Non horsey - consumer rights advice please?

Kittykins

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5 February 2006
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Lewes, East Sussex
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I've been messed around a bit by a small company, and I'd really like to know what I am within my rights to demand as I'm about to contact them. Here's the situation:

Last January I bought a tapestry so that I could do it and turn it into a cushion to give to my mother for her birthday (in July). The shop owner mentioned that they have a 'making up' service to transform the completed tapestry into a cushion for you (which is good as I'm terrible at sewing!).

In mid June I phoned the shop and asked whether six weeks would be enough time, as I'd like to have the completed cushion back by the 24th July (mum's birthday), and did they think this would be a problem? They ummed for a bit and said that they were having a few problems with their seamstress, but they thought six weeks would be sufficient, so I should send it over. I put it in the post the next day. A week later I called to confirm they had it, as they didn't contact me (but that's fine); they did.

A week before the 24th I phoned them to see how they were getting along, as I was getting a little nervous. They said it still wasn't done, so I asked whether they could bump it up the list, and they said they'd try. Four days before her birthday I phoned again and they said they'd try their best, but didn't think it was going to get here in time, so I had to run out and get her something else.

We're now almost a month beyond the original deadline and they still haven't contacted me at all. I have no idea when it will be ready. I really want to demand that they send the tapestry back in whatever state it's in, free of charge immediately. If it was simply an order for something I'd cancel it, but I put a lot of work into completing the tapestry so I want it back! However, I don't want to pay them anything for it.

Are they likely to try and hold it ransom for payment for whatever work has already been done? CAN they?
 
Give them a call and see what they say. From your post it sounds like they didn't say that they could actually do it, so you may not have any come back on that part of the transaction. However, I don't see why they shouldn't send it back to you and would doubt that they have done anything at all with makin git up from their lack of contact with you.

If they have started it maybe give them a deadline to complete it? Or demand they return it as it is. If you aren't satisfied with their response then I would contact trading standards.

Good luck!
 
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