Should I Ask For My Deposit Back?

pimento

I have paid a 50% deposit on some flooring that we were supposed to be having laid in a couple of weeks.  This morning, the company called and said they were closing for the duration of the coronavirus problem.
I asked if my deposit was safe and they said yes because my flooring had already been ordered and was in their warehouse waiting to be installed.  I don't think I'll be able to find another company who could supply and fit at the moment.
My question is, do I ask for my deposit back or trust that when this is all over, they will still be able to fit my flooring?
Deposit was paid by Visa Debit card and is for £2500.

The_Rainmaker

In the current climate I would want it delivered.  Pity you didn't pay with Credit Card.

pimento

According to Martin Lewis (on this site) I'm covered with a Visa Debit if the things I've bought don't arrive and I have 120 days to claim  BUT I'm mindful of the fact that if everybody waiting for installation claimed their deposits back, the company could go under and I don't really want that to happen.

The_Rainmaker

That is why I suggested getting it delivered (if you can store it) and at least one part of the job is complete and you don't have to worry.

pimento

No chance of getting it delivered, they've closed completely.

born_again

Technically if they have not delivered by the date they say, you would have a chargeback right for non receipt. 
A couple of issues.. One getting through to banks is very hard (can be hours) due to too many customers calling and not enough staff (sick) Two the company can reject the chargeback on the basis of Covid 19 and being forced to close. 
Also it is not going to get you the flooring you want any quicker.
You do have 120 days from date of expected delivery to action a chargeback. So if you want the flooring it might be prudent to hang on for now. Even if they do go under your refund is OK as it comes from their bank.

DoaM

born_again said:

Even if they do go under your refund is OK as it comes from their bank.

I'll bow to your expertise on this, but if the company has folded won't the OP merely be a creditor? I'm not sure a chargeback would work in such circumstances.

sheramber

The_Rainmaker said:

In the current climate I would want it delivered.  Pity you didn't pay with Credit Card.

How can it be delivered when the country is in lockdown? Delivering flooring is not an essential business so not allowed.  

The_Rainmaker

sheramber said:

The_Rainmaker said:

In the current climate I would want it delivered.  Pity you didn't pay with Credit Card.

How can it be delivered when the country is in lockdown? Delivering flooring is not an essential business so not allowed.  

Lots have changed in the last two days!

born_again

DoaM said:

born_again said:

Even if they do go under your refund is OK as it comes from their bank.

I'll bow to your expertise on this, but if the company has folded won't the OP merely be a creditor? I'm not sure a chargeback would work in such circumstances.

A chargeback will work. As I said any refund comes from their bank, how they get it back is their issue.
The crux as far as card rules go is No service is provided, unless they can prove they did. Which is very hard when there is no company still trading to contest.
Think of all the airlines and other companies that have gone bust in the last few years. Customers get their money back with no problems.
Can't think of one case where they have been contested. In fact where big companies are involved. The banks and card providers sit down and work out the best way to deal. Which often means that the normal procedures are thrown out and we can do chargebacks straight away and often without the need for any paperwork

born_again

sheramber said:

The_Rainmaker said:

In the current climate I would want it delivered.  Pity you didn't pay with Credit Card.

How can it be delivered when the country is in lockdown? Delivering flooring is not an essential business so not allowed.  

As far as it goes many companies are mail order only now, having had to shut stores. So you can still order pretty much anything you want. So long as the company is open to phone/internet orders.