New Kitchen - Fitter not returned refund money

sharpj

Hi
I had a new kitchen ordered and delivered into my garage ready for the fitter to install. The fitter installed the kitchen and I paid the bill - Job Done.
However, some weeks later while I was de-cluttering some paperwork I came across the Delivery Note. After checking the Delivery note I found that some items had not been installed and were no longer in my garage. So, I rang the kitchen company and queried the items missing from the note and was told they had been refunded by the fitter and credited to his account. I asked if it was normal for the fitter to reimburse the customer with this money, she replied yes. I then spoke to the branch manager about this money and he said, that there was a flaw in the system, and further stated the fitter had perhaps forgotten to pay me back. So I sent the fitter a reminder and acted as though he had forgotten to pay me back, I even told him to login to his account to see what the items were. I just got a blunt refusal from him stating he didn't owe me anything. 
I have sent official complaints to the Branch Manager and Central Office but I have not had any response. 
As far as I am concerned,
1) The fitter took the items from my garage without my knowledge or consent.
2) He refunded the items and credited his trade account.
3) He has not paid me (the customer) back.
So, what can I do?  I am tempted to call the Police for theft.
Thanks in advance for your replies.

Manxman_in_exile

You didn't notice part of your new kitchen had not been installed?  What was missing and what did it cost?

DCFC79

Maybe start the small claims online process, I dont think the police will get involved but you can ask.

comeandgo

Did you pay the kitchen company directly for the kitchen units or did you pay the fitter?  

sharpj

For Example:- The fitter suggested that I purchase a larger Glass Splashback from another supplier, which cost me £305. He returned the original splashback and had the money credited to his account and not returned to me. Plus, another 3 items - I have spoken to another kitchen fitter who works for the same firm and he told me that the fitter owes me the money and has taken me for a ride.

sharpj

The Fitter sent me a quote for the complete job, so I paid him and then he paid the kitchen company.

comeandgo

So you agreed a price and paid him.  So why do you think you are due any money back.

sharpj

So you would expect the items I paid for and not used to still be in my garage not at the kitchen company.

sharpj

I had already bought a tap, but the fitter ordered a tap and then took it back and got the money for it for himself. Where's my money?

photome

I am confused. Did you agree a price for the kitchen and the fitting together ?

If so did you pay that price and if you did I don’t see how you are out of pocket 

but as I said it’s a confusing story.

If you agreed separate prices one for kitchen and one for fitting again did you pay what you were quoted

David713

Do you have a contact address for the fitter? and what is the approximate value of the items?

If so, I would stop being polite and send them 2 letters, one signed for and one "normal" post (making sure that you get proof of postage) advising them that they have 14 days to either return your goods or to provide a full refund for them and failure to do so will result in your reporting them for theft (which is what it is) and pursuing them through the court system. (but depending on the value, this may not be worthwhile doing). 

comeandgo said:

So you agreed a price and paid him.  So why do you think you are due any money back.

Yes, they agreed a price and paid him but this doesn't give the fitter the legal right to remove items from the OP's house without permission.
If you booked your car into a garage for some work, paid for that work and then took your car home, what would you do if you found that one of the mechanics had taken your spare wheel out of your vehicle, sold it and kept the money for themselves?