Returned item to Victorian Plumbing and was destroyed

benn1

We bought a cabinet from Victorian Plumbing which we later returned as it was not required for our bathroom refurb.

sent back via ParcelForce,

Victorian Plumbing claimed the item was damaged on return and sent images saying we needed to speak to courier to get money back,

We did not believe we had claim against the courier company so asked for the item to be returned to us as it was just a slight mark and we thought we could probably sell on at a reduced price and recoup some money.

Victorian Plumbing ignored the messages and then when chased claimed that the item had been destroyed and only option was to claim from courier company.

We have finally located the tracking details and discovered that Parcelforce wont cover us as over 1 month (our own fault for not checking sooner)

Should Victorian Plumbing have destroyed the item ? Is there any comeback as it seems they have washed their hands of it and refuse to even offer anything.

Aylesbury_Duck

Who organised the return and paid for the return postage? If VP did, then any problems with it are their responsibility. I think the fact that VP have subsequently disposed of the item helps you out - they can't refuse a refund and keep/destroy what therefore remains your property. They owe you the item or its value.

I'd send VP a letter before action asking for the value of the cabinet. See what they say. If you're happy to acknowledge the mark on it was caused by you, you ask for the revised value of the item, i.e. what you think you could sell it for on the likes of eBay.

How much are we talking about? A letter before action costs little to nothing to send, but you'll have to decide whether the sum involved makes it sensible to see through on your threat of court action.

benn1

Hi, we returned the cabinet (£200 retail) to them via Parcelforce, They gave a return code and address,

Basically they are saying the item was damaged and therefore its courier fault if we sent it back and now its been destroyed.

No offer of a lower refund value etc.

Ms_Chocaholic

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82142326#Comment_82142326

What do you mean by they sent a return code. Who paid for the return postage.

benn1

We Paid for the postage.

When I said a returns code i meant they sent a code which allowed us to return the item.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

There are two views, either you wasn’t due a refund and they were an involuntary bailee in which case they shouldn’t have destroyed it.

Easier option you were exercising your right to cancel and they can’t refuse that, equally as their terms don’t comply with the CCRs they can’t impose a deduction.

Send a letter before action then file a court claim.

born_again

How long after purchase was it returned?

benn1

Item was returned within the initial 30 days

Ergates

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82142326#Comment_82142326

Not sure now they wrangle them destroying the item into it being the couriers fault.