Made To Measure Curtains Not Long Enough!

[buffymad]

Went into a shop and ordered some curtains. I wanted one of the sizes shown on the list and was told they’d have to order them in. All fine.

Picked them up yesterday and after measuring them, found out they’re 1 to 2 inches short and this makes all the difference.

Phoned the shop and asked for a refund to be told they don’t do them! I said these weren’t fit for purpose as they weren’t the size I ordered. Still they said no.

He just kept saying bring them in. I said yes, you’ll measure them, see they’re not the specified length and then what? Will I get a refund then? He kept replying just bring them in.

What are my rights? They’ve got it wrong and I don’t particularly trust them now hence wanting a refund. I don’t know if they were made to measure as such as it was actually a standard size off the list shown, they just needed to order them in.

I wasn’t told at the outset that no refunds were permitted and didn’t see any signs saying that either.

Oh and they cost £130 which is why I’m so up in arms about this ...

[douglas9401]

I'd bring them in.

[Hopkirk]

Of course you got to take them into the shop.

Unless you give them the chance to measure them, they can't agree to take them back.

If they are proved not to be the length claimed, I don't see how they can refuse.

[Old_Geezer]

Out of interest, did they get the next standard size down, which can easily be resold, or was it just a complete failure ?

If you ordered the right size, I don't think they have a leg to stand on. In your shoes I'd take them in to prove the issue.

[TonyV]

Morning you will at least have to take them back to allow them to measure them. Are you measuring total length? If they are not as advertised, would you be happy with exchange for correct length?

[bhg481]

Did you measure the length of the curtains or the drop ie, the distance from the hooks/rings to the floor? The difference between those two measurements will be 1 to 2 inches. If the shop specified the length of cloth and you didn't notice, the fault is yours. If the shop specification was the drop, you have the right to your money back as they are not fit for purpose.

[Prudie]

Obviously you will have to take them back whatever to prove the discrepancy in length. If they are not as stated I think you are due a refund as they are faulty as long as it's within 30 days.

[buffymad]

Length was specified as 72 inches. Measuring from top to bottom (about 3 times now) it comes out at 70.5 inches.

I’m happy to take them back in but when he finds out I’m correct, they are too short, what then? He simply refused to answer when I said to him “so when you see it’s too short, will I get a refund?”.

I said consumer rights, not fit for purpose blah blah but he pretended not to hear that.

Looking on the website they say they’ll issue a credit not a refund. I didn’t buy from the website though and as I say, this wasn’t mentioned in the shop itself.

It’s a little store in a market with one person working there, although they have a few “proper stores” around the region.

[bhg481]

You are entitled to a refund, not a credit note. Credit notes are usually offered as a goodwill gesture when the fault lies with the customer, not the shop. You have been supplied with faulty goods and thus are entitled to a full refund. Trading Standards will sort it out if the shop remains awkward.

[THECORBYLOON]

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if the item is not as described, you have thirty days from the date of purchase to reject it and ask for a refund.

[douglas9401]

If what you say is right then he doesn't have an argument.

You, on the other hand, need to go back with the curtains instead of getting worked up on Answerbank with what-ifs and guesses.

[murraymints]

what bhg said..you are entitled to a full refund..any hassle get Trading standards in...BUT TAKE THEM BACK..after 28 days things change

[buffymad]

Thanks everyone. Just wanted to make sure I was right before I go back and say my piece. I only picked them up yesterday so I’m ok time wise.

Just so annoying when he kept repeating himself and wouldn’t answer my question!

[Prudie]

Bear in mind he may not have been a manager and therefore didn't know what the correct answer to give was so didn't commit to anything that would get him in trouble. I can understand that.

[Calicogirl]

Go in at their busiest time, when there are plenty of other customers about. Stay calm state your case politely but firmly, don't ask for a refund tell him you want one as you are entitled to one, trading standards told you after your somewhat vague telephone conversation with them, and stick to your guns.

[TonyV]

Calicogirl' idea is a great ploy

[Baldric]

/// I wanted one of the sizes shown on the list ///

Then surely they are not made to measure?

[TonyV]

Balders not made to measure. Assume stall holder orders them in when he has order.

[Baldric]

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/made-to-measure

[douglas9401]

I wonder if the supplier might want to come and check the size of the window and see if it matches the requested curtains.
You just never know who's really at fault until there's a full enquiry. :-)

[Khandro]

"72 inch" curtains are probably for a 72 inch high window opening (lintel to ground) the one and a half inches missing is for the clearance at top and bottom.

When we've ordered Venetian blinds etc. we have been asked to give the exact size of the opening, and then a small amount is deducted from that.