Card charged before service provided.

anggrrr

Hi,

I took advantage of the £10 spa deal offer at late rooms and am booked in for early next month. Part of the deal with the spa that I am going to is that I can book extra treatments which I did booking for lunch and two treatments for me and friend. When I made the initial enquiry I was asked if I could provide a credit card number when I rang back with the full booking and this I did, assuming it was for security purposes or in case we didn't show. At no time did anyone say that I was going to be charged or, even, what the full total would be.

I've just checked and they've charged me in full for the treatments in advance. I've been to quite a few spas over the years and I've never paid in advance. I'm pretty annoyed as I would have preferred to pay by cash on the day and there was no mention that this would happen on the vouchers I have. I've always thought that you had to be explicitly told you were being charged, am I right? Is it worth ringing them back and demanding they refund the money just as a point of principle. Yesterday I was prepared to cancel the whole thing but I've calmed down a bit now.

questionabout

I don't wanna sound like an old moaner, but in the future if someone asks for your credit card details you should Never just assume anything. Always check why they need them, what their gonna use it for (deposit, payment etc) and what their cancellation policy is.

You probably could call them back and cancel for a full refund, but if your happy with the price then just call up your credit card company on the day and pay the balance with the Cash instead (or sooner to avoid interest).

anggrrr

Their terms and conditions say "Making Your Booking
At the time of making your reservation, you will be asked for your credit card details. If you make a booking with a gift voucher, we will also need a valid credit card number to guarantee the reservation."

So the website makes it sounds like it's just to guarantee the reservation and they don't tell you you will be charged. Very naughty.

chattychappy

Yeah... it's vague isn't. But as such, I don't think you authorised the payment so you're entitled to dispute it.

nickmack

anggrrr wrote: »

I've just checked and they've charged me in full for the treatments in advance. I've been to quite a few spas over the years and I've never paid in advance. I'm pretty annoyed as I would have preferred to pay by cash on the day and there was no mention that this would happen on the vouchers I have. I've always thought that you had to be explicitly told you were being charged, am I right? Is it worth ringing them back and demanding they refund the money just as a point of principle. Yesterday I was prepared to cancel the whole thing but I've calmed down a bit now.

Can you actually see the specific charge on your online banking or do you just see a reduction in available credit?

Companies sometimes 'reserve' funds on your card, but don't actually charge until the service/goods have been provided.

anggrrr

Yes: definitely charged. I'm going to let it go because I want my spa day but I'd still like to know if I'm right and you are supposed to be told explicitly the charge.

chattychappy

anggrrr wrote: »

Yes: definitely charged. I'm going to let it go because I want my spa day but I'd still like to know if I'm right and you are supposed to be told explicitly the charge.

Do be careful - they have your details now. Ideally you'd send them a recorded delivery letter clarifying that they are not authorised to make any further charges until you advise otherwise.

All a bit over the top, I suppose. But they do seem a bit cavalier.