Refunds From Travel Companies

[chokkie]

Asking for a friend (no, really I am!). My friend has been waiting for a refund from a travel company in the sum of £6,000+. She hadn't heard anything from them (despite constant contact) for over 150 days, so decided to "invest" £400 in taking this company to the small claims court. She told me just now that she still hasn't heard back from the Small Claims Court, so is sort of thinking she may have lost a further £400 on top of the £6,000 she is owed by the travel company. does anyone out there know much about the workings of the SCC, please? And how long it takes them to sort cases? No doubt they are inundated with similar cases, but I said I'd ask here. Thanks, Chox.

[bednobs]

Small claims court costs nothing like 400 quid so I wonder how she did it?

[bednobs]

Ok I take it back for that amount it is approx 400

[bednobs]

Did she do it online or paper?

[puzzled54]

I would email Martin from moneysaving.com , he seems to get results. Also, has she tried the citizens advice bureau?

[Hymie]

If she paid for part of the holiday (deposit) by credit card, then she can claim all back from the credit card company. If it was paid on a bank card, then normally the money can be recovered from the bank by chargeback.

If she paid by cash, cheque or bank transfer – she may be joining the company creditors if they have gone bankrupt; in which case she’d be lucky to see 10% of the total paid.

[Buenchico]

Pedantic point: There's no such thing as a 'small claims court'. It's simply a 'small claims procedure', which is still dealt with by the county courts.

Scroll down to 'Dealing with the defendant’s response' for an indication of the time scales involved:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/small-claims/making-a-small-claim/

[NB: I hope that your friend sent a formal 'letter before claim' before starting court proceedings. A court is unlikely to consider making a judgment against a debtor without it].

[chokkie]

Many thanks to everyone for their help, advice and suggestions. Will pass this all on to our friend. I am sure she'll find it very helpful. Thanks again, cheers, Chox.

[chokkie]

Just a bit more on this issue. My friend has reported that she has been promised a refund of the full amount she is due from her travel provider. However, whilst it is the correct amount, they have not paid her the additional £410 which she paid for the claims court. Her
next step could be to bring in the bailiffs, but she is reluctant to do this as it risks paying out more money which she might not get back. Any thoughts folks?

[roslyn251254]

Who is the travel company?

[jno]

if the travel company refunded her without a small claims judgment, I don't see why they would have to pay for any claim she made there.

[Unsureme]

If they promised her a full refund why should they pay for the small claims court? It was her choice.

[chokkie]

Thanks guys, point taken, will pass this on to her. Much appreciated. Cheers chox