Pay for new Kitchen up front!

r.jenkins36

We are having to install a new kitchen and after much research have settled on a Wickes designed, supplied and installed Kitchen, total £10,000.

They are asking for 100% up front!! which is not my normal style but seems usual practice with the bigger companies. The kitchen will be stored for 3 months at no charge to protect the discounted price. (January sale etc)

I am planning to pay by multiple credit cards (because of credit limits) so I get more protection than Sale of Goods, and I will pay off the debt as soon as I get the bill to avoid interest charges.

Any suggestions please as to how I can protect myself better to ensure the final result is as required, and I have some leverage if snags develop?

Thanks

bris

If you are getting a good deal because of the up front payment then yes, I would have no problem paying a company like Wickes up front.
The credit cards would also give you added protection, the only problem I see there is the cc companies fighting over who would be liable if it was one bill. Split the bill into seperate parts to have a clear indication of what each card paid for.

Zandoni

I'd have it delivered straight away if possible though, as they might stop doing the same design in 3 months and you will have problems if anything is damaged.

Hintza

We ordered and fixed the price (I hope) of our kitchen (in the new build) about 10 months ago with Magnet.

I certainly haven't paid and it is stll about 2 months away until it will be fitted.

Blair Joinery (windows) due to suppl our windows this week have gone bust with a (rumoured) full order book.

To me your predicament would be a deal breaker, there are plenty of good quality kitchen companies that don't require 100% up front.

paddyrg

It all comes down to do you trust that Wickes will be around in 3 months? If not, perhaps agree to pay in tranches, first one to buy the kitchen, second for fitting closer to the date. Also make sure it is on the paperwork that you bought the kitchen and they are storing it for you, not going to get one from stock when it comes to delivery. In the worst case scenario that may help clarify the position if it went into administration. The kitchen is to be removed from stock, wrapped and stored ina separate area, cannot be changed or exchanged so it is clear you haven't just become a 10 unsecured creditor!

forgotmyname

Get it delivered as soon as possible, Inspect everything before they fit it. You dont want to be on
watchdog next year complaining you have been waiting months for items to complete the job.

If you have the space of course.

kazwookie

Does that price include supply and install?

If so, I would offer 85%, the rest on completion of the snagging list and there will be one. If they won't accept it walk away, there are other comapnies who would be more than happy to have a £10k order, with 85% upfront, who offer a similar type of product.

GrechAndGrech

You will mainly find that it is the top few players within the industry will charge 100% upfront because they can command that from their customers and people will pay it.

I would just suggest that you read through the small print in depth so that you know what their contracted obligations are and what they offer as standard if things do not go to plan. Also see what your time limits are for repairs and snagging, as some restrict it to a couple of days after it is delivered. Also find out when your warantee starts, some companies may try to start warantee when the order is ready, regardless of if it has been installed. Good idea paying with credit for the extra protection.

As a company we take the payments in stages. One payment as a deposit, one payment just before it is delivered and the last once we have completed - including snagging which is usually around 10% depending on project. This means that the client will have the piece of mind that it is in our interest to get the job done and to the high quality the client expects.

nzmegs

I would only pay for the product - the fitting hasn't happened yet. you do realise you can buy the kitchen from wickes and get a tradesman to fit it for you. it will work out cheaper and i guarantee it will be less hassle. you can expect a number of sub-contractors from a big outfit like that, whereas a local tradesman will be able to do it all.

Equaliser123

You don't have to pay the full amount on credit card to have s.75 cover.

fthl

and i guarantee it will be less hassle.

Unless there is a problem of some sort and then it will be a pass the buck circular nightmare.

You might find that they won't negotiate on it to be honest.

Most, if not all, of the major national multilples charge 100%. Which was an issue for MFI customers...

This said, these terms have been considered to be unfair unless there is some sort of added consumer protection in place.