Uber Eats refund

Benastrada

I can see a lot of people complaining that Uber Eats did not (or do not want to) refund their order... In my case they did, as they say 'the restaurant did not follow procedures so they acknowledge the error (my order was never delivered) 

Unfortunately, they did not refund the £3.14 I had added as a rider tip - I did not know, but Uber Eats charges this separately. I have been asking them to refund this for a week, an they've just put up a message that drove me bonkers saying 'we've added £3.14' to your wallet (that's a place on their website) toward a future Uber Ride as a thanks for your troubles.... OMG I am raging!!! I have put up three or 4 messages asking them for a refund but they are simply not answering. 

My questions: 
- since they agree the error is theirs. do they have a right not to refund but to offer a 'cash voucher' type thing instead
- who can I escalate this to, given that their online 'help' is anonymous and basically they ignore you once they've decided they won't talk to you anymore
I know £3.14 is petty, but it is a question of principle. I am quite happy to give the £3.14 to a charity, I just don't want Uber Eats to think they can do what they like with customers money like cowboys.... 

Any suggestion welcome! 

jon81uk

Why did you tip before you had anything delivered?

Ditzy_Mitzy

Whilst the situation is irritating, I really wouldn't waste any more time on it.  A tip is a discretionary payment made in addition to the usual consideration agreed in a contract for goods or services, as such it is a 'gift' to the other party and does not fall under said contract.  The Consumer Rights Act won't apply and, as @jon81uk asked, why have you 'tipped' in advance of the service actually being performed?  Uber are within their rights to keep the money - nobody has provision to demand that gifts are given back - and have offered something to do with it.  

Aylesbury_Duck

Instead of raging over 3.14, try being as nice as Pi about it and see if you can get round the policy.

born_again

Why add a tip before delivery?
Certainly not MSE recommended..😶‍🌫️
Tips are for good service provided.