hi there ..

(background info)

brought handset (8910i) from online retailer, connected to vodafone
didnt think much of it;
sent it back, within 14 days of connection
vodafone have disconnected it
mobile retailer claims the phone is damaged .. <- took front sticker off - plastic film, off screen and the screen is marked
wants full retail amount for phone, they claim the phone isnt in a reselable condition (anyone ???)

(question)

i received a letter "commenting" that the phone i returned back to an online mobile phone retailer, isnt in a resalable condition and therefore will be charged the full going rate for the handset ... and if they cant secure payment - they will threaten me with CCJ and county court and stuff ..

any one got any ideas

How did you pay for the phone? Use a credit card - not a debit card?
If so, drag them in to it. They have joint liability. Tell them you are in dispute with the retailer and need their assistance.

Otherwise it is down to your word against theirs.

If that doesn't work then you may be stuck with paying the charge. However if they are demanding the full fee then I would demand the phone back first. Don't hand over any money without the phone in your possession.
If they don't agree, pay the money using a credit card to pay. If the phone doesn't turn up then drag the credit card company in.
Once you have it, eBay it or try and cause it to have a fault and claim your money back under Sales of Goods Act. Need to do it within 28 days and make sure you get a receipt.

Whatever happens, confirm it in writing, preferably using special delivery (for proof of delivery). You don't want to get in to any kind of argument about them not receiving your instructions.

It is probably just a retailer miffed at loosing their commission from Vodafone!

Disclaimer - the above advice is my opinion - I am not legally qualified in any way. If you think you are getting in too deep with legal stuff flaying about you need to get proper advice - go to the Citizen's Advice Bureau who should be able to help.

Simon.

" If so, drag them in to it. They have joint liability. Tell them you are in dispute with the retailer and need their assistance."

the bank want to stay away, from it ... as its a dispute between me and the retailer, they cant do anything ... if the retailer takes the cash out, they take the cash out - nothing can stop them (apparantly) .. and that is the only time, i can actually stop them

A file has been sent to trading standards, to see what they can do and ive a meeting with CAB tomorrow (friday)

In the mean time, see if i can transfer the cash into another account.

It was put on a debit card, upon refelection, yes i shouldnt have done that .. too late now, live and learn.

Debit cards are like cheques - once written and presented with a guarantee card there is nothing you can do. You may as well hand over cash.
If they are likely to still have the card number on record then you might want to tell your bank you suspect an unauthorised transaction is about to take place so that they issue you with a new card. However they will not want to get involved in any other way - they are under no obligation to do so.

Simon.

What company was it?

Let us all know so when can all avoid them and their sneaky penny pinching ways.

for those interested in the dealings or naming of this mobile phone company, check this web site out

Review Centre UK

abb

Based on the views on that site I would say I am never going to buy anything from the Mobile Republic.

If those reviews are truthful then it sounds like one to avoid.

yes, if those reviews are truthfull, i will be passing this information on to the local trading standards .. who currently posses a 26 page file, from my self, .. this will further strenghten my case against them