I've bought goods from a shop that's gone bust... what are my rights?
I'VE just found out that a shop I've bought goods from has gone bust. How will this affect my consumer rights?
When a trader goes into administration its rights and responsibilities change. Depending on your situation you might end up losing out, so it's important to know what you can do to protect yourself.
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A common problem when shops go bust is what you can do if you have a gift card. Once they go into administration shops are under no obligation to continue to accept gift cards, although some may continue to do so. If you have a gift card then hold on to it, even if it isn't being accepted, as the situation can change. This works both ways, so if a shop is taking vouchers then use them while you can.
If you've put down a deposit on an item that you have yet to receive, then whether or not you receive it will depend on whether it has been 'earmarked' for you. If it has then the shop should fulfil your order, but if not then you may not see the goods. If you've bought something, for example electrical or white goods, which become faulty then it might be easier to claim under the manufacturer's guarantee.
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You can log a complaint with the administrators which will add you on to the store's list of creditors, but realistically most customers will be a long way down the list.
If you used a credit or debit card you may be able to make a claim from your provider, and if the goods or services you bought came with a manufacturer's guarantee or an insurance-backed guarantee, you may be able to make a claim under them.
If the trader was a member of a trade association, contact them to see if they can help. You can find out more about your rights by going to www.adviceguide.org.uk or calling our consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.
Comments
by rushers82
Wednesday, February 27 2013, 3:29PM
“Topical - I was expecting some carpets I ordered to be fited today. When the fitters failed to arrive I phoned the store only to find out they have just gone in to administration. Already I have been on the phone to my credit card provider who have put the wheels in motion to reclaim my payment from the vendor's bank; apparently this should take two to three weeks.”