Double Galzing firm fails to deliver

Tumble

Hi, I'd be grateful for advice on a bizarre situation I have found myself in!
We placed an order for a new front door and some extras with a (fairly) local, small company in July (more or less a "one man band"). We heard of the company through local recommendation, and they have many happy customers on out street. The cmoany came across as totally geniune throughout (and not "hard sell" at all).

We did not pay a deposit (they said they didn't want one), and they promised to deliver by the end of August. However, since placing the order they have disappeared! I have tried to contact them by landline, mobile, text and email. The website is still active, and I've done basic searches on the companies house register and the company is still active.

The terms and conditions state that the customer has the right to cancel within 7 days of ordering. Obviously, it does not mention the eventuality of the company not delivering!

Can anyone tell me what my rights are? Obviously I don't want to orer from another company then having this company turn up with my door! Is there a time limit when an order expires if the company fails to deliver?

unholyangel

Were you given any sort of a contract at all?

Tumble

unholyangel wrote: »

Were you given any sort of a contract at all?

Thanks. Yes - in the form of an order sheet that's been signed by us and the company director. Terms, conditions, and guarantee are listed on the back of the order form/contract.

unholyangel

Tumble wrote: »

Thanks. Yes - in the form of an order sheet that's been signed by us and the company director. Terms, conditions, and guarantee are listed on the back of the order form/contract.

What does it state in relation to delivery date? Or does it give an estimate only?

JReacher1

Maybe worth sending a registered letter to the company saying that if they don't respond to you in 14 days with an update on the order then you will assume that the order has been cancelled.

Could be useful to have that in the back locker if they suddenly rock up in 3 months with the new window!

Tumble

unholyangel wrote: »

What does it state in relation to delivery date? Or does it give an estimate only?

Doesn't say a thing about delivery date. Verbally, he said products would be installed end of August.

Standard Terms and conditions don't say anything about delivery times either. Only timescale mentioned is that purchaser has 7 days to cancel.

unholyangel

Tumble wrote: »

Doesn't say a thing about delivery date. Verbally, he said products would be installed end of August.

Standard Terms and conditions don't say anything about delivery times either. Only timescale mentioned is that purchaser has 7 days to cancel.

If there is nothing definitive regarding delivery....I would send a a letter or email to their official address making time of the essence.

If you dont know what I mean by that, you can find further information on either (or both) of these pages:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/delivery-rights#time

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/letters/introduction_to_letter_to_make__time_of_the_essence__-_services.htm

Tumble

unholyangel wrote: »

If there is nothing definitive regarding delivery....I would send a a letter or email to their official address making time of the essence.

If you dont know what I mean by that, you can find further information on either (or both) of these pages:
[/url]

Thanks for those links. Very useful.

unholyangel

Tumble wrote: »

Thanks for those links. Very useful.

Just remember and keep any deadlines reasonable.

You could even say in your letter "we were told verbally delivery would be x date or within x timeframe" and then later say you're prepared to give them a further 14 days to conclude the contract - if they do not contact you before the end of this time, you will treat the contract as cancelled etc.

wealdroam

JReacher1 wrote: »

Could be useful to have that in the back locker if they suddenly rock up in 3 months with the new window!

If they turned up with a window I would be very disappointed.

It was a door that was ordered.

ThumbRemote

wealdroam wrote: »

If they turned up with a window I would be very disappointed.

It was a door that was ordered.

You buy one, and you get one free