It was only now how much I truly realised that we had been ripped off in a big way.
I
approached Claire and expressed my concerns regarding all the issues about the site
season being shortened
and about the way our van was maltreated as a result of bookings
taken by their company.
I then asked what kind of price I would get back for the van
that I had purchased from them only 6 months before and I was told that I would be
looking at around £5000. I am not green and I am aware that items do have a depreciation
value but to lose £14000 in six months was a joke.
Another salesperson Mel pointed
out that the £18,911 comprised of £3000 site fees PLUS
rates PLUS setup items(cups
plates etc) PLUS new steps PLUS advance fuel charges PLUS..... you get the picture.
When
I said that I was led to beleive that the £18,911 was for the van they said to check
my paperwork thouroughly and sure enough the inventory sheet does point out that
the sale price of the van does have an element of extras included at an extra cost
as part of the deal.
I went home somewhat annoyed that I had been seemingly cheated
and spoke to TOBY. He said with all the problems that I had he could understand that
I no longer wanted the van but that whilst signing I was made aware of the fact that
a caravan is a long term commitment and that our van would only be economical to
run if owned for at least several years, not six months.
I then said that there were
still outstanding repairs to be made and he said "WHAT DID YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU BOUGHT
IT? A BRAND NEW CARAVAN?"
I was now seriously annoyed and finished the call as soon
as.
As previously stated I had lots of damage caused by Bournes clients and during
a further conversation with TOBY i pointed out these problems and that I was considering
going to trading standards. We were at the time in a pub and one of our regulars
was a trading standards officer and he coached me on what to point out and say to
TOBY.
I then received what appeared to be an offer of approx £14,000 from Bourne to
buy back our van and presumed that the last chat that TOBY and I had hit the right
note. The offer was exactly the right figure that would settle my finance to the
penny.
I cancelled my Direct Debit to Capital Bank and thought no more of it.
I didnt
inform either Cala Gran nor Capital Bank of my change of address as I believed that
neither company would need to contact me again.
In June this year I received a letter
from my bank with a letter inside from Capital Bank that was addressed simply to
my name, no address with a demand for outstanding arrears dating back to January
2007.
I contacted Capital Bank who told me that my account was seriously in arrears
and that repossession was very close.
I pointed out the conversations that I had with
TOBY, the letters and they asked me what my intentions were regarding the van. I
told them that if they wished to reposess the van then so be it as I had handed the
keys back in December 2006 on the understanding that Bourne were selling my van and
then then letter from TOBY was my final contact(EXCEPT FOR THE DAMN MARKETING CALLS).
In
July 2007 Capital Bank repossesed the van and I was not aware of this until I rang
Cala Gran on 5th August 2007 to enquire about the situation, during this conversation
the sales person said that the finance was SETTLED. I spoke to Capital Bank on 6th
August to confirm this fact and was informed that my account was now in the hands
of a DEBT AGENCY. I am currently in discussions with Bourne Head Office about the
balance from my account....Phone call finished and I have been advised that from
the £3000 that was accrued from rentals I am entitled to the amount of £450, when
I asked for a breakdown of the account they cannot provide it right away as it needs
writing down on paper.
I AM AT LOSS FOR WORDS SO I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFO OR HELP
