Holiday bookings, What are my Legal Rights?
by Jim Redhead
(Whitley Bay)
I booked a large party (14) holiday in Jersey with a local travel agent. They were informed how much I was prepared to pay, and by the end of my stay in the shop I had agreed to pay £6499 for the total holiday. I paid £3486 deposit and was given a printed customer receipt which showed these details plus the fact that £3013 was the amount outstanding. I was informed that a full invoice would be sent in due course. When the full invoice arrived about three weeks later it showed a full cost of £8067 and indicated the balance outstanding was £4581.
I have been in touch with the agents and they are currently looking into the matter but I need to know before then what legal rights I have in this matter.
Answer
Date: February 15th, 2008.
This is only borderline related to the subject of customer service, but I try to give you an answer anyway...
Wrong invoices is one of those matters that is amongst the top issues named when it comes to bad service. The utilities industry comes to mind as culprits in bad invoices.
I'm not a legal person, so please don't take this as legal advice. Just my thoughts on it.
Since you have documented proof, I think you have a strong case. However, if the product you received is not the actual product you initially purchased, it may not be so clear cut. Say you purchased a stay in a 3 star hotel, and you were placed in a 5 star hotel, then you have an obligation also to make the other party aware of that. Within reason.
As said, this is no legal advice, you need to check with a lawyer, or a consumer rights organization.
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