J A Bathrooms

Leif

I was foolish enough to order a bath from these people without doing a Google first. When the invoice arrived by email, not long after, it was for the wrong item. So I did a search and found this thread. I then tried to cancel, which is my right. I sent an email, and they simply replied saying they would send the right item. The staff say they cannot cancel the order, only the manager can. When I asked to speak to him, they said he would ring me. So I waited an hour, no call. So the next time I rang I refused to hang up until I had spoken to the manager, or received an email confirming cancellation. They hung up. I have rung them many times, and now they hang up straight away, or they do not answer. I have sent numerous emails which get no reply. I ordered the bath elsewhere, from a reputable company, as I need it within a week or so, and I cannot rely on JAs Bathrooms to deliver the right item within the promised time, which was the end of this week. Going by comments online, it looks like they will deliver in 3 or 4 weeks, which is useless, and somehow I have to make sure they do not, but I suspect it will be dropped outside the house and left.

I don't know how they can get away with this as the Distance Selling Regulations give me a 7 day cooling off period. They know the regulations, and judging by other comments here, they obviously know that they can get away with such behaviour. Clearly they are rogues and make no pretence to be otherwise.

Caveat emptor. I normally check shops, but being in urgent need of a bath, I foolishly accepted the "we can deliver by the end of the week" claim. Doh!

shirlgirl2004

Leif wrote: »

I was foolish enough to order a bath from these people without doing a Google first. When the invoice arrived by email, not long after, it was for the wrong item. So I did a search and found this thread. I then tried to cancel, which is my right. I sent an email, and they simply replied saying they would send the right item. The staff say they cannot cancel the order, only the manager can. When I asked to speak to him, they said he would ring me. So I waited an hour, no call. So the next time I rang I refused to hang up until I had spoken to the manager, or received an email confirming cancellation. They hung up. I have rung them many times, and now they hang up straight away, or they do not answer. I have sent numerous emails which get no reply. I ordered the bath elsewhere, from a reputable company, as I need it within a week or so, and I cannot rely on JAs Bathrooms to deliver the right item within the promised time, which was the end of this week. Going by comments online, it looks like they will deliver in 3 or 4 weeks, which is useless, and somehow I have to make sure they do not, but I suspect it will be dropped outside the house and left.

I don't know how they can get away with this as the Distance Selling Regulations give me a 7 day cooling off period. They know the regulations, and judging by other comments here, they obviously know that they can get away with such behaviour. Clearly they are rogues and make no pretence to be otherwise.

Caveat emptor. I normally check shops, but being in urgent need of a bath, I foolishly accepted the "we can deliver by the end of the week" claim. Doh!

You need to send them a recorded delivery letter cancelling your bath just to protect yourself. Unless they leave the bath with a neighbour how will they prove you have it? If they leave it outside it could get stolen.

Leif

I was told that the manager is Joe Garnham (as mentioned in this thread anyway) and his phone number is 01702-333568. Could anyone confirm the phone number? I am sending a letter recorded delivery as advised!

Leif

I rang Consumer Direct, and I was told that my complaint would be passed to Trading Standards. I would urge anyone who has issues with this company to contact Consumer Direct. Even if you have resolved the issue, by for example getting a credit card refund, it is worth reporting them so that TS have a record of the complaint. Given enough complaints they will act.

It is clear from my dealings with these people that they are disreputable.

shirlgirl2004

I have already spoke to TS and I believe Southend office are investigating.

Leif

shirlgirl2004 wrote: »

I have already spoke to TS and I believe Southend office are investigating.

Thanks. Sorry you had trouble too, but I'm glad you started this thread as a warning. I cannot get any confirmation of cancellation as the manager refused to speak to me and the 'assistants' claim to have no authority, so I assume they will attempt to deliver. One assistant gave his name as Sam. I don't think there are many staff.

Consumer Direct (gov. body) told me not to accept delivery if they try, and to let them collect it at their expense. I suppose the best approach is just to leave it alone if they dump it.

I wonder if anyone has driven over to ask in person for a refund, then stood outside telling people not to go in? All quite legal.

shirlgirl2004

Leif wrote: »

Thanks. Sorry you had trouble too, but I'm glad you started this thread as a warning. I cannot get any confirmation of cancellation as the manager refused to speak to me and the 'assistants' claim to have no authority, so I assume they will attempt to deliver. One assistant gave his name as Sam. I don't think there are many staff.

Consumer Direct (gov. body) told me not to accept delivery if they try, and to let them collect it at their expense. I suppose the best approach is just to leave it alone if they dump it.

I wonder if anyone has driven over to ask in person for a refund, then stood outside telling people not to go in? All quite legal.

I do recall someone writing that they did and the police moved them on. As I said in my original post they are only about an hour from me in what in my opinion is a bit of a rough and ready location. Personally I thought I'd settle for putting a warning on the internet and getting my money back through any legal route open to me.

I made it quite clear if they attempted delivery it would be refused. The said they'd still try to deliver but they never did.

Leif

The transaction is now visible on my online bank statement and they have debited money, and it is far more than the original amount i.e. £410 rather than £270. So, no complete refund, just a bigger payment instead. :mad:

Leif

According to Companies House, the company is marked as "Proposal to Strike off" which could mean he has applied to have the company dissolved. If so, he can take the money and run with no penalty.

Update 19 November 2011: I have made countless phone calls and assistants say they cannot cancel an order, only the manager can. Requests to speak to the manager get rebuffed, and I am told he will not come to the phone. All emails are ignored, or at least I get no reply. He has taken over £400, I have no receipt or invoice, and he refused to cancel or refund. Joe Garnham is a crook. I do wonder how he gets away with this, and if those who have been defrauded by him can collectively take action against him.

shirlgirl2004

Leif wrote: »

According to Companies House, the company is marked as "Proposal to Strike off" which could mean he has applied to have the company dissolved. If so, he can take the money and run with no penalty.

If you check your receipt then you will probably find it is listed as Eurowood which is the trading name. Checking companies house Eurowood is still listed as active and has accounts up to date (unlike the JA Bathrooms listing). Additionally as far as I'm aware the company cannot have traded in the last 3 months and cannot owe money. Eurowood is listed at the same address as JA Bathrooms.