When can Supplier Charge Card

admdwj

Could some please confirm when a merchant can charge your card? I know that some time ago the rule was that the card could only be charged when they had shipped the goods, but I suspect this may have changed.

I am currently awaiting delivery of an item ordered on 7th Nov, charged to my card on 8th Nov and the Supplier accepts that they still haven't dispatched the item. This hardly seems fair.

Thanks

[Deleted User]

It would vary, according to the merchant's terms. Could be before, after, or a deposit situation where it is both.

InsideInsurance

There is no law on when they can charge the card. Whilst you say its unfair for them to charge in advance of dispatch I am sure some retailers would also say its unfair, particularly for large or special order items, that they dont find out you cant afford to pay after they've already had to buy your sofa suite from their supplier and are now stuck with it.

Most vendors charge when you place the order, assuming there are no deposits involved. Only a minority hold off until its ready to ship unless there is a risk of not being able to fulfill the order.

Atidi

admdwj wrote: »

Could some please confirm when a merchant can charge your card? I know that some time ago the rule was that the card could only be charged when they had shipped the goods, but I suspect this may have changed.

I am currently awaiting delivery of an item ordered on 7th Nov, charged to my card on 8th Nov and the Supplier accepts that they still haven't dispatched the item. This hardly seems fair.

Thanks

Where do you know this rule from? :huh:

bengal-stripe

admdwj wrote: »

I know that some time ago the rule was that the card could only be charged when they had shipped the goods, but I suspect this may have changed.

That would have never been practice; even less so the 'rule'.

Presuming the merchant would charge once an item has been shipped (i.e. is already in transit) and the payment is not approved, they would have lost merchandise and money.

Many on-line retailers charge once the item is ready to be shipped, but there is no obligation for them to do so.(Particular if the item is non-stock and has to be especially bought-in to fulfil the order.)

If in doubt: Ask! - If you don't like the way a particular firm operates, go elsewhere!