Q: Six months ago I ordered a sofa from a local company and the agreement was that it would be delivered within three/four months from the date of order.

To my disappointment, after this period of time elapsed, no one contacted me for the delivery. So I had to call the seller to check what was going on with my order.

I was informed that the delivery would take place within 15 days. Another month passed and once again no one got in touch with me to deliver the sofa. Now the seller told me I have to wait another month for it to be delivered.

I have already paid €500 as a deposit for this sofa. I would like to know if I have the right to cancel the order and be refunded the deposit or if I can ask for a discount?

A: The law stipulates that when an order is placed and a specific delivery date is agreed, the seller is obliged to honour the agreement.

When the seller is unable to provide the goods ordered by the agreed date, consumers have the right to cancel the sale and request their deposit back.

Hence, you may opt to cancel the sale and if the seller refuses, you may then file a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs.

With regards to the discount, consumer legislation does not specify such a remedy when a delay in delivery occurs.

This, however, does not mean that you should not try and discuss this possibility with the trader.

If the seller refuses, you may still opt to cancel the sale.