Refund on gift card / voucher - expiry issue

wildg

Hi

I bought a gift voucher for 2 people to go wind tunnel sky diving back in 2005 as they were building the first one. I have not used it because I have a health issue that has prevented me from doing things like that.

I finally bit the bullet and accepted that I won't be able to go, so wrote to them and asked how I can get a refund.

They responded and told me that vouchers are only valid for a year.

Thing is, the A4 letter they sent me with confirmation of the purchase, along with my receipt, makes absolutely no mention whatsoever of having to use the voucher within a year.

Isn't there some sort of consumer protection law governing this? I'm not having much joy finding anything.

Many thanks
Wildg

Valli

wildg wrote: »

Isn't there some sort of consumer protection law governing this? I'm not having much joy finding anything.

No, there isn't.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21028524

wealdroam

Sorry, but I think you'll struggle to find anything that will entitle you to a refund after eight years.

mije1983

wildg wrote: »

Hi

I bought a gift voucher for 2 people to go wind tunnel sky diving back in 2005 as they were building the first one. I have not used it because I have a health issue that has prevented me from doing things like that.

I finally bit the bullet and accepted that I won't be able to go, so wrote to them and asked how I can get a refund.

They responded and told me that vouchers are only valid for a year.

Thing is, the A4 letter they sent me with confirmation of the purchase, along with my receipt, makes absolutely no mention whatsoever of having to use the voucher within a year.

Isn't there some sort of consumer protection law governing this? I'm not having much joy finding anything.

Many thanks
Wildg

You may have had better luck for a gesture of goodwill if you were just outside the 1 year, but after 8 years if they have said no then there is nothing that you can do.

I imagine the were Ts&Cs on the website when you purchased, rather than being sent to you.

wildg

Valli wrote: »

No, there isn't.

bbc link

This article doesn't talk about retailers who are still in business and not in trouble, or about expiry dates or am I missing something?

Thanks
WG

wildg

mije1983 wrote: »

You may have had better luck for a gesture of goodwill if you were just outside the 1 year, but after 8 years if they have said no then there is nothing that you can do.

I imagine the were Ts&Cs on the website when you purchased, rather than being sent to you.

Yes. I was hoping for goodwill if there wasn't legal backing. Seems they are all out of it. I would have thought a partial refund on the £100 would have been possible, but apparently not.

wealdroam

wildg wrote: »

This article doesn't talk about retailers who are still in business and not in trouble, or about expiry dates or am I missing something?

Thanks
WG

I think you missed this bit:

What should I do if I have one in the back of a drawer?

Check the expiry date and think about spending it. After all, industry figures suggest that £250m a year is wasted because these cards are unused.

Ok, it doesn't specifically cover you issue, but is pretty close.

pinkshoes

wealdroam wrote: »

I think you missed this bit:

Ok, it doesn't specifically cover you issue, but is pretty close.

Close? The OP checked the expiry date and there isn't one. Nor does the letter. Nor does the receipt.

8 years is a long time but if their T&Cs don't give an expiry date, they should allow the voucher to be used.

(Note: a refund would be unlikely - could someone else use it?)