Gift experience cancelled by company - now refusing to refund

soph379

Husband booked me and and a friend (who lives at the other end of the country) on a cookery course. We've just had a message through from the company to say it's cancelled, and they've offered to rebook us on an alternative date. Friend can't make the dates they're running over the next few months, and after that, I'll be heavily pregnant, so not able to take part. We've explained this to them and asked for a refund, but all they're offering is that we can rebook up to 12 months later, or have gift vouchers to spend in their shop. What are our rights here? Should we be entitled to a cash refund? Husband is pretty cross, as it was expensive, and there's no way we're going to be able to do the course, and we wouldn't ever spend that much in the shop usually. Thanks for any advice!!

Thrugelmir

Take another friend with you? 

elsien

Is rebooking for next year not going to be an option?
What is the reason the course was cancelled, and is there anything in their terms and conditions that covers this? 

soph379

To answer the questions so far: the course was a gift for friend’s significant birthday, so as she’s not able to attend, we’d rather have a refund. Would also prefer not to rebook for next year as will either be heavily pregnant or dealing with a new baby and return to work. We haven’t been given a reason why the course has been cancelled, will check with husband about what the t&c’s said. Surely though if they’re not providing a service, we should be entitled to a refund?

Diamandis

It's going to depend on  the terms and conditions and on what was bought. Did he specifically buy spots on a course for 31 August (for example) or did he buy a voucher that was then used to book a specific date?

soph379

Thanks - was booked on a specific date 

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

How was the course booked?