Do I Have Legal Grounds To Sue?

[A_Low_Profile]

Hey guys, I recently paid a £200 deposit on a volunteer trip to Borneo, however I have now changed my mind and would rather spend the money and time on something else. The woman who came into my school said that i could claim back 90% (£180) back from the deposit if I choose to cancel. However, when I called the company to inform them that I was quitting, they said that they would not pay me back my money at all. They claim that it is in their terms and conditions that they can keep 10% of the trip cost (£396) and that I was misinformed about the ability to claim back my money. They now refuse to pay back my money despite me being told that I could infact claim my money back. Does this mean I have legal grounds to sue as long as I have evidence that they said I could claim the money back?

[tamborine]

Wow at that price Concorde would be de riguer.

Here is cheaper for plebs ;)

http://www.kuoni.co.uk/malaysia/borneo

[EDDIE51]

To answer the original question I do not think you have grounds to sue, the other party( the woman who came into school) will just say you misunderstood

[tamborine]

As its a group booking couldnt you be replaced or teacher might have insured against cancellations

[rockyracoon]

If it wasn't technically your money then would it be possible to transfer it across to someone else who is going.

[joko]

yes you cant just not go and spend the money on whatever you choose if people have donated for this trip

and no deposits are not usually refundable so it does sound like you probably misunderstood.

the point of a deposit is to hold a place for you, and ensure that they dont get people just not turning up or not paying

bit pointless asking for a desposit if you can just ask for it back ...

what evidence do you have? if its just her word of mouth then she will just say you misunderstood - you would need it in writing

[tonywiltshire]

You could take action in the small claims track if you are sure you can show what was promised and this is in the terms of the contract you signed.