Garden Buildings Direct / BillyOh / Kybotech – small claims mediation pending. Any experiences?

GeoffsShed

How I wish I had checked this Forum before buying a shed from Garden Buildings Direct (instead of only looking at the quick and places to check). It is clear from comments here over many years what sort of company they are. Their profits seem to be invested in marketing and clever legal drafting/protection but not in sourcing good-quality sheds, delivery services or support staff (ie what one might be thought of as a shed business). IMHO.

Inevitably I am now in a small-claims dispute with Garden Buildings Direct (Kybotech Ltd) over delayed delivery and related costs. Delivery windows were set out in writing on the day of order and acknowledged by the company, but they ultimately dropped off parts outside those windows and with further issues.

The company relies on its T&Cs (of course) but has made a without-prejudice settlement offer. I have a telephone mediation scheduled.

I’d be grateful to hear from anyone who has:

• dealt with Garden Buildings Direct / BillyOh / Kybotech in a dispute, or

• been through small-claims mediation with this company.

Interested particularly in whether these suppliers tend to improve their position during mediation.

Thanks in advance.

TimeLord1

Focus on the Consumer Rights Act 2015: Instead of just arguing about their T&Cs, lean on the law. Goods must be "as described" and delivered within a "reasonable time." If they missed a contractually agreed window, they may be in breach of contract regardless of what their small print says about "estimates. Never accept a first offer; it's their lowest amount.

GreatUncleBulgariaC

How are you getting on with this / what stage are you at? I took them on robustly and got a full Section 75 refund. Was that not an option?

vikingaero

One of my friends wanted advice on buying a Shed and I told him to avoid GBD & Kybo.

GeoffsShed

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81896337#Comment_81896337

Thanks. My understanding is that to raise a Section 75 dispute with PayPal, one needs to do this within 180 days of purchase. My problem started with a delivery that fell outside 180 days.

GeoffsShed

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81837233#Comment_81837233

V good advice.

GeoffsShed

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81907365#Comment_81907365

I second that!

GreatUncleBulgariaC

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81940721#Comment_81940721

The 180 days starts from delivery not order. You are today (02/05/2026) still within 180 days. Get your claim in ASAP.

Okell

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81940721#Comment_81940721

No.

You need to distinguish between a s75 claim against your credit provider under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, a chargeback claim against your bank, and whatever protection PayPal gives you

s75 has no time limit apart from 6 years for breach of contract under the Limitation Act 1980.

The question is whether s75 applies in your case.

Was the purchase in excess of £100 and was the transaction with PayPal a consumer credit agreement regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974? (Clue - I have no idea if it was regulated or not as I don't know how PayPal works - I only ever pay direct by credit card to ensure s75 cover).

A chargeback claim is different from s75 and is time limited by your bank, but has no minimum spend limit.

I have no idea what protection PayPal offers as I've never paid by PayPal.