FRUSTRATED VIP Sheds customers were left fuming on Saturday after discovering they may not be reimbursed for thousands of dollars worth of undelivered goods.
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The company, which is associated with Sidach Sheds in Launceston, was taking orders up until last week but some Tasmanian customers say they have been left more than $12,000 out of pocket after ordering sheds that were never delivered.
They now fear they will never see their orders, or their money, again after Sidach Sheds stopped responding to their calls this week.
Several customers said they heard a string of excuses from the company in the months since they placed their orders, these included the hold up of the Spirit of Tasmania and the Christmas rush.
Shari Champ, of Bridport, has potentially lost the 50 per cent deposit on a $24,000 order she made in November last year.
“[The company] only ever returned emails, they talked to us if we rang them but would always be blaming freight,” Mrs Champ said.
“We’ve been ringing them every couple of weeks since Christmas and we’ve basically just been fobbed-off.
‘We’re just good, honest, hardworking people that have ordered a shed and people can’t afford this.”
Zane Lockett, of Launceston, is building a house and has been forced to put his plans on hold following the loss of his $7500 shed.
“I can’t even get the final payment on my house because the shed’s part of the contract as well,” Mr Lockett said.
“The builder can’t get paid until the shed goes up so it’s not just me, it’s myself and it’s the builder – everyone’s out of pocket.
“You don’t even think that you’re going to pay for something and not receive it.”
Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading director Dale Webster said their Consumer, Building and Occupational Services advice line had so far received one complaint, that is being investigated, and nine requests for advice.
“It is normal business practice to seek a deposit to cover any costs for supplying goods but those costs are not substantial and are sometimes just absorbed initially by the business,” Mr Webster said.
“We will follow this matter up and are prepared to take any action available under the Australian Consumer law.”
VIP Sheds and Sidach Sheds in Launceston could not be contacted to comment on Saturday.
