Q: Six weeks ago, I ordered some furniture from a local company. The order consisted of a bedroom, four dining chairs and a TV unit. Upon order, I paid in full for all the furniture, as I was required to do by the company. I was promised that what I ordered would be delivered in three weeks from the date of order.

Four weeks later, I received a call and was informed that my furniture would be delivered and installed on that same day.

I was not given prior notice of the date of delivery. Hence, since I could not leave work, I had to send a family member to open my apartment.

On that same day I was informed that the bed and half of my chest drawers did not arrive with the consignment. So I was told that I had to wait for the next delivery. When I went back to the flat to see what the workmen installed, I found out that some of the furniture was damaged together with my wall.

When a contract of sale is made, both consumers and traders are obliged to adhere to it

I complained immediately and the company sent someone to check the damage. The delivery of the missing furniture has now been postponed by another week and I cannot wait any longer as I need to move into the apartment imminently.

I would like to know what rights I have with regards to the missing furniture and the damages incurred.

A: When a contract of sale is made, both consumers and traders are obliged to adhere to it. Hence, when a trader is unable to deliver all the furniture ordered within the agreed time frame, consumers have the option to cancel the sale and request a refund of the money paid. Furthermore, if due to this delay consumers incur additional costs, they may also request a refund of these extra expenses.

Regarding the damage the installers caused to your property and to the furniture, the company is responsible and must therefore provide you with a replacement of the damaged furniture. They must also fix the damage caused on your property at no additional costs to you.

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