Price increase in the UK?

[Hammam]

I am doing business these days with a British vendor to whom I had to send back an item for size and style problems. I decided to change for another garment, and we agreed on a certain price in December, as well as shipping charges. These new prices would have given me a credit of some £24 with him. All of a sudden, today, he advises me of a supposedly price increase of 16% (!) as of Jan. 1st, so that not only do I have no more credit, but I'd also have to fork another £24 to get the new jacket.

Does this 16% price increase on motorcycle garments overnight have any credibility. Has anybody really heard of this? What is the general status of prices in the UK?

Thank you for your help.

 

[Rasher]

We have had a 2.5% VAT rise and they economy is buggered, the pound worthless etc.

Generally prices are going up as the pound weakens, taxes increase although 16% in a month sounds very steep.

Do any other UK vendors sell the same item? if so see if they are similarly priced.

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

The pound was hit by news of an unexpected contraction in the economy. I'd check the exchange rate to see if it's changed that much. Also VAT, a UK consumer tax, has gone up by 2.5% since December.

It was said that some retailers would take advantage of the VAT increase to raise prices over and above 2.5%, in the hope people wouldn't notice. That might have happened to you.

It does sound to me though, that the dealer might also be taking advantage of you being an overseas customer, and thinking you probably won't call in to see them or be a returning buyer, and so doesn't care too much about customer service.

Name and shame if you think you're being ripped off.

 

[Hammam]

Thanks for you help.

VAT cannot be taken into consideration here, since there is no VAT on this overseas transaction.

Yes, I'm afraid the vendor is taking advantage of me. I sent him a stern e-mail, and he tried to apologize, and offered what he calls a «discount», which still does not cut it. He also offered to refund me entirely. I replied and gave him the choice to either send me the new garment at the price initially agreed upon, or actually refund me. I'm awaiting his decision.

Now, the garment in question is coming from Germany (BMW) but fluctuations of the Pound vs the Euro show 1,16 Euro to the Pound today vs 1,18 Euro in December. Hardly 16%. So this cannot be the cause. Also, once a price has been agreed upon, I don't think a vendor gets to change it unilaterally, no matter his circumstances. Do you?

I will keep you posted.

 

[STUBBS]

name and shame

 

[Hammam]

The vendor has refunded me. Case closed. Thank you all.

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

That's good news. Can I suggest that if buying from the UK again, you ask about any dealer in here first?