Service not received but refused refund

maddop

Hi,
Not sure where I stand on this one...

I purchased some dog training lessons in November 2009, these were a block of 6 lessons at a discount rate of £180 for booking them together. Along with the lessons I purchased numerous training aids.

I wanted to have one lesson per week on a Saturday (when I was free). I had one lesson and then the following 3 lessons were cancelled due to poor weather. The following 2 lessons were cancelled due to staff illness. The training centre was then closed for Christmas holidays. When training was due to resume the lesson was cancelled due to staff illness again.

I was then made redundant and have since moved away for another job. Travelling for the training is not a viable option so I have asked for a refund. The trainer has advised he does not have a refund policy and refuses to refund any money.

He offerred me training equipment and or dog food instead. I have advised that we purchased all of the training equipment we needed from him when we first booked. Our dog only eats Tesco dog food, the trainer advised he doesnt stock that.

Do I have any chance of getting my money back?

nomoneytoday

I doubt it. The service is still available.
He may offer to meet you half way if you ask nicely?

Optimist

I would take the offer on dog food. Your dog will stop being so fussy if that's all there is!

neilmcl

Take the dog food, it seems like a reasonable compromise. I think you'd be surprised what your dog will eat given the choice.

DrScotsman

Poor weather isn't their responsibility. Staff illness and being closed for Christmas might be. How many weeks (besides poor weather weeks) were you without a lesson? There's surely some obligation to provide a service in a timely manner...

Of course I can see no one else on this thread is even close to saying they're liable, so it might be a good idea to ignore me

paulofessex

How was the original sale/booking made...was it online/telephone. Just wondering if you should have a read of the Distance Selling Regulations as l do recall there are sections that cover 'services'.

maddop

Thanks for all your advice people.

DrScotsman - I was without a lesson for 5 weeks (not including poor weather)
paulofessex - The booking was made in person.

From the replies, looks like i'll try to speak with them again and negotiate something that is better than losing my money alltogether....