PCWorld agreed to exchange item, then ran out of stock, what can I do

Spicy_McHaggis

PC World can say they'll just refund me

chiefnoodle wrote: »

OK lets give credit to PC World where credit is due...
Just spoke to a manager who agreed I can order the non-reduced item and they'll refund the difference.:j
Thanks for everyone's feedback and voting, the fact that everyone thought I was wrong (sniff) makes me more impressed with PC World so I'm happy to leave a good report on them.

You were/are wrong, it's a good will gesture and not a right.

Fosterdog

PC World can say they'll just refund me

Sometimes I wish companies wouldn't do things like this as good will, it makes idiots think they are right.

As for your one cow for two sheep analogy you were exactly right if you offer a cow for two sheep and they can't supply both you get your cow back not two goats instead.
In this instance the cow is the money you paid for the sheep, they sent two goats instead so you sent the goats back to get back your cow back not to keep the mistakenly sent goats.

OlliesDad

PC World can say they'll just refund me

chiefnoodle wrote: »

Contracts are formed when the retailer sends email saying they'll dispatch the order, not when you receive the correct item

Just thought I would correct this despite you having a positive resolution. Most contracts are formed when the item is dispatched (not just an email saying they will dispatch it). As the correct item was never dispatched the contract was never formed.

chiefnoodle

I can say I want my item back (unless they make alternative acceptable/reasonable arrangements)

OlliesDad wrote: »

Just thought I would correct this despite you having a positive resolution. Most contracts are formed when the item is dispatched (not just an email saying they will dispatch it). As the correct item was never dispatched the contract was never formed.

Thanks - have since found http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/consumer_w/consumer_different_ways_of_buying_e/consumer_buying_by_internet_mail_order_or_phone_e/how_a_distance_sale_contract_is_made.htm

It looks like there are no general rules on when the contract is formed, it depends on the retailer - the wording of their email and their T&Cs. A bit confusing really

Thanks for pointing this out

bod1467

The contract is formed on acceptance of payment .... UNLESS there are contractual T&Cs that change this and specify when a contract is formed.