Magazine subscription

Ynysmon

I have recently sent off for a magazine subscription. I filled in the form in the magazine and sent a cheque for the amount quoted as printed on the form. A message has been left on my phone telling me that they made a printing error for the amount that I should have paid. They have told me that I could have a refund or instead have fewer magazines for the amount of money that I sent (the subscription should have been more). How do I stand? Do I have to accept what they have offered, or do I stick to what they printed in the magazine. Much appreciate any help. 

Aylesbury_Duck

They can refund you and put you back in the position you were in.

unholyangel

When do the T&C's state a contract is formed/what constitutes their acceptance? 

Was it an obvious mistake? 

Ynysmon

They had made a fairly obvious mistake on their subscription. Have been trying to look up the terms and conditions. Thinking of phoning company and try to come up with a mutual agreement. Apparently a contract is formed when they have accepted payment for the subscription, which they have not.

davidmcn

If they haven't banked the cheque (have they?) I doubt you can argue that a contract has been formed.

KatrinaWaves

Ynysmon said:

They had made a fairly obvious mistake on their subscription. Have been trying to look up the terms and conditions. Thinking of phoning company and try to come up with a mutual agreement. Apparently a contract is formed when they have accepted payment for the subscription, which they have not.

Gotta love people who try and take advantage of 'fairly obvious mistakes'

Even if they had banked the cheque, and accepted payment, obvious mistakes can be cancelled. You have no legal recourse. They may offer you a goodwill gesture for trying to take advantage of their mistake. I hope they don't, it sets bad precedents and prioritises you over honest customers.

Ynysmon

Have just seen that they have banked and received payment this morning. Have they just formed a contract? Does this now mean that they now have to honour the subscription?

davidmcn

Ynysmon said:

Have just seen that they have banked and received payment this morning. Have they just formed a contract? Does this now mean that they now have to honour the subscription?

Can you give us an idea of the sums involved? We can't really tell from what you've told us whether it ought to have been obvious that it was an error. Plus of course it may not be worth your time and money pursuing it further.

Ynysmon

The amount they should have asked for was £37.40, what they printed on the form was £7.40. This is for magazine that I usually pick up for £1.50 at the newsagents. This subscription was for a period of 6 months. I was quite happy just picking it up on a weekly basic, but my husband saw the offer, so I thought I would try and see what happens. I do realise that accidents do occur, just trying to find out who has what rights.

The_Rainmaker

Ynysmon said:

 I thought I would try and see what happens.

You tried and you have seen, so time to withdraw,

Ynysmon

Sounds like good advice. Thanks for your help.