gift vouchers - query

JoRuby

hi
I was given £40 of gift vouchers last year for a small local spa/beauty place. As I've had major surgery I've not been able to use them for any form of massage (against their policy to massage for 1 year after major surgery). I decided that I'd like a make up lesson from the very limited alternative offer of treatments. They demanded a £10 payment in case of cancellation - now Id be quite happy to give details to charge my card in the event of non attendance but to charge and then refund (it can takie a few days) I really wasnt happy with.
What are my rights?

texranger

JoRuby wrote: »

hi
I was given £40 of gift vouchers last year for a small local spa/beauty place. As I've had major surgery I've not been able to use them for any form of massage (against their policy to massage for 1 year after major surgery). I decided that I'd like a make up lesson from the very limited alternative offer of treatments. They demanded a £10 payment in case of cancellation - now Id be quite happy to give details to charge my card in the event of non attendance but to charge and then refund (it can takie a few days) I really wasnt happy with.
What are my rights?

The £10 is a safeguard and if you pay this then you have more chances of actually turning up.

look at it thier way, they book a class of 30 people and order products to the value of £300 for the class, but on the day only 5 people turn up, apart from the costs of supplys they have the staff wages etc. so by taking £10 to secure booking, if only 5 turn up they have covered the supply costs.
you will find out most will do this.

ThumbRemote

If it's part of their terms and conditions, you can't really argue with it.
If they are making it up for you specifically, I'd ask them why.