Outdoor Table Tennis Table - Save £300 !! [CLOSED]

osagefo

arushofblood wrote:

Just had a call from Trading Standards. Apparently all that B&Q need to do is offer a full refund, any extra payment is at their discretion and not necessary as far as they are concerned legally.

Anyone else heard anything ?

I have not heard anything yet as I just lodged my complaint today. But I think that this is really shameful and unethical really. I think it would have to be a case for watch dog then if Trading Standards are saying that B & Q are acting legally. I sometimes wonder about varying quality of Trading Standards advice but how can it be reasonable to take someones cash knowing that there is no guarantee of stock. Would I be able to get away with the same if I set up a company to supply a very expensive product at what appears to be a bargain price but a long delivery period. A few weeks later I then advise the item is out of stock so I am returning the cash. We are looking at a very profitable enterprise where millions could be collected from potential punters, invested for a couple of weeks risk free, and then the cash returned without penalty, making a profit a no risk to the scammer. I am sure there should be a name for this kind of scam, but I cannot think of a filthy word to call it. Lets see who could come up with the appropriate term.

I have got enough bargains of recommendations of this site that not having the Outdoor TT would not kill. It is rather ironic, I had no inclination to purchase more things for the kids but I thought I would be accused of being selfish if I just ordered stuff I wanted. Now they have theirs and I have nought.

Pricy147

Has anyone tried Citizens Advise Buraeu? They may be able to advise on small claims procedures, and loss of bargain. I would have done myself - but have been overloaded with work today!

From what I have read on loss of bargain - it sounds like we are wel within our rights!

trademark

B&Q are lying when they say they have been let down by their supplier ....

if they were buying in tables and selling them at 90 odd quid then given their usual mark up/profit margins (large) the supplier would have to be giving these tables away (ive got one , believe me its an expensive piece of kit), i would say a priceing error has occurred but given the fact they were also knocking out the kids garden equipment aswell i presume its just a space creating excercise and they got caught out with poor stock taking .

poor service from B&Q yet again

JasonLVC

This can't be a pricing error.

It's not like it was supposed to be £299.99 not £29.99

The page had "70% off all stock"and a 'before price" and "after price". Not a pricing error, B&Q wanted to shift stock, hence reduced prices.

They messed up by taking more orders than they had stock. They messed up by sending stock to some people who had ordered later and not sending stock to those who ordered first.

When I ordered, got call, 'in stock', come delivery day, they deliver a few pieces of wood, the rest is out of stock. Muppets.

shark_slayer

I was one of the lucky few who took receipt of the table last friday (although it was dented in places), and kids are having great fun, already lost count how many balls i seem to keep buying as they split or get lost in the garden bushes. Mine is also covered with finger marks, but what the heck its an outdoor table, and it will be covered in pigeon poo before long, now thats when the problems start! I was very pleased with how easy it folds up, and my cover seems to fit ok. It is used under supervision so will keep a close eye on it incase any movement, would have liked to have seen a wheel lock.

I am very saddened to read of so many people's disappointments and the dreadful way B&Q have dealt with this. Keep up the pressure guys, and I really hope you get a result of somesort soon. I certainly feel they should offer a considerable amount of compensation if not the table - why can't they order more from Plums direct to honour these orders they accepted, it's not the consumers fault if their stock levels were incorrect. :mad:

osagefo

Frogling wrote:

Could everyone who has had problems with B&Q please PM me with brief details. I am going to collate some stats on how many of us have been let down, and shall then take it further as appropriate based on the numbers.

I think that this might be a case of strength in numbers, so please add your voice to the cause!

Just thought I would post here as well (from the B & Q 75% off Sale thread) for info as this was part of the same offer.
Ps.Frogling was the original poster of the B & Q sale thread.

Pricy147

Just had a response from consumercomplaints.org - sounds like we are definatelt covered with loss of bargain. Can anyone confirm for definate if the table being sold by Argos is exactly the same?

Mail below....

---

Hi Nicola,

Many thanks for the advice. I have heard of the loss of bargain which I assume needs to go through the small claims court. The table purchased is available elsewhere (the exact model) at a much more expensive price (Circe #300.00 more). I know I am not the only one affected by this, and you may have had similar queries from other members of the public who are intending to pursue this.

Please could you advise how I proceed with the loss of bargain through the small claims court? Is there a web site or information freely available on the process I need to go through?

Many Thanks for the help.
Marcel Price

---

Original Message

---

From:
Sent: 02 August 2005 12:08
To:
Subject: Consumer complaint re B & Q

Hello Mr Price

The enquiry you recently made to consumercomplaints.org has been forwarded to this authority for advice to be given.

From the information supplied, I would agree that when you placed your order online and made payment, you had entered into a legally binding contract with the retailer. However, they have breached that contract by not being able to supply the goods in question, so effectively they are in the wrong. The remedy for this breach would be a refund of money, which, I understand has been offered.

In these circumstances, the law wouldn't automatically say that a consumer should be entitled to any additional compensation for the breach, but there is a common law principle called 'loss of bargain' which you may try and use.

If you were able to purchase the item (which must be identical in all
manner) elsewhere and you have to pay more than you originally paid, you can claim this extra amount as 'loss of bargain'. Although, I must say in all my years as an advisor, I have never known any consumer to effectively use this provision as it is usually very difficult to obtain a comparable item.

My advice in this situation would be to take the refund.

Yours sincerely



N J MURPHY
Consumer Advisor
Trading Standards Division
City & County of Swansea

RoB_Fernandez

My sister (a lawyer) has just spoken to a lady called 'Pip' who deals with PR for B&Q. They apparently had no idea that there are so many aggreived customers (?), and are now going to look into things. She is particularly interested in getting details of those of us who are having difficulties.

They haven't provided a direct number for us complainee's so I'd just call HQ on: 02380 257 257 and ask to speak to/leave details for Pip in PR.

In the mean time don't get disheartened, we're not going to stop until something is done and nor should you.

B&Q could offer more: My sister had a kitchen supplied by them and the worktops were defective, they paid for the full re-fitting costs and provided new worktops (£600 worth, £480 of which was given by cheque).

Come on Pip, do something reasonable £20 is not enough. There are children who won't have their toys because of B&Q and parents who may not be able to stretch to buy them a comparable item elsewhere.

arushofblood

Thanks RoB Fernandez

Direct number ( apparently ! ) 02380257486

arushofblood

Ed Doolan Show...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/england/radiowm/contact.shtml

He'll give 'em hell !!!