Q: Around six months ago I ordered a bathroom door to be manufactured by a local carpenter. We agreed that the door would be ready within one month from the date of order. At this point I agreed to pay a €150 deposit, as requested by the carpenter. To date I am still waiting for the door to be ready.

I would like to know if I can cancel the order and ask for my deposit back. If, on the other hand, I wait for the carpenter to do the door, can I at least ask for compensation for the delay in delivery? What are my rights?

A: First of all, it is important that you verify that the agreed delivery date is actually written on the contract of sale. As per the Consumer Rights Regulations, products ordered by consumers must be delivered within the agreed delivery date or, if there is no delivery date stipulated on the contract of sale, within 30 days from the date of order. When neither of these dates is observed by the trader, then the consumer needs to write to the trader.

In this case, you need to write to the carpenter and inform him of your intention to cancel the order if the bathroom door is not delivered to you within a reasonable date from the date of the letter. The complaint letter should be sent by registered post.

If the carpenter refuses or is unable to deliver the door by the new deadline, then you can opt to cancel the contract of sale and request a full refund of the deposit paid.