Topic: Ask - R(ob)AWK replies

[Jono69]

Anyone got any good recommendation for a Christmas hamper?

Was looking for my parents as they’re going to be in their own. They don’t want anything overly fancy and I saw M&S and John Lewis had really nice stuff for around £100. Typically, didn’t order when I saw them and now they’re out of stock so don’t know how likely they are to come available again.

Any other suggestions or recommendations gratefully received!

Might be a bit late now or you might not be arsed with the hassle but the wife always does one herself for her parents .Ends up picking stuff up from all over for it when we are out and about ( Been more problematic this year mind)  Works out a lot cheaper and seems more personal
She priced a M&S one up about 3 or 4 years ago then decided she can do one a lot cheaper ( I didn't complain )

[Drinks Sangria]

Anyone with Banking/Section 75's/ Chargeback knowledge would be massively appreciated!

When original lockdown ended and restrictions were lifted, some friends and I (probably a bit too hasty) booked a house on Anglesey for New Years. 12 of us, it came to around £2500, little over £200 each.

Obviously another lockdown rolled around after and the tiered restrictions came in. Now, because of this, members of the group got cold feet and started to ask could we cancel. AirBnB, who we booked with, have some shitty 'no cancel due to covid unless the host has covid' style small print.

I paid for all this on my credit card and people paid me back. After deliberation, we decided to do a chargeback last week, even though there was still a remote possibility of us going (chance of 12 people, unrelated and from 11 separate households I believe - with only myself and my girlfriend living together - going seemed wildly remote).

The host was unresponsive and it did seem that cancelling via him would lose 50% of our money. So I initiated a chargeback with my credit card, and within 4 days, the £2500 was in my account. I was happy at how easy this had been. I then got an email from AirBnB stating they'd cancelled my holiday and issued a refund (clearly in reference to the chargeback). They then sent an email saying they could see we'd initiated the chargeback and wanted to 'touch base' about this, but asked for no information. I've not responded to this as of yet, unsure what to do.

My bank then this morning send me what looks like a stock email saying they've temporarily given me the funds but may have to take them back. If it stays in my account until 20/02/2021 it can then be assumed the funds can be kept.

Now I've already sent the money back to everyone and am worried that the bank will try and take the money back out of my account - money I can scarcely afford to lose whilst saving for a house. I'm sure my friends will foot their part should it come to that, but it's not a nice situation to have to ask them for it again.

Anyone have any experience of this and can offer advice?

My position is that they would be unable to offer what was advertised so would in essence be in breach of contract - a house sleeping 12 people, unrelated, not from a bubble, not living together prior to the trip and with restrictions on crossing the Welsh border for holidays etc. Both our area and the area of the house are currently Tier 2, but we have some of the group coming from Tier 3. I'm hoping it's seen as cut and dry and it gets sorted with no hassle.

[rob1966]

^

I think the issue here is that you've initiated the cancellation when you should have waited for them to cancel (went through this with EasyJet fr Tenerife in Oct, missus contacted them about cancelling and got an extortionate figure, I spoke to the travel insurance and they said to wait and if they cancel the holiday then we were covered - easyjet gave us a full refund anyway).

A section 75 is for when you've not received what you ordered or where there is an issue with the goods/services/whatever (made a claim on a faulty laptop outside of the companies warranty period and got a full refund). You need to speak to your bank/card issuer first and see what they say, but I have a strong feeling they will want a refund as, as of now, AirBnB haven't yet not provided the service you've paid for.

[Drinks Sangria]

^

I think the issue here is that you've initiated the cancellation when you should have waited for them to cancel (went through this with EasyJet fr Tenerife in Oct, missus contacted them about cancelling and got an extortionate figure, I spoke to the travel insurance and they said to wait and if they cancel the holiday then we were covered - easyjet gave us a full refund anyway).

A section 75 is for when you've not received what you ordered or where there is an issue with the goods/services/whatever (made a claim on a faulty laptop outside of the companies warranty period and got a full refund). You need to speak to your bank/card issuer first and see what they say, but I have a strong feeling they will want a refund as, as of now, AirBnB haven't yet not provided the service you've paid for.

Thanks for letting us know. Sounds ominous from this position. However, surely it can be argued that they would never justifiably be able to offer it, and their unfair small print regarding Covid cancellations is a deterrent to fair trading?

The issue is, we feared leaving it in anticipation of the date and just losing all the money with AirBnB turning around and saying 'you could've used the property.' I'm hoping that as AirBnB cancelled it following the chargeback and 'issued a full refund' that this will suffice as an end to the matter.

It's difficult to judge, because currently, they haven't yet failed to provide the service, as stated. But it does seem currently and reasonably that they're absolutely not going to be able to. 12 English people, from separate households, not from a bubble together, socialising and sharing an indoor space having all come from separate houses in the days before. Maybe I'm clutching at straws. Essentially I don't want to have to ask for my friends to submit the money to me again just to lose it, it would be shit for me to lose £210 odd (and the risk some friends will be reticent to pay knowing they're losing it) but there's a few couples to whom that £210 could be crucial currently.

[kellan]

I know all of you were absolutely riveted by my ebay predicament, so I thought I would return to the thread to let everyone know the massive dildo arrived today at 16:09.

[Jono69]

I know all of you were absolutely riveted by my ebay predicament, so I thought I would return to the thread to let everyone know the massive dildo arrived today at 16:09.

Have you used it yet

[stoa]

I know all of you were absolutely riveted by my ebay predicament, so I thought I would return to the thread to let everyone know the massive dildo arrived today at 16:09.

Isn't a dildo something you'd rather buy in person and not on ebay, to make sure it fits and feels good?

[CraigDS]

Isn't a dildo something you'd rather buy in person and not on ebay, to make sure it fits and feels good?

Not sure sex stores have a try before you buy policy 

[Crosby Nick]

I know all of you were absolutely riveted by my ebay predicament, so I thought I would return to the thread to let everyone know the massive dildo arrived today at 16:09.

Why on earth have you ordered a Harry Kane?

[reddebs]

Need recommendations and recipes for some cocktails please pissheads of rawk [emoji16]

[rob1966]

Need recommendations and recipes for some cocktails please pissheads of rawk [emoji16]

Mix Jack Daniels with Jack Daniels cider and drink.

[reddebs]

Mix Jack Daniels with Jack Daniels cider and drink.

Jack Daniels cider?  Not seen that Rob will have to have a sken next time I'm shopping.

We've just been and spent the best part of £150 on all sorts of weird and wonderful cocktaily sounding liqueurs, syrups etc just need to know what to put them with [emoji23]

 

[rob1966]

Jack Daniels cider?  Not seen that Rob will have to have a sken next time I'm shopping.

We've just been and spent the best part of £150 on all sorts of weird and wonderful cocktaily sounding liqueurs, syrups etc just need to know what to put them with [emoji23]

Its cider mixed with JD, I use it as a mixer rather than coke 

I'd just experiment with mixing things together, until I passed out.

[reddebs]

Its cider mixed with JD, I use it as a mixer rather than coke 

I'd just experiment with mixing things together, until I passed out.

Sounds like a plan mate I'll let you know how ill I get [emoji23][emoji23]

[The G in Gerrard]

JD Cider isn't available anywhere?

[rob1966]

JD Cider isn't available anywhere?

Been discontinued 

Not been drinking much this year so didn't even realise.

[John C]

Did anyone ever find out what the fuck was in Keseys jar?

[liverbloke]

Did anyone ever find out what the fuck was in Keseys jar?

[kellan]

Spoiler

[close]

Username checks out.

[Hendollama]

I can't clearly make out what that is. And I am afraid to ask.

[rob1966]

I can't clearly make out what that is. And I am afraid to ask.

Its a jar that used to belong to Loretta Bobbit

[Crimson]

What the hell is "Red week"? 

Beside another ploy for me to waste money I mean.

[Hendollama]

Its a jar that used to belong to Loretta Bobbit

Well, that was a trip.

[Komic]

Looking into getting the drive at my house extended and the council needs leaseholder consent to do a dropped kerb. The leaseholder wants over £300 (which is 7 times our yearly lease payments) just to grant consent. Is that a normal fee from the leaseholder? 

[Drinks Sangria]

Looking into getting the drive at my house extended and the council needs leaseholder consent to do a dropped kerb. The leaseholder wants over £300 (which is 7 times our yearly lease payments) just to grant consent. Is that a normal fee from the leaseholder?

Technically they can ask for what they want, it's essentially their land. It's certainly greedy though given you're improving the property and probably having to pay circa £800 - £1500 to the council to drop the curb in the first instance.

Cheeky bastard - every extra parking space a property has translates to 5% - 8% extra in value. Car insurance is cheaper for cars parked on a drive, they're closer to your home, you don't have to scrap with others to get a space on the street and don't run the risk of blocking or having your drive blocked.

You should challenge this mate - am I right in thinking you've bought a new build property that was built in the last 10 years? Or are you renting? There's protections in place by the Government since 2017 to stop leaseholders from taking the piss - but I am assuming a tribunal suits nobody. May need to speak to a solicitor or wayleave specialist, though that would likely cost more than the £300.

[scouseman]

Hi everyone

I hope you can help. Ever since we have had our water meter fitted with Thames Water we have had a slow water draining issue with the toilet. The water goes right to the top of the bowl and goes down very slowly and without getting rid of the brown contents (sorry could not think of a better way to call it). We have tried a plunger and things like harpic bleach with no real solution as yet.

Anything else around the home I can try? Not very knowledgeable at all. Just do not want to be in fear every time i flush the loo.   

[Komic]

Technically they can ask for what they want, it's essentially their land. It's certainly greedy though given you're improving the property and probably having to pay circa £800 - £1500 to the council to drop the curb in the first instance.

Cheeky bastard - every extra parking space a property has translates to 5% - 8% extra in value. Car insurance is cheaper for cars parked on a drive, they're closer to your home, you don't have to scrap with others to get a space on the street and don't run the risk of blocking or having your drive blocked.

You should challenge this mate - am I right in thinking you've bought a new build property that was built in the last 10 years? Or are you renting? There's protections in place by the Government since 2017 to stop leaseholders from taking the piss - but I am assuming a tribunal suits nobody. May need to speak to a solicitor or wayleave specialist, though that would likely cost more than the £300.

Cheers for the information. Will look into a solicitor. The house is 50 ish years old, but on 1000 year lease of £45 so didnt think it would be too big an issue. Thought they might ask for some cash for doing this but not that much.

[Big Red Richie]

Hi everyone

I hope you can help. Ever since we have had our water meter fitted with Thames Water we have had a slow water draining issue with the toilet. The water goes right to the top of the bowl and goes down very slowly and without getting rid of the brown contents (sorry could not think of a better way to call it). We have tried a plunger and things like harpic bleach with no real solution as yet.

Anything else around the home I can try? Not very knowledgeable at all. Just do not want to be in fear every time i flush the loo.   

Upstairs or downstairs WC?

Your toilet, or waste pipe off the back of you toilet is blocked. Simples.

Get an old fashioned mop, and use it as a plunger in your toilet bowl.

Pump the U-bend and create a pressure wave through the water. Try flushing again.

If the water goes down, the blockage has moved/cleared.

If the water is still high. Try again.

The installation of a water meter is just a coincidence I think.

The flush in your cistern is designed to not be more than your toilet bowl. IE: If your WC bowl has a 2 litre capacity, then the cistern is also designed to hold no more than 2 litres, or less, and when blocked water should rise to the rim, but no further, so as to not over flow.

Always wait till the  water in the bowl has subsided before trying another flush.



*Just had a thought. Is the water meter inside or out.

Inside. Just a coincidence.
Outside. Possible disturbance of sewage pipe? but unlikely.


** Also be mindful of the weather conditions, this time of year.

If your bog is downstairs this doesn't really apply. If upstairs, and your outside wastepipe is not straight down, off the back of the WC, IE; it runs across the wall either straight or diagonally sloped. If any waste is sitting in the pipe, there is scope under certain circumstances for it to freeze, inside the waste pipe, causing a blockage.

[rob1966]

Hi everyone

I hope you can help. Ever since we have had our water meter fitted with Thames Water we have had a slow water draining issue with the toilet. The water goes right to the top of the bowl and goes down very slowly and without getting rid of the brown contents (sorry could not think of a better way to call it). We have tried a plunger and things like harpic bleach with no real solution as yet.

Anything else around the home I can try? Not very knowledgeable at all. Just do not want to be in fear every time i flush the loo.   

This happens to us all the time, its just like Richie says, its blocked. My wife and kids are a pain for using too much bog roll and constantly block the bog. I ended up having to cut a hole in the soil pipe and shoving the pressure washed lance in to clear the worst blockage they managed

[scouseman]

Upstairs or downstairs WC?

Your toilet, or waste pipe off the back of you toilet is blocked. Simples.

Get an old fashioned mop, and use it as a plunger in your toilet bowl.

Pump the U-bend and create a pressure wave through the water. Try flushing again.

If the water goes down, the blockage has moved/cleared.

If the water is still high. Try again.

The installation of a water meter is just a coincidence I think.

The flush in your cistern is designed to not be more than your toilet bowl. IE: If your WC bowl has a 2 litre capacity, then the cistern is also designed to hold no more than 2 litres, or less, and when blocked water should rise to the rim, but no further, so as to not over flow.

Always wait till the  water in the bowl has subsided before trying another flush.



*Just had a thought. Is the water meter inside or out.

Inside. Just a coincidence.
Outside. Possible disturbance of sewage pipe? but unlikely.


** Also be mindful of the weather conditions, this time of year.

If your bog is downstairs this doesn't really apply. If upstairs, and your outside wastepipe is not straight down, off the back of the WC, IE; it runs across the wall either straight or diagonally sloped. If any waste is sitting in the pipe, there is scope under certain circumstances for it to freeze, inside the waste pipe, causing a blockage.

Thanks mate for the tips. The toliet is upstars and the water meter is outside in the street before the entrance to the front garden. The reason I say it could be because of the water meter is because I used to flush loads of bog roll down the toilet and  still get a stong flush and now not any more. Normally the rubber plunger would solve it but not at this moment. The question now is do we even have an old style mope with stringy hair.? I was thinking of using warm water and bucket loads of water to flush the issue  out. We will try. Would bleach help? It is really strange that when you flush the water goes right to the top but the waste remains.

[rob1966]

Your blockage is likely very near to the toilet itself, the water isn't flowing at all and the waste just flows up, toilet roll makes a good plug once all soaked and mixed with solids. We had one the other week that I could grab by putting my hand in the toilet, huge wad of soggy paper I pulled out.

[Ghost Town]

Your blockage is likely very near to the toilet itself, the water isn't flowing at all and the waste just flows up, toilet roll makes a good plug once all soaked and mixed with solids. We had one the other week that I could grab by putting my hand in the toilet, huge wad of soggy paper I pulled out.

Remind me not to shake hands with you if we ever meet, Rob

 

[rob1966]

Remind me not to shake hands with you if we ever meet, Rob

 

Once you've fished a child's turd out of the bath by hand , nothing is off limits

[Crosby Nick]

Once you've fished a child's turd out of the bath by hand , nothing is off limits

Now I know why you’re so on top of whether other men are washing their hands in communal toilets.

[Slippers]

Once you've fished a child's turd out of the bath by hand , nothing is off limits

The joys of parenthood.

[Drinks Sangria]

Energy Bill issues - I live in a small two bed house where I'm working from home, but typically only have the heating on low a few hours a day and don't tend to leave lights running. I do run two laptops on and off the power for around 10 hours a day though.

My bills recently have been over £100 a month for gas and electric, when typically they've been considerably cheaper. I used to submit meter readings but have had a smart meter installed, my provider has sent me another £150 bill saying that the price is based on readings I submitted - I never did submit anything this month due to the aforementioned Smart Meter.

I'm contacting them asking how they have this information, why it's not listed as smart or estimate and why the bill is so ridiculously high. Any guidance or advice on this? Surely WFH can't basically make my bills 100% more expensive each month.

[redbyrdz]

Energy Bill issues - I live in a small two bed house where I'm working from home, but typically only have the heating on low a few hours a day and don't tend to leave lights running. I do run two laptops on and off the power for around 10 hours a day though.

My bills recently have been over £100 a month for gas and electric, when typically they've been considerably cheaper. I used to submit meter readings but have had a smart meter installed, my provider has sent me another £150 bill saying that the price is based on readings I submitted - I never did submit anything this month due to the aforementioned Smart Meter.

I'm contacting them asking how they have this information, why it's not listed as smart or estimate and why the bill is so ridiculously high. Any guidance or advice on this? Surely WFH can't basically make my bills 100% more expensive each month.

The smart meter submits automatically, but the energy provider might still call that "your submitted readings" I think.

I'd definitively query it, but I do remember some peole warning that energy bills will go throught the roof for a lot of people because they now work from home. They were actually discussing the negative impact on the environment, because typically modern office buildings are better isolated than homes, and a lot more energy will go into heating when people are at home more.

[Ghost Town]

I have no experience of smart meters as I have avoided them like the plague after a few people I know had idiotic experiences just like yours - 1000 pound bills and so on - early on. So it's possible it could be an issue that way, though supposedly smart meters have got smarter. Have you changed provider since having the smart installed? I did read that it used to be that not all smart meters worked with all providers for some reason. Not sure if that's still the case.

Ultimately you need to look at the actual readings over the last year or two or back to the last reading you are confident about, then find out your unit rates and standing charge rates and do some maths to see if the amounts they are charging make sense and ft in with your usage style. Keep a note of what appliances etc you use, and how long for, and do make sure nothing has been left on that shouldn't be. And then query it like buggery. Don't let the bastards grind you down.

[rob1966]

Had smart meters fitted 2 weeks ago, hopefully we don't get any weird bills. I did take a reading off both meters before they got removed.

I've been WFH solidly since May and had two kids here for the majority of the time and to be honest, our bills haven't gone up, even though I have a monitor running all day and the laptop plugged in when it needs charging, plus the echo dot playing planet rock and two PS4s on constantly for the kids, plus the hot dinners I now have to make for them. I try to keep the heating off during the day, its off til 3pm in a normal year, so that has helped.

[jackh]

Took a bump/scratch to the side of my car quite a while ago, right at the front edge of the rear door.  The weather like it has been recently, I've noticed that my car has a large amount of condensation and has a quite a damp feel about it it - is this possibly something to do with the breaking of the seal around the door?