Company totally ignoring the 2015 Consumer Rights Act

AndyP1957

I had the misfortune to purchase an item from a company in Stockport recently which failed immediately. After several requests they agreed to accept it back BUT I had to use the cheapest courier from a website they suggested. Needless to say I was not sending this uninsured.
The item was inspected by them and a report produced saying that an intermittent fault had been found. They then disassembled the item but could find nothing wrong thereafter, so in their opinion the item was not faulty and I was not entitled to my courier fees to be refunded. I disputed this as buying an item when it fails immediately I should not have to disassemble the electronics.
Day 14 after receipt back by them the refund of monies paid was not received as required by the Law. At this point they attributed delays due to Co-vid19, fair enough on the face of it, subsequent searching on review websites later showed they consistently ignored Consumer Law and timings.
They said 3 to 5 days and the money would be back with me. Infact it was received 7 days later, they did not pay my return courier fee AND then deducted a further charge for sending me the item originally even though it was sold with Free Delivery.
My understanding of the Act is that they are also not allowed to deduct money from the original purchase price (it was returned inside 7 days of ordering).
This company never answers a telephone and insists on everything by email which they ignore or don't answer specific questions.
Ok on the purchase of this expensive radio control item from them I am only about £20 out of pocket BUT thats not the point, especially having seen all the reviews, and also finding out they offer discounts if people leave them a glowing review. Trouble is to take them to Small Claims Court is a further £25, and then if I want the Court to enforce and get payment at least another £77.
Any suggestions as the Company continues to ignore my formal complaints as they have dozens of other disgruntled consumers. 
I have now reported them to Trading Standards not only for the above breaches, but their website does not meet guidelines, and neither does their invoices.

DoaM

The law says (paraphrased for ease) if the goods are faulty then:

1) the consumer is entitled to a refund of the purchase price plus any delivery cost. (Within the first 30 days from purchase/receipt and the seller accepts them as faulty)
2) the seller is liable for all costs in making the goods conform to contract (or making the contract as if it had never been entered - i.e. giving a refund). This includes any returns costs.

hollydays

For some reason Stockport is a well known area for scammers . Have you googled every bit of information you have about the including limited company name

eddddy

So I guess your question is really something like... When a company owes you £20 (e.g. because they've breached a contract), what can you do to force them to pay?

The bottom line is the only way you can force them to pay is by taking them to court.

Although, other things you can try include...

• Threaten to take them to court - e.g. by sending a letter before action
• Shame them with reviews on social media
• Never use them again (and advise others not to use them)
• Attempt a chargeback for 'Credit Not Processed' if you paid by credit / debit card
• If the item you bought cost over £100 originally and you paid by credit card, the bank might still be jointly liable for the £20 breach of contract