Lighting Direct

rodfan

I made a purchase to Lighting Direct on 30th April and paid via paypal. I have numerous emails from the company when I tried chasing my order. There was intially a problem getting goods from their supplier. Finally they offered a full refund on 23rd June 2010 (I'd gone over the 45 days paypal security () Needless to say I still haven't received a refund they always promise next week as there are problems with the accounts dept ie people ill, away or it's closed !!

What do I do now ?? Any advice much appreciated - they did send me a £5 gift voucher off future orders !!!!

O5car

Hmmm. I'm in a siimilar situation here. We ordered lights from lighting direct .co.uk in June and our account was debited. I tried paying by credit card, but there was an internet faff and ended up having to pay by debit card, which wasn't ideal. We were charged the full amount of £428 but the lights haven't arrived (6 weeks later). We then were told that they were out of stock, there was a problem with the suppliers etc etc and as the lack of lights was going to hold up our building renovation, we cancelled the order on 16 July as no delivery date was forecasted.
We were subsequnetly promised a refund which has not yet been received. I know that legally, they have 30 days to refund a cancelled order, but I'm getting rather annoyed at the lack of honesty and integrity associated here.
Any advice on how to ensure we get our money back?

Richard_Russell

I too am in a similar position. I contacted Hertfordshire Trading Standards and they recommended I send a 'Recorded Delivery' letter requesting a refund; if the letter is signed-for it means that Lighting Direct have legally accepted it. Unfortunately (and not surprisingly) Royal Mail is currently reporting that they were unable to deliver the letter.

Although it may not help you directly, I would suggest that you also contact Trading Standards. The more people who report problems at Lighting Direct the faster some action will be taken, if only to protect future customers. Hertfordshire Trading Standards are on 0845 404 0506 (Fax: 01727 813877).

maccyd_3

I too am in a similar position. I've used them several times before and never had a problem. I suspect they are heading for liquidation, but what really gets me is that they are still trading on the website and still happy to take money for orders they won't be able to fulfill. They are still offering the lights we ordered in June and which they haven't been able too supply. I threatened them with the small claims court and I'm still considering it. I'm also going to ge to my credit card company and trading standards. We tried phoning them today and no one answered and I also emailed them multiple times. Will let you know how I get on - can all who are in the same position let the rest of us know if they have any progress?

footy_mad_71

We made a purchase mid July and have attempted to contact by phone to no avail, had a reply to the first e mail I sent saying awaiting delivery of goods and lights should be with us by 2nd week of August. Have e mailed since and eventually got an automated reply today stating

Thank you for your email

We are in the process of a major restructuring programme and apologise for not replying to your email.

This should be completed within the next 2 - 3 days.

During this time we are unable to reply to emails or take telephone calls. We will contact you as soon as things are back to normal.

Regards

Lighting Direct

Gathered we will now not hear anything decided to look up to see if there were others in same position - thankfully we had not ordered £428 of goods as 05car has, but obviously angry that they can continue to take orders and peoples hard earned cash and know that they would not be supplying the goods - this should not be allowed.
I will definately contact the Trading Standards tomorrow and hope that no more people waste their money.

PeeJay_B

Same situation for me. I ordered some lights in July with delivery acknowledged for the beginning of August. Needless to say my lights have not arrived. Despite several e-mails and leaving voice mail messages (they are always on answer phone) no one has got back to me. However, I sent an e-mail today cancelling my order and received the same auto reply as ‘footy mad 71’

Taking into account all your posts regarding this company it looks very much like they are in trouble and the auto reply e-mail may be just delaying tactics while they are still ostensibly trading. I’ve cancelled my order and will try and to obtain redress from my credit card company. Good luck to everyone who is experiencing similar problems with this appalling company.

annbe59

I also ordered from Lighting Direct on May 18th and after getting nowhere with them despite numerous e-mails and phone calls and getting lame excuses I cancelled the order and requested a refund on July 17th I have heard nothing since getting answerphone and not directed e-mails.
I have contacted my credit card company who are sending me a form to fill in also Consumer Direct who have told me to send a registered letter but after reading this forum I am not holding out much hope.
How is this allowed to go on the company is still trading on the internet it's just robbery why is something not done about it

maccyd_3

I've still not heard anything from lighting direct so far but I have now reported them to trading standards in Hertforshire, as well as writing to Watchdog. I clicked on the wee logo at the bottom right of their home page that says "internet shopping is safe" Ha bloody Ha, and reported them to that company as well.

I actually payed with my vise DEBIT card and at first thought that that ment I was stuffed, BUT if its a VISA debit then you still have the same protection as you would with a credit card. Visa Debit card phone no is 0845 366 0391 ( well it is with the Natwest anyway).

I can't believe this company is still trading and taking money from people. This has to be rectified.

Richard_Russell

Just received a telephone call from Hertfordshire Trading Standards. They've sent an officer to Lighting Direct's address and the premises are all shut up, with uncollected mail. The landlord has changed the locks and put up notices saying that Lighting Direct employees should not attempt to enter.

So in the opinion of Trading Standards the company has ceased trading, in an 'uncontrolled' way (basically, just disappeared). Those people who paid over £100 by Credit Card should be able to get their money back, but otherwise there's no hope of any goods being delivered or a refund.

Trading Standards say they'll look into the issue of how to close down the website, but I got the impression this was not something they are very familiar with.

Sminster

I puchased from Lighting Direct on 29th March 2010 and after a few weeks of waiting for my lights I called repeatedly and was fobbed off every time with "We're waiting for the suppliers" and "It'll be shipped next week". Like a mug, I believed them. I paid via Paypal but because it's set up as a direct debit my bank can't help me. And because I have gone over the 45 days for Paypal they can't help unless lots of people call them and then they'll open up a claim, even though it's over the 45 days. So anyone who paid by Paypal and wants to try to get their money back please phone Paypal on 08707 307 191. You need a web pin (6 digit number) from the Paypal site first and you need to speak to the robot on the phone, shouting out your options before you get to speak to an 'agent'. Log your call, get a case number! If lots of us do then we might be in with a small chance...

ticktockhouse

Just wanted to add that I, too, have been shafted by this company. I ordered on 24th June 2010. I managed to speak to someone in mid-July, I think, but since then I have been reduced to sending emails via their website.

Someone obviously still reads them, as I always get a reply, but other than that, all I have to show for it is a hole in my finances. I did purchase by credit card, but the amount was under £100, so it looks as if I'm S.O.L. there.

If anyone has any luck getting money out of them, please let me know (I'll be keeping an eye on this thread).