new sofa

[wonderwoman1]

hi guys, need a wee bit of help here. i bought a new leather sofa and armchair on the 29th of April. i paid a deposit and they said they would phone 2 days before it is delivered and i pay the balance. i was told it would take 7-9 weeks for delivery. i phoned when the 9 weeks was up and i was told that the sofa was delayed a week. that was fine with me as i was getting new carpets and other new furniture and having my old suite taken away. i have phoned again today and they are saying that it has been held up at customs(its coming from Italy). is this normal practice? are they fobbing me off? thanks for any replies in advance xx

[atolhurst]

We had a problem with delivery of a leather bed stead, also coming from Italy. Didn't specify that it was customs that held things up but they said 6 weeks and we ended up waiting 10. But they were intially saying it could have taken 12 until we threatened legal action (not sure whether we would have actually acted on it, but the threat seemed to work).

So perhaps take a slightly firmer line with them in saying that you have waited above and beyond the delivery period with still no sign of your item and that you'd like to cancel your order (they can't retain the deposit as they're the ones not keeping their end of the bargain).

Obviously, if you've signed an agreement saying you're happy to wait as long as it takes (check the small print) then you don't have a leg to stand on with this but if you've made a verbal agreement which they are now in breach of, you're definately within your rights.

You may not wish to actually cancel the order in which case I'd say you'd like them to specify a delivery date (sending a new one from italy if necessary) as you have made an agreement with them that at present they're not upholding.

[wonderwoman1]

thanks so much for that...i think a wee stern phonecall tomorrow is needed!!! i did say 9 weeks was the longest i would wait as i my old sofa would be away by then.

thank you xxx

[Kim A]

hope you do get your sofa - but for future reference, if you order something else from anywhere and you need it within a specified time, make sure YOU write on the agreement when you sign it (shops hate you doing it, but it's legal and makes them do things properly!) the words ' For delivery in x weeks (you specify the time) Time is of the essence'. I was advised to do this by Trading Standards when things went a bit pear-shaped for me once and I waited 12 weeks for a pair of curtains that I'd been told would be made in 2! Make sure the writing comes through onto any copies of the agreement, so that there is not question about what was written, then sign or initial it, and date it. this is in addition to any other signature you are asked for. Expect a bit of sneering from shop assistants, but stand your ground - you have right on your side.

[wonderwoman1]

thank you both very much for your answers and advice. i phoned them today and amazingly it has left customs and should be in their warehouse on friday!! amazing what happens when you threaten to cancel!!! so i should have it next week.

i'll keep you posted tho!!