buying at boat show

[bazam]

I saw an advert for a Compass 200i inflatable in a rival mag,Went to the boat show with a view to buying one. Impressed with boat so handed over credit card and was informed delivery would be 2-3 weeks.On checking delivery this week I am told delivery more like 2-3 months as they haven't started production yet but I understand they have still debited my credit card.Is this good service or just normal these days. Also the special boat show offer seems to be the same as the normal magazine price but I suppose I will save the delivery cost.

 

[tomg]

A few years ago I had an almost identical situation with an outboard engine I thought I had bought on 2/3 weeks delivery. I kicked up a fuss, threatened them with the small claims court and/or the credit card Company. They sent an immediate cheque (not interestingly a card credit transaction) and promised a further 5% discount when the engine was received. I bought it elsewhere and resolved never again to buy at a boatshow unless I could carry the goods away. I have not kept that resolution but have not had a repeat of the problem. My advice is to kick up a real fuss - they have your money and you don't have the goods.

 

[longjohnsilver]

And I believe what they have done is illegal! Get your dosh back from them, although you should be protected by the credit card co if there is a problem.

 

[Trevor_swfyc]

Re: Credit protection

I agree you are protected, they may have taken a deposit with your order, but they should not debit your card for the full amount until they have despatched your goods. If they have not started production of your goods then rather than let this drag on you have a right to cancel. Get your card recredited with the amount that was debited from it.
With the way things are in the industry at the moment it is fortunate you have the protection of the card company. Only pay by cash or cheque if you are taking the goods away with you, or you may end up feeling very deflated.

Good Luck
Trevor

 

[yachtbits]

BREACH OF CONTRACT!!

They are actually in breach of contract with the bank that supplies them with Credit Card Merchanting Services. No retailer is entitled to charge any credit card UNTIL THE TIME OF DISPATCH. If sufficient complaints are received, the bank should remove their credit card services.

Some companies are allowed to take deposits, but ths is not automatic. the bank has to specifically approve this facility.

The reason they sent a cheque was to avoid a refund appearing on their account at the bank. The 5% extra offer was a sweetner to stop you complaining to your Credit card provider. By sending you a cheque, they lost probably 2-2.5% of the total amount in charges made by their bank.

With these points in mind, how many "on-line" suppliers have automated systems such as "worldpay" that automatically charges your card without being linked to stock control. Hence often weeks between card charging and delivery.

We at www.yachtbits.co.uk have specifically set up our secure shop so that a manual action has to take place to process an order. As such, NO card gets charged until they goods are ready for dispatch.

happy sailing

kev

www.yachtbits.co.uk
sales@yachtbits.co.uk
marine electrical/electronics specialists