How much compensation should I ask for?

garry232

Hello everyone

I purchased a kitchen from B&Q in October, in response to a letter that guaranteed delivery before Christmas.

Everything arrived in time except for the Samsung fridge/freezer which is not coming until mid January. I wasn't informed of the fact it would be late until 17th December, thus denying me the chance to purchase one elsewhere (Comet had them in stock and could have delivered in time had I known).

I spent over £5000 in total on the kitchen, but without a fridge it was unusable for Christmas (it's a new kitchen, not an upgrade). I also spent a whole working day on phone calls to B&Q, Samsung and NYK Logistics (they are the people who will eventually deliver it.)

I have written to B&Q requesting compensation, but no reply as yet. What do people think I should be entitled to? What value do you put on having to share your parents kitchen at Christmas? Also how about loss of a days earnings while being passed around to various phone numbers and kept on hold for hours?

DaisyFlower

I doubt you would get a days loss or earnings for phonecalls - usually around £25 for out of pocket expenses.

As for the delay, check your paperwork for clauses - when we ordered our kitchen it stated they would not be held responsible for any delays and costs incurred.

I wouldnt place any "financial value" on sharing a kitchen with my parents, families help each other out - cant imagine any judge awarding you compensation for using your parents kitchen.

pinkshoes

There is no real financial value on not being able to use your kitchen.

Why didn't you cancel the fridge freezer, and go out and buy another one on the 17th, as that was still 7 working days before christmas?

I would ask them to refund the cost of all the calls you've had to make, but there's probably some clause about electrical goods being delivered late!

Perhaps they'll knock 10% of the price of the fridge?

Markyt

I think you should be entitled to cancel the order and have a full refund.

RAMBLER

Markyt wrote: »

I think you should be entitled to cancel the order and have a full refund.

Can't really see that happening, but at least they may give you a definate date for your fridge. I regards to comp, see what they offer - some companies are excellent, but check your terms and conditions, to help you judge what may be fair compensation

Blacksheep1979

you're entitled to expenses due to what happened - which probably amount to your phone calls and not alot more. Did you emphasise that this was all needed by a given date when you ordered and have that put on the contract?

N79

As has been said - you can get back your costs in compensation and nothing else. This is, and has been for centuries, a guiding principle of English Law. In this case, the cost of making the phone calls. There is no cost associated with sharing your parents' kitchen, so you can not be compensated for it.

If the contract stipulated a delivery date then you can cancel the contract for a full refund (you will need to return the kitchen though). Or you could request a refund of the cost of the fridge and go out tonight and buy one elsewhere instead.

Maybe what you are really after is a guesture of goodwill from B and Q to say sorry for the late delivery? In which case ask politely and be clear what you want.

N79