Hi all, just thought I would provide an update. I have applied to barclaycard and they dismissed the application so no joy there. I called the shop (it took a lot of strength to do this) and spoke to the other owner, who was equally unprofessional. Her argument centred on what the shop had to lose and again we debated what was acceptable quality. I warned them of the next steps and they did not seem bothered. They told me that an impartial adjudicator could come and inspect the quality, but I don't have any means or contacts to do this, I am confident that if the dress is still in the state that it was left in, they would find fault. At a loss as to what to do next?? Scared by the court action in terms of time and money I would have to spend.

Thanks for your replies. I paid by Barclaycard but according to their website, you need proof that the garment is faulty. I think seeing the dress next is the answer. Thanks again

I put a £900 deposit down on a dress in October 2016 with a small wedding dress shop. I signed a contract that said that it is not possible to have a refund of the deposit. It was ordered and when the dress arrived in March, I went into store to try it on. It had loose threads and rows of beading falling off the front of the dress (costing £1700 in total). The store assistant apologized and said that it was not good. I left the store and the dress in their care and said that we would try and sort something out. I had to leave and I did not take photos. A family member and the store assistant witnessed the poor quality. I decided afterwards that it was not good enough and I just wanted a refund as time was ticking on the wedding and I was worried that it would fall apart on the day. They offered to sort it out which I rejected due to inconvenience. I sent them an email and then an official letter quoting the consumer goods act, how they had breached the contract and that the store assistant had already agreed that it was unsatisfactory quality. The owner is continuously saying that it is satisfactory quality and the manufacturer has offered to have a professional adjudicator prove this. They have said that I am not entitled to have my deposit back. I am concerned that they have fixed the dress since I went and that this adjudicator would not be impartial. What can I do next? I feel that the matter has been handled unprofessionally but we are arguing about what is satisfactory quality. For the price of the dress, I would have expected it to be perfect but it really was not good enough and I am a reasonable person. I work away so its really hard for me to get back to the shop to sort anything out. What can I do?