Catalogue and mail order debt. This section includes information resources on debt that has occurred as a result of default on borrowing or expenditure on catalogues and other mail order activities.
Mail Order Debt advice can sought by calling 0800 074 6918 or competing the form on the left hand side of the page.

Mail order shopping is usually arranged through a catalogue and is normally interest free, the customer paying only the price of the purchase in instalments. However, goods bought in this way may be more expensive. If the goods are bought from a mail order catalogue agent, the agreement may say that it can be cancelled within 14 days of the agreement being signed and no cancellation notice will be sent. You may also have a seven day cooling off period when you buy goods or services through what is known as a distance sale. A distance sale is a sale by telephone, mail order or the internet. Again you do not have to pay by credit to have this seven day cooling off period.

Mail order debt explained

These are classed as running-account credit, usually repayable over 20 or 40 weeks. They are regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

This means that in order to enforce a debt legally through the courts they have to provide a written Consumer Credit Act agreement signed by the client and the mail order company.

It is not normal practice for mail order companies to ask for an agreement to be signed. If you cannot remember signing an agreement then you can ask for a copy to be provided under section 77-78 of the Consumer Credit Act, upon payment of a £1.

Use recorded mail so you have evidence of your request for this information. They must reply to the request within 12 days, and provide the information within one month. The company may send an unsigned agreement to comply with your request but this cannot be used in court.

If they cannot provide this information, you could ask the company to write off the debt.

Alternatively, you can offer a payment based on what you can afford. This is especially important if you need to use the catalogue again for such things as clothing, Christmas/Birthday presents etc.

Mail Order Debt Advice Service 

The service offered by E-insolvebcy offers free, independent, confidential advice, support and assistance with debt problems.

The service can:

• Check you are getting the correct benefits
• Draw up a financial statement to see what money you have available, if any, to pay your creditors
• Check that you are liable for debts owed
• Advise you what to pay first
• Negotiate with your creditors
• Represent you in the County Court
• Give assistance in the Magistrates Court

All debts start life under control, but things can change. That’s when you need debt help and the best advice on which debt solution would be right for you. You may also want to know what’s involved in an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement), Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Bankruptcy or other financial advice. Call us free on 0800 074 6918 to find out more.