what's the next step

[chazza]

We paid �90 (cash) in a shop for a computer part which should have been in within 2 weeks and the shop was to ring us when the part was in. That was in February and when my bf went back to the shop he was told that they hadn't got the part yet and they can't refund him unless the manager is in (which he never is), adn they never answer the phone either

I know it is strange to ask for the money upfront but we had no reason to believe that the company is not legit.

What should our next step be to get the money back? Trading standards? We have a receipt for the money

[mrs_overall]

I'd write a letter to them saying that if they cannot supply the part within the next 7 days, you want your money refunded. Point out that if they fail to do either, you will notify Trading Standards and consider taking them to the Small Claims Court. Either deliver the letter by hand or send it recorded delivery.

[chazza]

Thanks! In the meantime they have promised to give us the money tomorrow (my bf got through to them by phone), he has told them to expect a solicitors letter / letter from the small claims court if he doesn't come away with the full sum.

I think I will contact trading standards about them anyway as I do not believe they are acting within the law

[tigersam258]

this is a bit of a grey area in that they suggested that the part would be within two weeks but unless that was documented then it is difficult to say that they have done anything wrong.

you should consider what was the part and whether any other shop could have provided this in a fraction of the time. always a good idea to get a couple of quotes to repair a computer as you would with a car for example to ensure that you get the best deal and service level.

most retailers need to establish and uphold a reputation therefore suggest to them that you will write to the local newspaper as well as they are generally interested in finding out snippets to investigate. this may make them think again about treating customers like this in future.

[chazza]

No this was the only place we could "find" it! After searching online for ages and going to computer shops!

I agree we should have got them to write on the receipt the delivery time but we had no reason to doubt them at the time!

[tigersam258]

what the hell did you need? The codes to Zion?

If it is indeed that rare that only one place can get it then there is likely to be supply issues. Perhaps they could have warned you about the difficulties that they may face but I would suggest that you give them the opportunity to supply by the end of the month and if not deliverable then a full refund would be required. You should also get this in writing to form a contract so that you have a legal claim on monies paid.