Hi I am just wondering whether there is anyone on here who knows where consumers stand with contracts! Basically is it sufficient for a company to say you entered into a contract (for a service) by verbally agreeing on the phone, if they hadn't made you aware at the time that you were entering into a contract and what the terms and conditions were. I have unwittingly (well I had a lot on my mind at the time) entered into a contract for which I am now being charged a large termination fee as I don't require the service. I am just very surprised these terms don't have to be made clear including in writing at the time of 'agreement'. Anyone know about this? Thanks!

If it was done on the phone- was there a disclaimer at beginning of telephone conversation telling you it was being recorded?
If not, wheres the evidence that they told you? Good luck

Or contact your local trading standards to ask them what the company can or can't do..
I'm sure they'd be interested in a company is operating improperly.

Still waiting for a call back from TS as we've got a TV that is 3 years old.
We had a free 5 year warranty when we bought it.
We've rung the shop (Sony Centre) to get it fixed and surprise surprise they say the person
that ran the shop went bust the year when we bought the TV.
They are a new franchise and we aren't covered - ARRRGGHH and to add insult to injury
the shop is still in the same name just in small print can you see it's run by a different company.

We are waiting for stock to either come straight from the manufacturer or John Lewis, mid June we've been told
at the earliest but hey hopefully at least we won't be stung again.

I am sure, legally You have a cooling of period as well. When did the phone call take place??
Lea :)

you should have a 14 day cooling off period for anything contractual (I think )

I did think there ought to be a cooling off period (certainly no one mentionned it but then they didn't explain the 'contract' either)
I was really sure any such agreements have to either have terms sent to you or fully explained. However when I rung the office of fair trading the lady I spoke to told me maybe I will learn to pay more attention in future!!!!!! Well I certainly will, I am afraid I didn't pay proper attention and I didn't realise it was so easy for a company to say you have made an agreement. I reckon I shall say no to anyone offering me things on the phone in future.

>Basically is it sufficient for a company to say you entered into a contract (for a service) by verbally agreeing on the phone.

Yes

>If they hadn't made you aware at the time that you were entering into a contract and what the terms and conditions were.

They have to obtain your verbal agreement and they should have explained the cooling off period and payment details etc, etc.   However, they are not required to go into the Terms and Conditions in depth, but they do have to give the key points and determine demands and needs.

If you feel this was a mis-sell, you can write a letter of complaint to the company and ask them to investigate.   BTW 14 day is the statuary cooling off period.  

Thankyou for the advice and feedback.
Yes I have gone past the 14 day cooling off period, it was too late when I realised the situation. It is interesting to learn that verbal agreement is enough though so it does pay to be very careful. I have written a letter of complaint because I don't feel enough was explained, but I doubt it will get me anywhere, I have probably learnt the expensive way that I do need to be more switched on and less trusting in future!!

Have you went past the cooling off period ?