Supplier fails to deliver complete matching bathroom suite

Purbec

Hi there, I’m looking for a bit of advice on my rights in the following situation. I purchased a new bathroom suite and tiles in store from a bathroom company. The vanity unit and bath panel were matching. They said the bath panel an radiator were out of stock but would follow within a week. He raised 2 orders so the first would not be delayed and I received 2 confirmation emails confirming the delivery dates of both orders. The first arrived and the second was due 2 days later. It didn’t arrive. When I chased the company they said the courier had lost it and they had to wait a few days to see if it turned up before re-ordering. I received another email with a new delivery date but again it didn’t arrive. I placed a new order for additional matching items that were delivered within a couple of days. They then told me the radiator was out of stock so I chose another one which was then delivered.  The bath panel delivery was rearranged for a third time on their own transport but again didn’t turn up. I found out 3 weeks later that the bath panel was not in stock and wouldn’t be available until February. The bathroom installation is complete apart from the bath panel. Does anyone know what my rights are? 

tacpot12

Although you have rights due to the late delivery, your remedy is to return all the (matching) items for a full refund. I suspect that you really don't want to do this. The best outcome might be to you receive the bath panel in February and get a bit of discount on it. I think it reasonable that you have a refund on the cost of the panel and that they take payment for it again when it is ready to ship to you. There is no reason why they should have the benefit of your money for three months!

I think the supplier will be embarrassed by the delay, so might go out of their way to find a temporary bath panel you can have for free (perhaps with you just paying for delivery) so that don't have a yawning gap under the bath for three months.

Exercising your rights here is not going to produce the best outcome. It would be best to use the situation to save a it of money on a set of matching items that you really want to complete the bathroom. 

Purbec

Thank you for the advice and taking the time to respond. I will ask for a temporary refund and as well as replacement.

tacpot12

Do let us know how you get on. 

Fosterdog

Personally I wouldn't bother with the temporary refund, it weakens your case if come February the bath panel does not become available. Them having the benefit of your money has possibly gained them around £5 at most in interest so really not worth over complicating the situation over.

DiddyDavies

If you know the model or part number of the panel, have you phoned or checked online with a few different suppliers to see if anyone else has it in stock? (providing of course that it's not an item that's sold by one specific retailer or chain).