Supplier taking more than invoiced

PaulRich1961

I bought some goods via an auction saleroom a few weeks ago. My bid was by proxy so I wasn't in attendance on the day. I received an invoice from the auction house and phoned them to pay for the goods on my credit card. When I checked my statement, I was charged more than the invoice total and a surcharge was added for the use of my credit card. At no time during my call to them when offering payment did the auction house confirm the amount that they were debiting me so I naturally assumed that I was paying the total shown on their invoice and they also didn't tell me that the use of my credit card was extra. They had added VAT to their commission fee which were not shown on the original invoice. I have tried to clarify this omision with them but they are paying 'lip service' to my requests.

Do I have any grounds to take this matter further?

Thanks

ThumbRemote

I suspect it depends on what their terms and conditions are - ie was it an incorrect invoice, but they've charged you the correct amount, or a correct invoice and they've charged you the incorrect amount.

If the former, then you presumably have the right to challenge the payment made. However the money will still be owing and you'll have to pay it sooner or later.

If the latter then obviously it is worth pursuing.

Errata

Did you check the T&C?

spacey2012

Usual stuff, bid price +40% is not far off.

bris

Normal practice in auctions, there is always a CC fee and their fees are always subject to VAT. Read their T&C's it will be there.

PaulRich1961

I am sure that they are covered in their T&C's but my point is that surely they have misrepresented me and have taken charges not previously notified. Is this legal and ethical? Do they have to stand by the amount originally invoiced? What about notifying me of the credit card surchange? I would have happily paid on a debit card if known?

ThumbRemote

PaulRich1961 wrote: »

I would have happily paid on a debit card if known?

In this case you can challenge the transaction (presumably either with the company or your card provider) and get a refund.

The owed amount (which may not be the invoiced amount) will still be payable though.

arcon5

Have you actually contacted them regarding this yet?