DEAN DUNHAM replies: I can’t cancel my journal subscription

I wish to cancel {a magazine} subscription which I took out on-line. But it is proving unimaginable to do as it may possibly’t be cancelled on the web site, solely by way of cellphone. 

I’ve been calling the quantity given for days however no person has answered. What can I do?

E. A., by way of e mail.

Dean Dunham replies: as you took out the subscription on-line it’s classed as a ‘distance sale’. This means the Consumer Contracts Regulations (as they’re identified briefly) apply.

While there isn’t a authorized obligation for merchants at all times to offer shoppers with phone and e mail contact particulars below the laws, there’s a requirement for them to offer a geographical deal with the place shoppers can ship the likes of letters of cancellation and criticism.

If there may be such an deal with on the dealer’s web site, it is best to ship a tracked letter of cancellation instantly and, on the identical time, cancel your direct debit for the subscription. 

If there isn’t a deal with, it is best to nonetheless cancel your direct debit after which look ahead to the agency to contact you.

When it does contact you, say that the contract has terminated and also you can’t be prejudiced by its failure to offer a postal deal with, as it is a authorized requirement below the Consumer Contracts Regulations.

TV that arrived was smaller than the one I ordered

I ordered a 40-inch TV on-line, which was marketed as being lowered from £499 to £149. Five days later, I took supply of a 32 in TV. 

When I notified the retailer that the mistaken measurement had been delivered, it instructed me it had marketed the mistaken worth on-line and the value I paid was in truth that of the 32 in TV.

I’ve since despatched greater than 40 emails and spent greater than three hours on the cellphone to the agency, and it nonetheless has not given me a refund or collected the TV.

D. D., by way of e mail.

Dean Dunham replies: first, you might be clearly entitled to a refund, because the TV you acquired was not ‘as described’ on the retailer’s web site, which is a breach of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

In these circumstances, the laws says the refund have to be given with out ‘undue delay’ and, in any occasion, inside 14 days, starting with the day on which the dealer agrees that the patron is entitled to a refund. 

So if you’re nonetheless inside these 14 days it’s worthwhile to wait a bit longer. If you are exterior this time, it is best to quote this legislation to the retailer and demand an instantaneous refund.

You might additionally make a chargeback declare (for those who paid along with your debit or bank card previously 120 days). To do that, merely contact your financial institution or card supplier and say that you just wish to make a declare.

Need to know: Homeowners contemplating photo voltaic panels might have to verify with their mortgage lender – and do not wish to conform to lease their roof house 

What is the legislation surrounding photo voltaic panels?

I’m contemplating having photo voltaic panels put in to attempt to scale back my vitality payments. 

Are there any authorized issues I want to consider earlier than committing to this?

T. M., by way of e mail.

Dean Dunham replies: You ought to guarantee that your mortgage supplier doesn’t object (as it should have safety over your property, so has a proper to object) or, for those who lease, your landlord consents.

You should then select a good supplier, and certainly not do you have to conform to a deal the place the photo voltaic panel firm rents your roof house.

This will not be as frequent because it was, however there are nonetheless corporations available in the market which are doing this and promoting it as a less expensive possibility for owners.

You must also look very carefully on the return on funding and the timing for this.

While photo voltaic panels are more likely to scale back your vitality payments, while you issue within the preliminary value of set up it should most likely be a while earlier than you see any monetary profit. Also, be sure to ask how lengthy the panels will final and what ongoing upkeep is required, too.