Written by John Kruse, one of the leading experts on Bailiff Law, this consumer friendly guide is essential reading for anyone who comes into contact with a bailiff.
The book is easy to understand and clearly explains the rights
a bailiff has, and also what they cannot do when collecting debts and repossessing goods etc.
I booked a holiday to Mexico last year and paid a low deposit of 100.00. I was due to fly on june 4th this year. Unfortunately I was made redundant and was forced to cancel my holiday. When I contacted First Choice about this matter they said I still had to pay the balance of the deposit which was 230.00, I explained my situation and they said that there was nothing they could do apart from offer me a repayment scheme of 20.00 per month. I had no choice but to agree to this as they threatened me with court action.
Apparently the whole deposit is non refundable as they pay upfront for your accomodation and flights etc.
However, I called them today to see if they had any good holiday deals for next may, and they said if I book with them they will cancel my repayment scheme of 20.00 a month (I still owe 140.00).
If this is the case then why couldnt they cancel the 230.00 anyway? They already had 100.00 off me and resold the holiday.
I thinks it's disgusting that they forced me to pay the money back and told me that there was absolutely NO way they could cancel the charges, but if I book another holiday with them they are more than happy to.
They only offered to reduce the balance if I book another holiday. They could've reduced the balance regardless, surely!!??
Think First Choice should change their name to Last Resort!
LTSB -claiming back WON!!!
Mint credit card - WON!!!
Morgan Stanley credit card - WON!!!
LTSB credit card - MCOL issued WON!!
Barclaycard - MCOL issued for balance of partial refund 200.00
They'll have absorbed the money in the new booking when agreeing to write it off.
It's all about mitigating their losses. In reality, the variable cost of sending someone on holiday is about £40, and that's only if they actually depart (it's taxes). They either own the jet and hotel already, or have booked it well in advance from another carrier (the whole plane - they don't just book seats). The deposit is an incentive not to cancel and they'll retain it to mitigate their losses if you don't go, on the basis that they might not sell those seats and if they do, it'll most likely be for less.
When selling on bookings it's much more restricted as the flight times, accommodation, dates and number of passengers is fixed.
This applies if you booked with First Choice directly. If you booked through a travel agent, then they will be directly recovering their losses. They have to pay the tour operator (First Choice) the value of the holiday less their commission (6-14% depending on deal, overrides, holiday type etc.). They will not get the deposit back so would be chasing you for it.
They often have people defaulting on the Balance of Low Deposits. They have been known to reduce this down if you refuse to pay, It happens all the time.
They will try and get you to rebook, but why shouldn't they, they want your business. The low deposit agreement was signed at the time, and you accpeted this as part of the deal. Your insurance should pay if its redundancy. This is not isolcated to F.C - All tour operators have similar arrangements. They will not pursue this small amount.
I think I might put something in writing to them to see if they will reduce the balance. I dont want to book another holiday with them as I can get virtually the same holiday from another company for 230.00 cheaper!
LTSB -claiming back WON!!!
Mint credit card - WON!!!
Morgan Stanley credit card - WON!!!
LTSB credit card - MCOL issued WON!!
Barclaycard - MCOL issued for balance of partial refund 200.00
Surely if you book another holiday they will be using the £140 left you've got to pay as the deposit? They're not giving it back to you, they are transferring it to a new booking, which is more than some travel companies would do. If you use another company you'll have to stump up another deposit and still bay back the £140 to FC, I can't really see what it is you want from them.
As mentioned above, you could have claimed the whole deposit back from your insurance company as you cancelled due to redundancy.
Mr & Mrs Bigboy
14/09/06 - Prelim letter sent
15/09/06 - Prelim letters received in Leeds & Canary Wharf (our branch)
29/09/06- LBA Sent
02/10/06 - LBA's received in Leeds & Canary Wharf (our branch)
13/10/06 - Received part offer - rejected
16/10/06 - MCOL issued
They won't actually take the 140.00 as a deposit for another holiday they will just write it off! So i still have to pay another deposit and I dont have any money, any spare cash I have is being used to try and recover my bank charges. Maybe I am being a bit harsh on First Choice, I'm just sick to death of these big companies taking the pee out of people like myself.
LTSB -claiming back WON!!!
Mint credit card - WON!!!
Morgan Stanley credit card - WON!!!
LTSB credit card - MCOL issued WON!!
Barclaycard - MCOL issued for balance of partial refund 200.00
Oh I see, I got the wrong end of the stick there, it just seems the logical thing to do! But far too logical for First Choice!
Mr & Mrs Bigboy
14/09/06 - Prelim letter sent
15/09/06 - Prelim letters received in Leeds & Canary Wharf (our branch)
29/09/06- LBA Sent
02/10/06 - LBA's received in Leeds & Canary Wharf (our branch)
13/10/06 - Received part offer - rejected
16/10/06 - MCOL issued
I don't think First Choice are taking the mickey - they offer a low deposit but I've always found they make you fully aware that the balance of the deposit is due in a couple of months time. The reason they are offering to write the £140 off for you is because your custom is worth that to them - if however you choose to book with someone else they will still want their £140 back
I spose it's a bit like a loyalty bonus!!
I've used First choice for the past few years and have found they've been really understanding - I had to pay my balance of deposit about a month late on this years holiday - and last year I pushed the boundaries a bit with the final balance ... if you talk to the staff in the shops and build up a relationship with them they'll always try and sort you out!
first choice low deposit
to Mexico last year and paid a low deposit of 100.00. I was due to fly on june 4th this year. Unfortunately I was made redundant
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