problem getting refund from taps4less

[RobertL]

Does anyone have recent experiences of taps4less.co.uk? They have owed me a refund since 4 July 2007. It was due to be paid by 4 August at the latest (dtance selling regs) but has not been paid yet (3rd Sept).

The amount of the refund is not in dispute and I have an email from them from 4 July agreeing to pay it "within 30 days". When I phone them they agree that the payment is late, say " oh sorry it will be in your acount in 3 days" but it isn't. They do not reply to emails any more.

Is anyone else in a similar position? Any tips on how to get them to pay up? Is the County Court my only choice?

thanks,

Robert

[Andrew Gabriel]

If you paid by credit card, going that route would be simpler.

[Andy Hall]

Go to the credit card company and tell them that the transaction is disputed and why. Generally they deduct the payment from the trader's account and go from there.

[Flop]

Try sending them a Letter before Action (Google) - usually works wonders.

If they delay, their costs rapidly increase with Interest, Court Fees, Expenses etc

Flop

[admin]

Hello Robert, Please give me a ring on 0845 8386394 so that I can find your record on our database and sort this sitiuation out for you asap. Many Thanks Brendan

[Si]

I'd've been impressed if you'd given a geographic number rather than one which generates revenue for your company.

[Lobster]

Actually I'm quite impressed that somebody at the company has read this ng and posted back here.

But anyway -

is your friend: 01634 718547. (Sorry Brendan...)

David

[Simon Finnigan]

I think it`d be appreciated if Robert posted the result of his phone call to the group, to make sure that the level of service shown can be easily found using google groups.

[Bob Eager]

He could also point out that their website is misleading...it says that

0845 is local rate.

[RobertL]

from Robert (the OP):

Before I was able to call them, taps4less telephoned me to say that they have now refunded my money. I will keep the group posted as to what eventually does happen.

Robert

[Andy Hall]

Isn't 0845 local call rate as opposed to 0870 which is not?

[Andy Hall]

I thought that 0845 was local rate and 0870 extra rate (unless it has changed)

[Bob Eager]

The point is that they are not allowed to call it 'local rate' any more. They can call it 'lo-call' but not 'local', as it's misleading. It often costs much more than a 'local' (or even national) call would.

It's the same argument as for 0870, which was misleadingly called 'national rate'. In theory it was, but in practice it cost more than expected.

[Lobster]

Especially because 0845 and 0870 are both almost always excluded from any fixed-price 'inclusive minutes' landline or mobile phone deals

David

[Bob Eager]

Indeed. BT's 0845 is now expensive, too; of course, indirect providers either won't accept aclls to them, or charge a lot.

I avoid calling my bank on the 0845 number, and use the 0870 number instead, because I have a tariff that *does* accept them on inclusive minutes...

[manatbandq]

But you still pay the full local call rate rather than any discounted (or even free) call that you may get from your provider with a geographic number.

MBQ

[Clive George]

And can end up costing more than eg a call to the US.

cheers, clive

[Bob Eager]

There is no such thing as local call rate for the vast majority of residential callers. Hasn't been for ages.

[adder1969]

I'd be pretty sure that the website is just an oversight rather than a deliberate attempt to mislead, but in any case being accurate would be nice :-)

Just think yourself lucky you're not dealing with NTL/Virgin media... ...or my old solicitor for that matter.

[RobertL]

I am pleased to confirm that taps4less have now made the refund.

Thank you to all those who made suggestions. Advice to pay using a credit card rather than a debit card is well taken (I don't have one at present).

Robert