In November of I visited the Comet electrical store in Rayleigh, Essex to enquire the amount I had on a Comet Gift Card.
When the assistant scanned it, I was informed the card had expired. I was surprised and stated at that time the amount was my "change" (by way of a refund) from a 2009 transaction. I felt I was rightly entitled to it, this being my money and NOT theirs.
At the time of issue, I was under the impression that this card was like a credit note and could be redeemed at any time. On the strength of that I accepted it. The assistant strongly indicated that I should have been given the option of cash in return and was most surprised that I was not. He suggested that I phone the number on the reverse of the card. I did so and all I got was an answering service that also informed me the card had expired.
I have been in contact with Comet via email on their website explaining the situation. Again I was told that the card had expired and that on the reverse it is clearly stated there is a 24 month expiry. This is in extremely small print and very difficult to read without magnification.
The points I raised with them were as follows:
a) There is no ISSUE OR EXPIRY date shown anywhere on the card, so how is one to know when the 24 months expiry is due?
B) That the amount thereon is money that rightly and legally belongs to me as a refund (i.E. Change from a transaction).
C) Neither is there is any indication whatsoever of the amount on the card. So how is one to know its value if this has been forgotten?
D) In view of a) that they should have a system in place to inform customers that the expiry date is due on such cards.
I have sought the return of my money in writing since via letter all to no avail.
My point is this: that refund belongs to me and I think that "conditions and company policies" are not relevant when they possess monies that rightly and lawfully belong to me.
It is not the amount in issue here but the principle of this company retaining monies rightfully belonging to customers.
I have been advised by a solicitor, that it may cost me more than the owed amount to pursue it through the small claims court.
R.A. Hoope
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