Removals services - can I get a refund?

Emma64

Hi,
I'd appreciate some advice on this.

I needed to send several boxes of possessions plus some small furniture items to a European country. I contacted several removal companies, and settled on one called Aspin Removals.

I paid the fee (by mistake I paid the whole amount - yes stupid on my part I know, and I did email straight after asking if I could get the money minus the deposit, but they said no), and was told that I would be contacted nearer the pickup date with more details regarding time window and exact day etc (I'd be given a 3 days window in previous emails). Well, today is the last day of the 3 days window and I have not been contacted with the specific day (or anything else).

So either they're going to turn up without warning, or they're not going to turn up at all.

If they don't turn up, I want my money back, and was thinking of lodging a claim with the small claims court if necessary. Now - and this may be a stupid question - can I actually do that? Or am I obliged to use their services at a time that suits them (say they email me saying that they couldn't do the pick up in the dates I wanted but they can do it one week later, or on date X, for example)?

Also, can I be forced to use a mediation service? As far as I can tell, this is FAR more expensive.

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.


Thank you!

bris

You could try making the font big enough to read.

Emma64

Thanks - done - it looked normal sized on my screen, so I had no way to know.

[Deleted User]

Emma64 wrote: »

[was told that I would be contacted nearer the pickup date with more details regarding time window and exact day etc (I'd be given a 3 days window in previous emails). Well, today is the last day of the 3 days window and I have not been contacted with the specific day (or anything else).

Instead of posting on the internet about using a mediation service or even going to court, have you thought of actually simply contacting the firm and asking for an update? Today lasts all day, so the deadline hasn't even passed yet!

Emma64

Well, I'm hoping to find out where I stand legally. If I do find out, it's still useful information, as far as I'm concerned.

agrinnall

I'd guess that they will turn up, but if they don't how did you pay, and how much was it (more or less than £100 rather than a specific amount)?

soolin

Emma64 wrote: »

Well, I'm hoping to find out where I stand legally. If I do find out, it's still useful information, as far as I'm concerned.

As above, at the moment forget the legalities as advice given on here will change depending on what the company tells you.

How did you pay and what have you got in writing from them about guaranteed collection dates?

You admit that you are still within the suggested time frame, so surely a phone call won't hurt?

Emma64

I paid by bank transfer.
It was several hundred pounds.

Emma64

Everything was arranged by several emails. These laid out a pick up and delivery window, and I was also told by email they would be in touch with a more specific date/ time nearer the date. I can dig out the exact words if that matters.

[Deleted User]

Emma64 wrote: »

I paid by bank transfer.

You realise that's the preferred payment method of scammers? Why did you use a Bank Transfer? That's like paying with cash and offers you no protection if things go wrong..

Emma64

Yes, I realise that was a mistake. Does that mean I have no legal rights if they don't turn up and refuse to reimburse me (or is that a silly question)? (I did some research, and they seem a legit company, though you never know these days, of course.)