How long do I give 'em?

chicro

A few weeks ago I sent my bank (HSBC) a letter demanding my charges back (678.00) with a response within 2 weeks. I have recived a letter, just under the 2 week deadline saying they will get back to me once they have fully investigated the matter...is this OK, should I leave them to it, or should I be demanding the results of their investigation by a certain date?

Hope someone can help, thanks.

kellymundy

Go to the next step! You gave them a 2 week deadline to return the money NOT a 2 week deadline for them to fob you off. You have to stick to the deadlines that you set out or they will think they can string you along.
It took me 3 months from start to finish to get my charges back because i stuck to the schedule that i set out not the schedule they wanted to set. I personally feel that this is why the bank gave me all the money back i requested before it got as far as court, they knew i meant business!
Go get em, and good luck!!!

diego_2

I agree with Kelly.

It just took me 7months because I three times let them take the 8 weeks they said they wanted to take before they'd settle. My claim was only for £108 so I wasn't too stressed about it and I eventually got £81.

I was actually wondering whether it works to combine the two letters? - being even more firm on the first letter, and saying something like that while you're requesting a return of the charges in full within 2 weeks, if within this time you receive a letter to the effect that the bank isn't willing to comply then you'll commence court proceedings within the month. Is there any reason why this wouldn't work?

karenvnut

It took the HSBC eight weeks to reply but yesterday my son got an offer of a full refund.
My daughter however (whos claim was posted on the same day as my sons) has heard nothing.
We are sending the second letter, threatening court action, today.
Good Luck

kellymundy

I can see where you are coming from Diego but i think if you only give them what one letter that comes across in a threatening manner ( which, lets face it mentioning going to court is) then you risk getting their backs up, so it might end up with them digging their heel in and taking it the whole way just to get to you. The idea of the first letter being polite is that it gives the banks the chance to do the right thing (although these days most of them decline the offer, sadly). The second letter is when you let them know you mean business.
So although a good idea in theory Diego, not that i'm an expert, but i wouldn't recommend it.:D

chicro

Thanks for that guys, but I'm a little confused kellymundy, what is the next step then? Are you suggesting that I don't threaten them with court action, or that I do? which one is the '2nd letter that means business'?
Please help me one last time!