Q: I ordered a kitchen from a local seller who imports furniture from Italy. The kitchen was meant to be delivered to me by the end of November.

Towards the end of November, I called the seller and was informed that my kitchen was still in Italy and that they did not know when it would be sent. I was asked to call in a week’s time. When I did, I was informed that the kitchen would arrive in mid-December.

Because of this delay, I am unable to move into my new house. I have a toddler and I can’t move into a house without a kitchen. For this reason, I have had to arrange other accommodation for myself and my family.

Am I entitled to some form of compensation from the seller? They knew about my situation and assured me the kitchen would be delivered by the end of November, at the very latest.

A: If, when ordering your kitchen, you had made it clear to the seller that you needed it by a specific date and this was clearly written on the contract of sale, then legally you can hold the seller responsible for any extra expenses you incur due to such a delay.

However, you should immediately inform the trader that due to the delay in delivery, you are going to incur specific expenses and that you will be requesting compensation.

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