Staples order out of stock

Tigerpool

Hi all, I just ordered an item from staples (ipad for £199) and they held the funds on my account but emailed to let me know that the item is out of stock so my money will be refunded in 2 business days.

Because I cannot use my account as I don't have the funds till I am refunded, can I take this issue further into making them honour the deal?

marliepanda

No

What does not being able to use your account gave to do with staples? In 2 days you will have your money back

Tigerpool

They held the money in my account which means that I don't have access to it. So in essence I don't have the £199 till staples reverses their directive. Surely they should be liable for some compensation?

rustyboy21

If the delay in getting your £199 back quickly is a major issue with being able to use your card for other things, then IMO a question asking don't you think you may be better spending money on life's essentials, rather than a luxury piece of electronics, would be worthwhile asking.


The delay is normal practice with refunds and No, you are not eligible for any form of compensation.

browneyedbazzi

In short, no.

You cannot force them to honour a contract or pay compensation for breaching a contract because the contract was not yet formed. Staples had not accepted your offer to purchase the item (offer and acceptance are required for a contract to be formed). You may want to read their terms and conditions regarding offers and agreement.

Your card will have been pre-authorised for the amount of the purchase but Staples will not have actually received your money. It it quite standard for it to take a couple of days for this to be reversed.

jga1940

Tigerpool wrote: »

They held the money in my account which means that I don't have access to it. So in essence I don't have the £199 till staples reverses their directive. Surely they should be liable for some compensation?

I'm afraid not. The delay in providing you with a refund is down to the UK banking system not Staples.

When buying goods online or by 'phone it's best to use a credit card if possible.

Jim (retired Welfare Rights Lawyer)

Tigerpool

Oh no I have money in that account for the ipad, but because they held the money in that account, it meant that I do not have enough money in that account to get another ipad which cost slightly more. So I have to wait, but I assume the price would have risen by then.

But staples have conducted the same practice with many consumers and we are all outraged!

Tigerpool

Thanks for all your replies :-)