No goods / no refund - help!

beegee757

In early May I purchased 2 “Mother of the Bride” outfits on behalf of my Mother from a webstore called Link Boutique. I searched thoroughly online and did not find any bad consumer experiences; I e-mailed the company with questions before purchasing and received prompt replies and several follow-up e-mails – and had no reason to doubt the company whatsoever. A 6 week delivery time was promised.

On 6 September, after over 3 months and numerous phone messages (they never answered)/ e-mails (kept promising new delivery dates) I cancelled the order and requested a full refund (£665). Since then they haven't acknowledged or responded to my e-mails or phone calls - I don't believe they will refund me.

Note the worse bit - I originally attempted to make the purchase via credit card – but the website could not accept transactions over £612 (a "fault they were rectifying"). After several e-mails querying this I felt reassured enough to pay £665.17 via bank transfer (huge, regrettable, stupid mistake, lesson learned) - so I'm not covered by CC payment.

The worry of this is overshadowing all the wedding preparations and ruining what should be an exciting time for us all. Please can anyone advise what I should do if they don't refund within the 30 days? I thought about sending a recorded delivery letter (so they can't say they didn't receive the cancellation notification) - but am unsure how to word it.

rsykes2000

Small Claims Court. Can be done online via https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome. I would send them a recorded letter giving them 7 days then bang a claim in straight away on expiry of that period.

cyberbob

I know it's a little late but any company who says they are having problems with their payment systems and request a bank transfer should ring alarm bells. Bank Transfer is a scammers friend as there is no possible comeback via chargebacks etc.

Small claims is your only option but even if you win it doesn't guarantee you receiving your money.

kirstyoliver

I am experiencing the same problem, I purchased a Wedding Dress, through a bank transfer for the amount of 708 GBP. I was advised after 9 ish weeks that the fabric was causing a problem and that the dress has been discontinued. No Refund. After numerous emails, phone calls, sending registered letters (of which we will send many more)Two occasions were verbally agreed upon to arrange a refund, but neither was actioned. I highly recommend contacting Consumer Direct and taking their advice. I have already contacted my solicitor as to what action we can take. I have informed WatchDog about the situation, which I also highly recommend you to do also, the more people who raise awareness of this awful company, the better. Small Claims Court will be our final resort, but one that we are ready to take. Its not even about the money anymore, its about someone stealing the happiness from your special moment. And to the person offering advice about 'shouldve not done a bank transfer', trust me, we both fully realise the implication of that action. If you dont have any constructive advice to offer that can help us deal with the current situation, then please dont comment at all.

beegee757

kirstyoliver wrote: »

Thanks Kirsty, good advice - I'll get straight on to Consumer Direct & Watchdog this morning!

Good luck - do let me know if you win! And very best wishes for the wedding!!