How long do trading standards take to reply?

cupid07

I contacted the CAB and they forwarded my complaint to Trading standards on 14/01/2019, its been nearly two weeks and i've not heard a single thing. Am i right in thinking that if they don't contact me, they won't be doing anything? How does this work exactly? Will they contact me for more details or just decide on the evidence I gave?

NeilCr

They may or may not contact you

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards/

hollydays

You can post your issue here if you wish.

cupid07

hollydays wrote: »

You can post your issue here if you wish.

I purchased some items online and the company sent me a fake tracking number, I could tell this was true as it wasn't my signature or from my local delivery office but over 100 miles away. I asked for the goods to be sent to me, but they kept on stating that they had been delivered! I then asked for a refund and they refused, again stating that the delivery company would need to investigate first! And that it was my responsibility to liase with the delivery company - that they wouldn't be contacting them. Then i mentioned I'd be reporting them to Trading Standards and as soon as I did, they refunded me. I'm wondering how many other people they are sending out fake tracking numbers to and refusing refunds to? Obviously my case is resolved but I'm sure their attitude and their practices are in need of investigation.

hollydays

Are this company based in the uk?
Could you simply have not put the tracking number into the couriers website, and what did it say?

AndyMc.....

If you've already been refunded then what's the problem?

DCFC79

What is the website ?


Your contract is with the retailer/website and not the courier.

How did you pay ?

[Deleted User]

cupid07 wrote: »

I'm wondering how many other people they are sending out fake tracking numbers to and refusing refunds to? Obviously my case is resolved but I'm sure their attitude and their practices are in need of investigation.

These days Trading Standards don't respond to individual complaints and they usually only act if numerous similar complaints are received about the same business.

If you received a refund by threatening that you would contact Trading Standards, why on earth did you then actually follow through on your threat? What actual evidence do you have that the company provided a "false" tracking number? Are you sure you weren't simply mistaken in some way?

Regardless, Trading Standards won't routinely inform you of any subsequent investigation they might make of this firm, though they can certainly request more information from you if they require it.

As you state, your complaint has already been resolved so you should not expect to hear any more about this.
If, however, you have solid evidence that this firm definitely acted illegally you should report them to Action Fraud. Otherwise, simply shop elsewhere in future.

TreeofLife

AndyMc..... wrote: »

If you've already been refunded then what's the problem?

What's the problem?
1) He's wondering how many other people have been fleeced - considerate and responsible;
2) He had to waste his time and effort to chase it;
3) He reported the problem to Trading Standards and hasn't had a reply, so not unreasonably he has asked the question on here for help;
4) Just because you get your money back, it doesn't make it okay, how about a goodwill gesture, an apology, letting others know about the cowboys out there.

Well done to him, I say.

TreeofLife

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

These days Trading Standards don't respond to individual complaints and they usually only act if numerous similar complaints are received about the same business.

If you received a refund by threatening that you would contact Trading Standards, why on earth did you then actually follow through on your threat? What actual evidence do you have that the company provided a "false" tracking number? Are you sure you weren't simply mistaken in some way?

Regardless, Trading Standards won't routinely inform you of any subsequent investigation they might make of this firm, though they can certainly request more information from you if they require it.

As you state, your complaint has already been resolved so you should not expect to hear any more about this.
If, however, you have solid evidence that this firm definitely acted illegally you should report them to Action Fraud. Otherwise, simply shop elsewhere in future.

Trading Standards in times of austerity - same as Austerity Policing and Austerity Enforcement and Austerity Health & Safety......

With all this austerity about, it's easy fleece people and get away with it, no one cares anymore.

[Deleted User]

TreeofLife wrote: »

no one cares anymore.

Indeed.
I'm certain my post suggested an alternative to Trading Standards, if the OP has compelling evidence of wrong-doing.

However, I suspect he or she doesn't have such evidence.