Argh, ebay rant.

[foodpoison]

I won't go into specifics for view of keeping the details close to my chest because I anticipate this getting messy, but someone I sold something to recently is arguing the toss.

Basically, I sold something online, that was working absolutely fine when I sent it, with pictures to prove it.
The guy bought it 3/3/11, received it 4/3/11, and opened the dispute on the 13/3/11. He said he left it in the box and didn't touch it and now when he's gone to use it it's broken, saying item was not as described, yet he's also reassuring me he didn't drop it or force it.

I anticipate this happening: Ebay force me, somehow, to pay the money back to the seller for a refund. The seller sends me back the item that I know he broke. I give him £160 back. I now have a broken item, and I'm £160 out of pocket.

Brilliant.

Any Ebay horror stories or advice?

 

[cambsno]

Yeah, dont touch ebay or the robbing c**** at Paypal. There is nothing to stop someone logging a dispute a month later then sending you back a different item. They dont want to know. The only thing on my side is that I am actually up as they refunded the buyer and I have a negative balance, so although I cant use my account am better off!!! Nothing you can do at all.

 

[barneyrubble]

If its broken then cant you claim off royal mail or the courier? One way or the other it was broken outside of your control - either in transit or at teh other end. If you have photos proving it wasnt broken, and now it is, then its probably in transit - or the guy at the other end being a bit of an arse

 

[foodpoison]

Yeah, dont touch ebay or the robbing c**** at Paypal. There is nothing to stop someone logging a dispute a month later then sending you back a different item. They dont want to know. The only thing on my side is that I am actually up as they refunded the buyer and I have a negative balance, so although I cant use my account am better off!!! Nothing you can do at all.

It's a bloody pain in the arse man.

It wouldn't even be so bad if I had money to spare, but I really don't.

They don't care about the seller, they just want the buyer to be happy so they'll come and use ebay again. Ridiculous.

 

[foodpoison]

If its broken then cant you claim off royal mail or the courier? One way or the other it was broken outside of your control - either in transit or at teh other end. If you have photos proving it wasnt broken, and now it is, then its probably in transit - or the guy at the other end being a bit of an arse

Yeah I could do that, do you have any idea how I'd go about it?

Another option I was thinking of doing is asking the buyer to get a quote from sigma to repair the lens and offer to pay half. (it was a lens I sold, it was in full working condition before I sold it, and now it's broken in the customers care. It's not my problem, it really isn't.)

 

[neil_g]

last time we need to claim from RM we got the forms from the post office.. i imagine theyll be online too

 

[neil_g]

http://www2.royalmail.com/customer-...omers/refunds-and-compensation/claims-process

 

[foodpoison]

Thanks Neil.

Apparently, to make a solid claim, you need to retain all the packaging that the item was sent in, which I doubt the buyer has done because it's now been 10 days since they received the item.

There are some really scummy people in the world man, there really are.

 

[canonguy]

ebay and paypal, a complete pain in the ar+#, i have been locked out of my paypal and ebay account all because they have a £1900 limit for recieving funds in any 1 year, and because i have sold more than that value, they now are investigating my accounts for fraud or money laundering? even though i have 100% positive feedback, its a joke, they are also holding funds in my pp account, which they say can be for 180 days wtf is that all about. i am not happy to say the least.

 

[photon]

I've had several lenses sent to me by fleabay sellers that were inadequately packed. The last was a small prime wrapped in a sheet of newspaper in a small padded mailer, rattling around in a ParcelForce van.

A new-old-stock zoom from Australia jammed within a month. This was repaired by the UK agent as a gesture of goodwill. The problem was due to a manufacturing fault.

I had a virtually unused film SLR delivered in person, several years ago. The mirror return motor failed within a fortnight. I did contact the seller, who wouldn't refund, and I took it on the chin. Obviously, from my own self-interest, I would prefer buyer protection.

 

[photon]

they now are investigating my accounts for fraud or money laundering?

"Gift" payment for a mini trekker? :shrug: :nono:

 

[foodpoison]

I've had several lenses sent to me by fleabay sellers that were inadequately packed. The last was a small prime wrapped in a sheet of newspaper in a small padded mailer, rattling around in a ParcelForce van.

A new-old-stock zoom from Australia jammed within a month. This was repaired by the UK agent as a gesture of goodwill. The problem was due to a manufacturing fault.

I had a virtually unused film SLR delivered in person, several years ago. The mirror return motor failed within a fortnight. I did contact the seller, who wouldn't refund, and I took it on the chin. Obviously, from my own self-interest, I would prefer buyer protection.

This lens I sold was wrapped in bubble wrap, put into its box, the box was then wrapped in bubble wrap, put into a larger box and was then padded out by hundreds of those little styrofoam 'S' shapes. It was more than adequately packed

The thing is, when you buy a used item, that's the caveat. It could break, and unless you've got a warranty in place with the seller, it's just one of those things.

You buy a used car. It breaks down within 2 weeks. If it's a new issue, and not one that the seller was hiding, well then it's up to you to fix it, not the seller.

It's unfortunate, yes, but it is one of those things.

Basically the buyer says the zoom mechanism has stopped working. I don't see how that could have happened unless the buyer has dropped it, or forced it with the locking switch enabled.

 

[photon]

Good to hear your packing sounds adequate, unlike the heavy "brass-&-glass" zoom which I received from Belgium in November a few years ago. Due to poor light and commitments it didn't get looked at for several days and then jammed solid. The packing was atrocious, and I had no hesitation in claiming.

 

[Saintsman]

I've used eBay for many years without any issues until my last sale

I sold a Panasonic 14-140 lens which was approximately one month old (only did so as I decided the Panasonic GH2 was too big for my needs and I bought an Olympus MFT outfit). I sent the lens via RMSD, VERY well packaged and the buyer confirmed receipt however I got this message from him:

"Thanks for message.Goods arrived yesterday and i found one bad thing- when you gently shake the lens something moving inside and gives you irritating noise...Possibly one of the lens,or plastic comes out of fastening... "

I suggested to the buyer that it was likely just the image stabilisation mechanism in the lens but that, if he was concerned, he could return the lens and I would get it checked out. I advised that if the lens was faulty then I would refund him immediately but if there was no problem then I would send the lens back to him. He was happy with this but still insisted the lens was faulty.

In the end I suggested he take the lens to a local camera store to get it checked himself, which he did and sent me this reply:

"Hello again Dave. Just back from Panasonic store in Glasgow and everything fine.Seller explain me most everything about this lens and that you say in second message- picture stabilization mechanism.... This is normal in this lens....Sorry for your veins Dave many thanks for understanding and excellent communication."

All this is fine but my major concern is with eBay. I was as sure as I could be that the lens was fine but checked with eBay as to what my position was if this proved to be the case - their response was that if the lens was ok the seller could still return it and I would have to refund them. This is the transcript of my online chat with eBay's support desk:


EBAY
Welcome to eBay Live Help. My name is XXX. How may I help you?

daveproctor
Hi - I sold a camera lens a couple of days ago and the buyer is saying there is a problem with it. The lens is only a month old and still under warranty and was perfect when I sent it. I have asked the buyer to return the lens to me so I can get it checked out but if it is OK do I still have to refund the buyer.

EBAY
Just to make sure I got your concern correctly, you're concerned that you would like to know your stand as tthe buyer is claiming that they have problem with the item they received. Am I right?

daveproctor
Yes - I have asked him to return it and I will get it checked by the store I bought the lens from. If they say it is fine and I get that in writing do I have to issue a refund or can I just send the lens back to the buyer?

EBAY
At this stage, I suggest that you work with you buyer and advise them how they would like to resolve the case. Did they wish to return the item for a refund?

daveproctor
I have asked him to return it - I have said that if there is a problem then I will refund it but I think that it is fine. The buyer is saying that he believes something is loose in the lens but I think this is just part of the internal mechanics and perfectly normal for this lens

EBAY
I suggest that you advise them to return the item first before you refund their payment.

daveproctor
I have done that - what I am asking is if there is no problem with the lens, and I get this confirmed by a camera store, can I send it back to the buyer and refuse to refund them?

EBAY
No. If they no longer want the item why should you send it back?

EBAY
You will end up with the dispute if you force the buyer to have the item if they no longer want it.

daveproctor
He is returning the lens because he says it is faulty - if it proves not to be faulty why should I accept it back?

EBAY
Yes.

daveproctor
Sorry - your answer does not make sense

daveproctor
Why do I have to refund the buyer if there is not a problem with the lens?

EBAY
Because they have the right to return item according to distance selling regulation.

daveproctor
So how do I go about getting a refund of my listing/selling fees? I don't understand this, how is it that the buyer can just decide to return the item if there is no problem with it?

EBAY
You can file a cancel trasaction in eBay resolution centre to get your final value fee credit

daveproctor
Can you explain to me (as I don't understand) how distance selling regulations can apply to private sales?

EBAY
The UK's Distance Selling Regulations give consumers a number of protections. In general, buyer have the right to return an item they've bought from an internet seller within 7 working days (starting the day after you receive the item). at your expense, but only if they state this before the sale.

daveproctor
My sale advised that No returns would be accepted - obviously this is not the case if the item is faulty but I suspect it isn't

EBAY
I believe I have addressed all of your concerns. I will now be closing down this chat. We will give you a minute to use the "Print" or "Copy all" buttons to get a transcript. However, no further assistance will be given to you in this Live Chat session at this time. Please follow the steps you've been provided.

Chat Session Ended, Goodbye. (5010)

Let me make it clear I have no issue with the buyer who was perfectly reasonable throughout our discussions but it does appear from what eBay tell me that if the buyer decides for any reason they don't want the item they are free to return it and the seller is obliged to issue a full refund

Last time I'll be using eBay where it looks like the protection is biased completely in favour of the buyer

 

[canonguy]

i dont get that, its wrong, very wrong, ebay seem to be making thing up as they go along lately, they are in favour of the buyers, but happy to take silly amounts from the seller for fees!

 

[DekHog]

ebay and paypal, a complete pain in the ar+#, i have been locked out of my paypal and ebay account all because they have a £1900 limit for recieving funds in any 1 year, and because i have sold more than that value, they now are investigating my accounts for fraud or money laundering? even though i have 100% positive feedback, its a joke, they are also holding funds in my pp account, which they say can be for 180 days wtf is that all about. i am not happy to say the least.

I've had that as well - just contact PayPal and tell them you wish to close your account due to the ongoing hassle, and they soon return it to the status quo of fully operational....

 

[foodpoison]

Let me make it clear I have no issue with the buyer who was perfectly reasonable throughout our discussions but it does appear from what eBay tell me that if the buyer decides for any reason they don't want the item they are free to return it and the seller is obliged to issue a full refund

Last time I'll be using eBay where it looks like the protection is biased completely in favour of the buyer

I have a feeling that this transaction is going to go that way, too. I'm going to be left with a broken lens and I'm going to be £160 out of pocket, scrabbling around for f%$($£g rent. Brilliant.

i dont get that, its wrong, very wrong, ebay seem to be making thing up as they go along lately, they are in favour of the buyers, but happy to take silly amounts from the seller for fees!

I agree, I think this will be the last time I use ebay, too. Pain in the ane, real pain in the ane.

 

[EMA747]

Sounds like a nasty mess Sean. ebay is in no way favouring the seller, they don't seem to give a **** about anything but the buyer coming back for more! I have used ebay hassle free for about four year but in the last year I have had a couple of sales go bad through no fault of my own. I think for now on I am only going to use ebay for the sale of low value items.

 

[foodpoison]

Agreed Andy. I wonder if I'll use it at all. Every sale I've done on this forum has been wonderful, people honest and trustworthy. This, on the other hand, is a god damned nightmare. I've just written a log displaying everything that may be of worth - raw images taken with the lens showing its perfect working condition, proof of delivery from royal mail, the order details page on ebay, and a log of messages and important events within the transaction.
I shouldn't have to do this, but, alas, I have to now.

 

[barneyrubble]

Agreed Andy. I wonder if I'll use it at all. Every sale I've done on this forum has been wonderful, people honest and trustworthy. This, on the other hand, is a god damned nightmare. I've just written a log displaying everything that may be of worth - raw images taken with the lens showing its perfect working condition, proof of delivery from royal mail, the order details page on ebay, and a log of messages and important events within the transaction.
I shouldn't have to do this, but, alas, I have to now.

Unfortunately not always the case though. I've just had a bad experience on here with a camera I've just bought.

 

[wack61]

On the other side of the coin I bought a camera that didn't exist, fell for a scam for the first time in 10 years of ebay buying

I claimed the money back from paypal and they refunded it without a problem despite it being £1500

the only issue I had was it was 5 days before I could log a complaint and then they gave the seller 10 days to respond by which time he's emptied his paypal account by spending all my money.

I don't get why they give the seller so long to respond

 

[Saintsman]

On the other side of the coin I bought a camera that didn't exist, fell for a scam for the first time in 10 years of ebay buying

I claimed the money back from paypal and they refunded it without a problem despite it being £1500

the only issue I had was it was 5 days before I could log a complaint and then they gave the seller 10 days to respond by which time he's emptied his paypal account by spending all my money.

I don't get why they give the seller so long to respond

I'd never dispute that they afford the buyer good protection - it's the fact that the seller seems to have pretty much no protection at all other than being covered for scams as long as you post to the confirmed Paypal address.

 

[foodpoison]

Unfortunately not always the case though. I've just had a bad experience on here with a camera I've just bought.

That's a real shame man, I hope it got/is getting sorted out sharpish

On the other side of the coin I bought a camera that didn't exist, fell for a scam for the first time in 10 years of ebay buying

I claimed the money back from paypal and they refunded it without a problem despite it being £1500

the only issue I had was it was 5 days before I could log a complaint and then they gave the seller 10 days to respond by which time he's emptied his paypal account by spending all my money.

I don't get why they give the seller so long to respond

While I feel for you, it's not the other side of the coin, it's a different coin entirely!
I'm a genuine seller, who sold an item that was sold as described, in full working order. The buyer has now clearly mishandled, mistreated or otherwise, the product they bought from me, and are now trying to use the powers of Paypal and Ebay to get their money back from me.

That isn't fair, at all. I can only hope Ebay will look at this rationally and reasonably, rather than just being concerned about their business.

I hope you got all your stuff sorted out and paypal have got you your money back!

 

[Saintsman]

Interestingly I have tried to complain to eBay about the live chat 'support' I received and there seems to be no way to get hold of an email address to write to

 

[foodpoison]

Interestingly I have tried to complain to eBay about the live chat 'support' I received and there seems to be no way to get hold of an email address to write to

I noticed this too, it seems this is more and more apparent in companies, so as to avoid countless emails from people, few of which have genuine issues. Play.com is almost impossible to find someone to talk to, too.

 

[barneyrubble]

That's a real shame man, I hope it got/is getting sorted out sharpish

Thanks, but unfortunately there's not much Hope of that .

Seller is ignoring all attempts to communicate, even though I know they've been on. Real shame as it's a camera I've been after for a while and now it needs to be sent for repair before I even get to use it !

Still - the other trades I've done on here have been great

 

[Saintsman]

Thanks, but unfortunately there's not much Hope of that .

Seller is ignoring all attempts to communicate, even though I know they've been on. Real shame as it's a camera I've been after for a while and now it needs to be sent for repair before I even get to use it !

Still - the other trades I've done on here have been great

It is a real shame - I always think silence speaks volumes about someone's attitude to trying to sort out problems in a decent manner

 

[The Greek]

Hi mate, hope it sorts it self out and you don't end up losing.

Good Luck.

 

[ecoleman]

Firstly, was this a Buy it now or an auction sale. did you sell as a business or as a private individual.

If you sold as a business with a buy it now price, the customer has more rights under the distance selling regulations.
If you sold as a private individual and the goods where won in an auction, then the customer has no right to return the item because he/her simply decided they don't want it. Also the item was sold as is and does not include a warranty. If the customer is claiming that the goods were damaged in transit, they should have contacted you immediately and should have signed for the goods as damaged.

 

[Dale_tem]

I was in a similar situation a few years ago. The item sold for £50.

I took photos of an unused item. I wrapped it in multiple layers of bubble wrap and cardboard boxes and sent it by courier to the buyer.

A week later I got a crappy email saying item wasn't as expected, it was damaged and i should give him his money back. I asked him how as it was unused blah blah blah blah blah.

I asked for photographic proof of the damage which he refused to give. He just made excuses and didn't send any proof, but kept asking for a refund.

When I asked him to return the item, he told me he had thrown it in the bin.

He didn't start a dispute.
He didn't give me any proof of the damage.
He didn't leave me any negative feedback.
He finally gave up.

Find out where he is
Ask for proof
Find a local camera shop and ask him to take it there to be inspected (if they will)

If they are reasonable they will do this.

If the refuse to prove the fault or don't want to take it for an inspection, they are pulling a fast one IMO.

IMO Ebay and Paypal do nothing wrong. They have to comply with the law. People have learnt how to win with paypal and other people lose. They are there to protect you. The problem is nothing to do with paypal. It is to do with the person you buy from or sell to on ebay. If you use paypal to transfer money between friends, are there any problems?? No. Its only a problem when you have a crappy auction on ebay.

 

[vixmix]

I had heard a common scam was to buy a working item if you have a broken one such as a hard drive or a PS3 controller or such, then dispute the sale and return the "faulty" item which is of course the one you already owned, keeping the working one you purchased and get your refund. Someone on another forum had this with a hard drive. Wasn't even the same brand of hard drive returned. Ebay wasn't interested! Gave refund!

 

[foodpoison]

Thanks, but unfortunately there's not much Hope of that .

Seller is ignoring all attempts to communicate, even though I know they've been on. Real shame as it's a camera I've been after for a while and now it needs to be sent for repair before I even get to use it !

Still - the other trades I've done on here have been great

Oh dear... That really sucks man

Hi mate, hope it sorts it self out and you don't end up losing.

Good Luck.

Cheers Chris, how's the lens treating you?

Firstly, was this a Buy it now or an auction sale. did you sell as a business or as a private individual.

If you sold as a business with a buy it now price, the customer has more rights under the distance selling regulations.
If you sold as a private individual and the goods where won in an auction, then the customer has no right to return the item because he/her simply decided they don't want it. Also the item was sold as is and does not include a warranty. If the customer is claiming that the goods were damaged in transit, they should have contacted you immediately and should have signed for the goods as damaged.

Sold as a private individual on a buy it now transaction. Agreed on all your points though.

Find out where he is
Ask for proof
Find a local camera shop and ask him to take it there to be inspected (if they will)

If they are reasonable they will do this.

If the refuse to prove the fault or don't want to take it for an inspection, they are pulling a fast one IMO.

IMO Ebay and Paypal do nothing wrong. They have to comply with the law. People have learnt how to win with paypal and other people lose. They are there to protect you. The problem is nothing to do with paypal. It is to do with the person you buy from or sell to on ebay. If you use paypal to transfer money between friends, are there any problems?? No. Its only a problem when you have a crappy auction on ebay.

I think I'll do that, it sounds like a good idea.

As far as ebay and paypal, I think they're too quick to convict. They've taken £156 from me to 'hold' while the case is being disputed. Not cool, especially when I have a positive feedback of over 130. If I was 'fresh' to ebay, it might be a bit suspect, but not when you have 100% positive feedback.

 

[foodpoison]

Okay, update.

The buyer has said, in reply to me telling them, basically, to "do one and ask Sigma to see how much it is to fix it," they've come back and said, "If I were to ask Sigma how much it is to repair it, would you be willing to pay half as a good will gesture?"

I'm inclined to say yes, but I honestly don't see why I should, which has brought me to a fork in the road.

A) I say yes, pay half of whatever the quotation is, wipe my hands clean and take it as a knock on the chin
B) I say a provisional yes, based on what Sigma decide the problem was caused by - for example, if it's just standard wear and tear, I'll pay half. If it was dropped, or water damaged, I won't.
C) I say a big fat f-off and tell them to pay themselves, risk ebay and paypal screwing me into the wall, and being left with a broken lens and £156 out of pocket

 

[Dale_tem]

It needs to be inspected first before you commit.

I would also personally talk to Sigma about the lens, you don't know him and don't know how good he is at making invoices.

If it was damaged in transit, you claim on the post office.

 

[foodpoison]

It needs to be inspected first before you commit.

I would also personally talk to Sigma about the lens, you don't know him and don't know how good he is at making invoices.

If it was damaged in transit, you claim on the post office.

I've asked him to take it in for a quote at his local camera shop, and then have asked him to scan in the report and send it to me. At that point I will then call up the camera shop in question and ask after the lens to find out if he's being legit with me.

Then he'll send it away to Sigma for an estimate, to which I will follow it up also.

It's been, what, 12 days now since he got the lens, I don't think we have a leg to stand on as far as claiming from Royal Mail goes.

 

[barneyrubble]

I've asked him to take it in for a quote at his local camera shop, and then have asked him to scan in the report and send it to me. At that point I will then call up the camera shop in question and ask after the lens to find out if he's being legit with me.

Then he'll send it away to Sigma for an estimate, to which I will follow it up also.

It's been, what, 12 days now since he got the lens, I don't think we have a leg to stand on as far as claiming from Royal Mail goes.

That probably the best way of handling it.

EDIT In fact that should actually be part of the site rules here. Any disagreemet between buyer and seller should be taken to 3rd party expert where possible for investigation.

Would have solved my problem with that one.

 

[seashaker]

both the sender and receipient can claim back from Royal mail, you could email him the link to the claim form and advise him to claim. I have had that happen to me when an item arrived damaged. from the royal mail link you have 3 months to claim and I would have thought it would be the receipient responsibility to keep packaging until they have fully checked the item.

Hope you get this resolved. I would not pay out on repair just yet, see what ebay say after you have advised for them to make the claim.

 

[photon]

Hope it was sent Special Delivery (for the compensation cover, as well as being one of the services required for PayPauper Seller Protection) and the serial number was recorded (in case the buyer intends a bit of swapology).

I shall state again that lenses may exhibit faults due to internal damage received in transit several days or weeks after delivery. Packaging has to be bomb-proof, and Sean's sounds OK. Maybe get into the habit of photographing the process, when we pack and unpack parcels?

 

[Robwad]

YOU WILL FIND THIS INTERESTING REGARDING DISTANCE SELLING REGS.

I really don't know if this would work but i would now be inclined to state in a listing that:

1. this item has been checked and left me in perfect working order.

2. i would avise you (the buyer) to check this item WHILST the delivery/courier company are STILL present.

3. if there is any damage this would have been incurred whilst in transit and i would advise you to take this up with them.

Now i know and you all know that when we recieve a package how many of us actually would stand in the doorway whilst being watched by a complete stranger opening our long awaited goods.......i know i don't but whether this would actually give us any more of an arguement when these dubious buyers try to rip us off i don't know but the arguement would be there when if a week later they attempt to claim it's not working.
But all said and done, below are the distance selling regs:

DSR's do not apply to real world auctions however, trading standards and the DTI do NOT class eBay as auctions regardless of it being called an online auction. Therefore if you are a business you are liable to abide by DSR's and ensure you are running your business legally. Visit the eBay for business guide

The DSR's do not apply to private sellers, so for those of you that sell unwanted items as opposed to buying to sell you are not legally obliged to abide by the DSR's. You do not have to offer returns or a 7 day cooling off period

As a private seller you need to decide whether you wish to offer returns and/or exchanges

Trading Standards are well aware of eBay and the business legalities

I hope this has helped to clear up any confusion regarding eBay and Distance Selling Regulations and if in any doubt as to how the law applies to you visit the DTI website or consult your solicitor

 

[foodpoison]

YOU WILL FIND THIS INTERESTING REGARDING DISTANCE SELLING REGS.

I really don't know if this would work but i would now be inclined to state in a listing that:

1. this item has been checked and left me in perfect working order.

2. i would avise you (the buyer) to check this item WHILST the delivery/courier company are STILL present.

3. if there is any damage this would have been incurred whilst in transit and i would advise you to take this up with them.

Now i know and you all know that when we recieve a package how many of us actually would stand in the doorway whilst being watched by a complete stranger opening our long awaited goods.......i know i don't but whether this would actually give us any more of an arguement when these dubious buyers try to rip us off i don't know but the arguement would be there when if a week later they attempt to claim it's not working.
But all said and done, below are the distance selling regs:

DSR's do not apply to real world auctions however, trading standards and the DTI do NOT class eBay as auctions regardless of it being called an online auction. Therefore if you are a business you are liable to abide by DSR's and ensure you are running your business legally. Visit the eBay for business guide

The DSR's do not apply to private sellers, so for those of you that sell unwanted items as opposed to buying to sell you are not legally obliged to abide by the DSR's. You do not have to offer returns or a 7 day cooling off period

As a private seller you need to decide whether you wish to offer returns and/or exchanges

Trading Standards are well aware of eBay and the business legalities

I hope this has helped to clear up any confusion regarding eBay and Distance Selling Regulations and if in any doubt as to how the law applies to you visit the DTI website or consult your solicitor

Thanks for that! That's been really helpful!