Fashion Retailer Quiz Enters Administration: Customer Guidance Issued
The prominent fashion chain Quiz has officially entered administration, resulting in the immediate loss of 109 jobs and the complete shutdown of its online operations. This development has left numerous customers concerned about outstanding orders and the validity of gift vouchers.
Immediate Impact on Shoppers
Quiz, which operated a physical store at the Merry Hill shopping centre, has confirmed that all pending online orders which had not yet been dispatched have been cancelled. The company has stated it will not be issuing refunds directly, and all existing gift cards are now invalid. For purchases made on the day the website ceased functioning, exchanges are only permissible if the items are found to be faulty.
Navigating Refund Claims via Section 75
Customers who utilised specific payment methods may be eligible to reclaim their funds under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This legislation holds your credit provider jointly liable with the retailer if a transaction goes awry, covering scenarios such as non-delivery, faulty goods, or retailer insolvency.
To qualify for protection under Section 75, the purchase must meet specific criteria:
- The item cost must be between £100 and £30,000.
- The payment must have been made using an eligible credit method.
Financial expert Martin Lewis notes that Section 75 protection extends beyond traditional credit cards to include:
- Store cards and store instalment credit agreements.
- PayPal Credit transactions.
- Payments processed through Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Alternative Avenues for Reimbursement
For transactions that do not fall under the Section 75 umbrella, such as those made with debit cards, Buy Now Pay Later services, or through third-party marketplaces like Amazon Marketplace, customers are advised to explore the chargeback scheme. This process, facilitated by your bank, can help recover funds from debit or credit card purchases of any value, though it is not a statutory right like Section 75.
How to Initiate a Section 75 Claim
If you believe your purchase qualifies, you can pursue a claim through several channels:
- Contact your credit card provider directly via their online or mobile banking platforms.
- Utilise the free Section 75 reclaim tool available on the MoneySavingExpert website.
- Submit a formal written claim to your credit card provider, detailing the transaction and the administration of Quiz.
It is crucial for affected customers to act promptly, gathering all relevant transaction details and correspondence to support their claim during this period of retail uncertainty.
