem and you will get nowhere with DFS, they are legally within their rights to refuse a refund based on change of mind, and it is a situation they are very used to dealing with. You don't say why the sofa is too large, is it a case of not being able to get it through the door frame? It may help to remove the door before it is delivered and a certain amount of manouvering can be done, delivery people are generally helpful.


Just noticed the date on this, look at me not checking the smallprint!