Credit Card Protection if store is in administration

Satvin

Hi, am sure this has been asked before, but one can never be too sure, thus I ask again, specific to my query.

I currently have a Barclays Credit Card. Don't use it much, and only for online purchases for added protection. Its set up so anything purchased via it is immediatly paid off from one of my savings accounts, so I don't get charged interest/

At the moment, as wanting to by some furniture from Dream (Furniture Store). As you may know, some (stress some) of its stores are closing down, as the store is currently in administration. On its website, it clearly states that 'some', and that it will honour any purchases. But history tells me this is a vague promise at best, to get you to part with money.

Heres the catch. The items (bedroom furniture) I want can only be bought online (30% sale on these items). You have to make full payment before the order can be taken. It takes 28 days for the items to be delivered. There are several items that I need to purchase. All individually are above £100, except 2 items which are £70 each.

Questions:
If I pay for all items at once, is all protected, as I understand under S75 rules, its only items over £100?
Despite the current status of Dreams, and there promise to honour all orders and that only some of there stores are closing, am I orotected by using my credit card, if the worst (no goods arrive) occurs?
If the product isn't what I want (for example the colour doesn't match or there is damage), and the store won't cooperate, can I still claim back from the credit card company?

Thanks for this in advance.
Satvin

chattychappy

It doesn't really matter that they are in administration. The CC networks are still offering the facility so S75 still applies. The CC is jointly and severally liable for transactions where the item price is at least £100.

So, specifically:
If I pay for all items at once, is all protected, as I understand under S75 rules, its only items over £100?
No, only those items over £100 even if in a single CC transaction. However if the items were sold together (eg as a suite with a single price) then you can probably argue that indeed there is a single item even if the shop would be willing to sell them separately with different pricing. But if individually priced and purchased that way - even if you intend to use them together - you aren't covered under S75.

Despite the current status of Dreams, and there promise to honour all orders and that only some of there stores are closing, am I orotected by using my credit card, if the worst (no goods arrive) occurs?
The CC is able to use the chargeback system, even for the items under £100. Chargeback doesn't give you direct rights, but the FOS has said that given the system exists, they would expect the CC to use it to assist a cardholder where possible.

If the product isn't what I want (for example the colour doesn't match or there is damage), and the store won't cooperate, can I still claim back from the credit card company?
Colour not matching what they described (if that's what you meant) or goods being damaged are Sale of Goods Act type breaches. You're entitled to a refund. S75 would cover you for the >£100 items. You might have an argument though. Typically CCs demand evidence, independent reports etc. Chargeback - others can better advise.

dalesrider

1st option is chargebacks.
Non reciept no problem. You would have to allow 15 days after promised delivery date to be actioned.
Faulty. Again not a issue. But you would have to return the goods to the retailer via a trackable method.
Colour missmatch. Now could be more tricky. You very rearly get true colours of a website. But if they are from the same range then there should not be a issue.

S75 only covers items over £100 and is not the total invoice, but item price.
Either way S75 should not be needed as chargeback rights are avaiable.