Dodgy businesses

[nightfever]

You'll have to forgive my non-existant business knowledge for the following:

I was browsing earlier for a ski jacket, and found a website offering one for 30% cheaper than all the other sites. Suspicious, I search the website on google and come across a fair few complaints about non-deliveries and pending refunds. But why are they allowed to continue 'trading'? Is it just a case of being difficult to prove?

Likewise with companies on watchdog, rogue traders et all who somehow continue trading even after they've been caught on camera.

Thanks.

[Eric Mc]

Where is this company based?

If it is outside the UK there's precious little that can be done.

If inside the UK, then complaints to your Local Trading Standards office can produce results, eventually.

Regarding bad traders continuing to trade, it is very difficult to stop this, unless the trader ends up in jail.

[nightfever]

Hmm the website gives a contact address in Norwich. But I suppose they could have admin addresses anywhere?

[thewave]

nightfever said:

Hmm the website gives a contact address in Norwich. But I suppose they could have admin addresses anywhere?

What's the company called, I'm in Norwich regularly and might recognise it?

[nightfever]

Not sure if this contravenes the rules but I've found a thread on another forum about this subject:

http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=248100

[timskipper]

Same here. In fact, I trump thewave by being in Norwich *right now*

Some local knowledge might clarify things.

[thewave]

never heard of them, the venturesport site is certainly a shop in Norwich though...if that helps?

[timskipper]

nightfever are you talking about a company with the initials GZ?

Wot he said ^^^ Venturesport are a well established shop in the centre of norwich. I've even bought stuff from them. Suspect place in question may be setup to sell their stuff on the interweb, and sounds like they may not be very good at it.

Maybe I should nip round with a business card!

Edited by timskipper on Thursday 22 November 15:30

[nightfever]

I am. This is interesting - apparantly VS have taken over GZ's dealings. I didn't realise VS has physical stores too. In which case they're still rather cheap.

[shouldbworking]

Best get in there quick - they currently have people pursuing them through CCJs to reclaim thousands by the look of it. ah, and they are presently in liquidation.


Venturesport still clean though.

Edited by shouldbworking on Thursday 22 November 16:12

[nightfever]

Thats good. No way am I touching GZ (how is their website still up?) but am considering ordering from VS. It seems people who ordered through GZ are receiving refunds through VS.

It just bothers me that buyers are vulnerable to things like this.

[john_p]

Just make sure you buy on a credit card.

[evolutionvalet]

Venturesport shop was in Westlegate in Norwich. Opposite the old McDonald's and up the hill a bit from JJB Sports.

IIRC Venturesport shop has been closed for a while now.

HTH...Kev

[nightfever]

Thanks. I emailed them asking if they had physical stock of the jacket in their stores. They said not in Kingston but yes in Norwich. Can anyone nearby confirm that it's open? Thanks.

[evolutionvalet]

If you give me a few hours, I'll drive past on the way ome and let you know this evening.

[nightfever]

Thanks Kev.

[evolutionvalet]

My bad...Venturesport is open and trading.It's the computer shop next door thats shut up.

Venturesport have been there for many years from what I can remember.

If there is anything I can do to help let me know mate.

kev

[nightfever]

Nice one thanks again. They seem to be very good value.