Store reserving funds for items not in stock

[tony3x]

Is it right that an online store (Debenhams) have got authorisation to take funds from my account for an item that they have now told me is not in stock - still advertised on their website as being in stock though. I completed the order and got email confirmation (although the T&C's say no contract is formed until the item is dispatched) and then shortly after received another email saying the order is cancelled. Are the online stock systems so poor that they do not update automatically.

 

I have called my bank and I will not have access to the funds until the authorisation is withdrawn or 10 days pass. It is not the amount here but the principle.

[Consumer dude]

Is it right that an online store (Debenhams) have got authorisation to take funds from my account for an item that they have now told me is not in stock - still advertised on their website as being in stock though. I completed the order and got email confirmation (although the T&C's say no contract is formed until the item is dispatched) and then shortly after received another email saying the order is cancelled. Are the online stock systems so poor that they do not update automatically.

 

I have called my bank and I will not have access to the funds until the authorisation is withdrawn or 10 days pass. It is not the amount here but the principle.

 

I agree with you and its probably done on purpose to get interest on your money..

[ericsbrother]

depends on how their payment system works. Some will refund automatically (well, next day at latest) and others after a set period. That is allowable in law if less than 28 days.

[AndyOrch]

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/if-something-you-ordered-hasnt-been-delivered/

[Consumer dude]

This is all very well but what about costs for following an issue up and being out of pocket by doing so.

[martin2006]

so reading in between the lines a bit here, have debenhams pre authorised the payment but havent actually claimed the payment yet?

 

in other words, the amount of the item is a pending transaction?