I have called another main dealer who has just told me today that they can tell me with a fairly strong certainty what alarm fob product I will receive prior to ordering. I assumed all MB dealers had to follow the same protocol. Clearly the first dealer in the initial transaction last week had no interest in going the extra mile for the customer (this is reinforced by the fact that they have still failed to contact me). The second one I called today said they just needed my VIN over the phone and they could confirm the key type to be issued.

I said that I wanted one of the new chrome fobs because from what I've heard they're indestructible. I also said that my current fob had water damage but that it still unlocked and started the car so I'd be prepared to wait for the metal version since he stated it came down to a stock issue and whatever was available in the warehouse. I kept asking to see a sample of the fob, and he kept telling me that he had no idea what the fob would look like until the key was to be cut in Germany, then he would know which fob model to order. All sounded very strange to me and utterly unprofessional. Throughout the order, the only sample shown to me was the chrome key, though he could not guarantee it would be that one. I just don't understand how a business can get away with what appears to me to be a blind sale. I paid via credit card. I think it was Mastercard.

The blade was not included. They could not tell me what case I would get because they did not know which blade would be cut. Still find it unbelievable they are unable to know these things, especially for such an expensive purchase. It was on order from Germany last time I checked. The remote was brought in from a local dealer and programmed. As I said, I can understand the process in terms of how the key is verified against the car, but how is it possible, in this day and age, not to be shown what I am purchasing? I mean they could sell me a programmed mickey mouse keyring and by the sounds of it I couldn't complain as long as it unlocked my car! The key fob was entirely plastic, utterly unsatisfactory to me in terms of the longevity I expect from such an expensive device. So far, no-one can tell me if they have legally accepted the returned key or not. If there are no returns then why accept it back? Surely they are in a difficult position here legally because if there are technically no returns on these items then how was I able to return it with signed confirmation from the dealer?

It's a 2000 Mercedes. I understand they can change the part, and it needs to do what it was designed to do, but how can I be forced to take delivery of something I have never been shown? And I must simply pay the sum (which I was happy to do if the key was to be a stronger version than the one I currently have) without question and be happy with the service? I am certainly not complaining about the cost of the key, more about the actual service, and being told to like it or lump it. We are talking about a multi-billion pound company unable to show a customer what a product will look like, forcing the sale on me because they know it is something I need for the car and it can only be processed through them. How is there not even a catalogue for these items, on screen or in brochure form? Surely there must be some legal position that protects me as a buyer when I am forced to take delivery of an item I have never seen before because the dealer either can't be bothered to show me what the key will look like (though waves the stronger version around as a possible example), or doesn't want to for fear I won't make the purchase. And finally, if they have accepted that I rejected it, and taken the key back, stated a refund would be authorised on Monday, and at no point specified the breakdown of the key costs (manufacturing or otherwise), surely I can claim for the full amount?

Tell me about it, but they've got it all stitched up at the dealer. Any idea if they're allowed to make me order without even seeing the product first and refuse a refund? Thanks.

Question for anyone who knows about replacement fobs via the dealer: Went into a dealership, paid for a replacement fob and key. £240. No problem with that, it's the price for a replacement. I asked what it would look like, and the parts specialist stated something like the chrome one he pulled out of a drawer. Refused to confirm it would be a chrome one. He said he could not specify that via the code. Whatever they have in stock is what will be sent out. But the whole time the transaction is taking place, the solid looking fob is on the table. He couldn't even show me a picture! Return the following week to collect it. however the whole thing is black plastic, which looks like it will degrade the same way as the original remote. Took the remote straight back into the dealer after trying it and asked to return it. He asked why, and I said it is of inferior quality to the one I was shown. I then asked whether any of the other remotes, namely the metal ones, would work with my car and he said that's the only one that would work with my chassis number. why was he unable to tell me what fob I would receive a week earlier upon ordering? I said I'm not paying for a piece of plastic and again requested a refund and proof they had received the key from me. They signed the order form stating I rejected it and they had accepted the key back. Additionally told the refund could not be authorised until Monday this week, but have still not received a call back. My current key works, I just wanted a better quality spare key. Now I have concerns because some friends have said this is a special order item so I have no recourse to a refund. However, I thought that because they have accepted my key back, that they indeed will have to honour the refund. And if there is a no refund policy on the key (even if it is in writing), then they should not be accepting returns at all. I will call this coming week, but I just want to hear from the ever helpful CAG what the legal position on this kind of transaction is. Thoughts anyone?

Thanks for the info. Things were not going smoothly with my partner and the annual return had failed to be returned on time. When told the company could dissolve, we saw it as an opportunity to go our separate ways. This was the only outstanding debt, however, the contract clearly stipulated that the invoice be made out to our client, not to us. And so we thought the liability rested with our client not our dissolved company.

Thanks. Do you think we need to worry about using the old place of business as a hot desk location? This is the only reason the paperwork reached us. They did not issue SD to our correct registered address.

Thanks for your informative reply. I will emphasise that the two businesses are entirely separate, and that liability was with the dissolved company not the current one.

Hi everyone, I appreciate that what I am about to discuss is related to me as the director of a Ltd company, however I still thought there might be someone here who can advise the best course of action to take. In January of this year, our company ('X Ltd'), was dissolved since my business partner and I decided we could no longer work together and there was no interest in continuing the company in its form at that time. There were no outstanding debts, apart from one that was owed by a previous client of X Ltd; they are a huge name in this country so we felt that the debt to our subbie would be paid regardless of what happened to X Ltd since the work was invoiced to the client c/o X Ltd and not directly to X Ltd (though works were authorised by X Ltd). Anyway, about a month after the dissolution of the previous company, some options to work abroad fell through and I decided to give the company another go and start a new company with a similar name but change from X Ltd to X Limited; so name was same but Limited spelled differently as well as different company registration number and vat registration number. The registered address changed, but about a month ago, I decided to set up a virtual office at our old location because it is convenient for me. I do, however, wish I had taken the advice of my accountant and changed the name altogether!! So, this big client of the now dissolved company decided not to pay the subbie, and now the subbie is coming after the new company. Bit of a mess I know, and although I always make sure debts are paid, I do not understand how a statutory demand can be issued to a company that was not even formed when the original debt was incurred!! The statutory demand was served at our non-registered address, for a debt the company has nothing to do with. I do not have much money, hence requesting advice here, but I am minded to write to the court and ask for the demand to be set aside and request an injunction since the two companies are independent of each other. Or, should it simply be returned to the creditor making it clear that company no longer exists? Any advice?