Where do I stand?

darvey

Hi,
I recently ordered a large household appliance from a large highstreet retailer from their website. The item wasnt in stock but was due to be within 3 days. As they promised they emailed me informing it had come in and would be dispatched and susequently charged for said appliance.
Still with me?
Well a month on after receiving my shiny new appliance they have not charged me for it!
Bargain!
The money is in the bank account and has been all the time and ive received no correspondance from them saying there has been any issues with the payment.
So.... Where do i stand legally with paying for the item ie. How long after processing the order do they have to take the money out of my account? Im presuming there has to be some sort of timescale as it would be a bit unfair to just randomly take money out at any time they please.

Any help would be greatfully received

Darvey

scheming_gypsy

They can chase you for it for up to 6 years as far as i'm aware.

browneyedbazzi

How did you pay?

They have up to six years to chase the debt so unless you want it hanging over your head for a long time you should contact the shop and ask them what's up.

darvey

I paid using my debit card

arcon5

As much as it would be nice to have it free, your better off by being proactive in making payment.

Otherwise it would be so so easy to forget about it and sepnd the money, which would be problematic when they do realise.

abbyscuito

Doesn't matter how you paid. 'They' in theory dependant on circumstances can pursue you forever actually.

MamaMoo_2

Contact them and inform them. You never know, they might be so impressed with your honesty that they let you have it for free anyhow

darvey

does anyone know where this legislation would be laid down ?

abbyscuito

darvey wrote: »

does anyone know where this legislation would be laid down ?

In Googleland. e.g:-

http://www.payplan.com/debt-library/joint-and-several-liability-the-limitation-act-1980.php

darvey

Is it classed as a debt in the same terms as those mentioned on that page, ie. Mortgage shortfalls and council tax etc? Effectively ive given them my payment details they just havent actioned the payment, im not refusing to pay or witholding any funds.

arcon5

darvey wrote: »

Is it classed as a debt in the same terms as those mentioned on that page, ie. Mortgage shortfalls and council tax etc? Effectively ive given them my payment details they just havent actioned the payment, im not refusing to pay or witholding any funds.

A debt is simply owing money. You owe them money so it is a debt. The difference is your motgage is a credit agreement and on your credit report, a debt will only be on your credit report if they obtain a CCJ via the courts.

The fact you have given them your card details is irrelevant. What matters is whether the money has been paid to them or not. Agreeably its their fault they haven't been paid, but thats irrelevant over the fact whether they have been paid or not.

If they do not pursue or try to collect the debt for 6 years it is statutory barred. Otherwise they can pursue you for the money at any point in the future.

So if you decide not to contact them now you will be back here in a year or two:

"company chasing me for payment x years ago... what are my rights?"

Responses being:

"you owe the money, pay it and move on".

Or you could choose the easier route... be proactive in making payment and they can't cause you any problems in the future.