Getting deposit back for changing mind on bathroom refurb

Smudge0_7

Yesterday I had a quote for a full bathroom refurb from a company I found on line that appeared to have amazing reviews. A very charming man came round measured up my bathroom and produced an image of what my new bathroom would look like. I was pleased with the results and agreed to proceed at a cost of £4600. He said a deposit of £1300 was required by bank transfer was required which I paid. The company name however that he gave me for the bank details differed to the name on the website. At the time I didn't think anything about it. However this morning I thought I would Google the company name he gave me and the reviews I found are shocking. All 1*. They are saying the company are cowboys and conmen. I'm now realising I have made a massive mistake and was wondering if anyone knows whether I could get the whole of my deposit back. 

Aylesbury_Duck

Smudge0_7 said:

Yesterday I had a quote for a full bathroom refurb from a company I found on line that appeared to have amazing reviews. A very charming man came round measured up my bathroom and produced an image of what my new bathroom would look like. I was pleased with the results and agreed to proceed at a cost of £4600. He said a deposit of £1300 was required by bank transfer was required which I paid. The company name however that he gave me for the bank details differed to the name on the website. At the time I didn't think anything about it. However this morning I thought I would Google the company name he gave me and the reviews I found are shocking. All 1*. They are saying the company are cowboys and conmen. I'm now realising I have made a massive mistake and was wondering if anyone knows whether I could get the whole of my deposit back. 

If they are conmen, you're going to find it difficult.  What have you got in the way of a contract?  Have you got their registered address?

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

OP it reads as if you have an off premises contract (assuming you didn't go to their place of business first, they visited your home and you agreed the contract there at the time) which comes with a 14 day cooling off period but as above if they are conmen then enforcing your rights may be difficult.

Even if you went down a legal route the company may close before you get paid or may have no assets.

I know £1300 is a lot of money but for me personally I'd rather lose that than let "cowboys" work in my home. 

First step is to ask to cancel, if the refuse then mention the right to (assuming the contract was formed as above). 

If that doesn't work you have to decide whether or not to let these people work on your home and if you decide not to then will have to decide whether to chase the deposit via small claims. It isn't particularly expensive to do, just a question of whether it's fruitless. 

Smudge0_7

I signed a contract in my home. I have got their registered address on the contract which the man who came out with said is where he lives. 

macman

Why did you not insist on putting at least a token amount on a card to give you some protection? Never ever use bank transfer.

Smudge0_7

macman said:

Why did you not insist on putting at least a token amount on a card to give you some protection? Never ever use bank transfer.

I know. I feel really stupid right now. I've never had anything like this happen before. I have contacted him and he keeps sending me good reviews that have been left for him and he has given me some of his happy customers phone numbers to contact them which I haven't because it's just a bit wierd and they are probably his friends or family. I have asked for my deposit back and he said I need to send the contract back and his accountant will sort it but he's already spent it on things for the refurb which I find unlikely as I gave him the money late on Friday evening and it's now only Sunday. This will be deducted from my deposit so I asked him for proof of these purchases which he obviously can't provide as he's lying. 

DB1904

Smudge0_7 said:

macman said:

Why did you not insist on putting at least a token amount on a card to give you some protection? Never ever use bank transfer.

I know. I feel really stupid right now. I've never had anything like this happen before. I have contacted him and he keeps sending me good reviews that have been left for him and he has given me some of his happy customers phone numbers to contact them which I haven't because it's just a bit wierd and they are probably his friends or family. I have asked for my deposit back and he said I need to send the contract back and his accountant will sort it but he's already spent it on things for the refurb which I find unlikely as I gave him the money late on Friday evening and it's now only Sunday. This will be deducted from my deposit so I asked him for proof of these purchases which he obviously can't provide as he's lying. 

If he's already bought them then as him to provide them as you're being charged for them.  

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

If he has spent money on things for the refurb that’s fine as they’ll belong to you and should be given to you.

Agreeing to cancel and stating any funds kept is simply payment for goods doesn’t put him in a good position should you not get either the full deposit or part refund and the goods. 

I would just push for whatever refund he is willing to give as getting anything back to begin with is a good idea and then chase the rest.