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Topgifts.ie gone into liquidation

2

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,588 ✭✭✭Bluetonic


    ppink wrote: »
    They rebooked in Feb 2011 9 months after reactivating for presumably another year
    They never rebooked as they never booked in the first place. You can't rebook if you've never booked previously.

    The poster states clearly they are annoyed due to the company taking money in May 2010 and going into liquidation some time in 2011. Mind boggling really.


  • Registered Users Posts: 5 carsd


    Bluetonic wrote: »
    They never rebooked as they never booked in the first place. You can't rebook if you've never booked previously.

    The poster states clearly they are annoyed due to the company taking money in May 2010 and going into liquidation some time in 2011. Mind boggling really.

    Fair enough, you have a point there, I am annoyed with myself too for not using it the first time around before it expired. I'm also annoyed that they took the bookin in feb 2011 and was annoyed that the nearest available date was end sept 2011. I suppose what I was really annoyed about was having to pay money to reactivate the voucher full stop as it wasn't long expired and cost enough originally without adding to that. Thankfully now it is illegal to put an expiry date on a voucher. And to be completely honest am just annoyed That I now can't use it As are quite A number of others

    I didn't book it in the time frame the first time around because I was expecting and afterwards priorities were obviously different. When I found the voucher I reactivated it for a further year. Shortly after reactivating it I was involved in a very bad car accident so that is why I only booked in feb 2011 - this was within the voucher reactivation period

    anyway look lesson learnt I should have used it first time around when it was originally in date


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,458 ✭✭✭ppink


    carsd wrote: »
    Fair enough, you have a point there, I am annoyed with myself too for not using it the first time around before it expired. I'm also annoyed that they took the bookin in feb 2011 and was annoyed that the nearest available date was end sept 2011. I suppose what I was really annoyed about was having to pay money to reactivate the voucher full stop as it wasn't long expired and cost enough originally without adding to that. Thankfully now it is illegal to put an expiry date on a voucher. And to be completely honest am just annoyed That I now can't use it As are quite A number of others

    I didn't book it in the time frame the first time around because I was expecting and afterwards priorities were obviously different. When I found the voucher I reactivated it for a further year. Shortly after reactivating it I was involved in a very bad car accident so that is why I only booked in feb 2011 - this was within the voucher reactivation period

    anyway look lesson learnt I should have used it first time around when it was originally in date

    where did you see this?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,466 ✭✭✭Forest Master


    carsd wrote: »
    And to be completely honest am just annoyed That I now can't use it As are quite A number of others

    Why are you capitalising random letters? :confused:


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Regional South Moderators Posts: 9,436 Mod ✭✭✭✭Ciarrai76


    I don't think it is illegal to put an expiry date on a gift voucher. I looked into this last year through the consumer agency and was told its not illegal.

    The business I work in don't put an expiry date on the vouchers as we don't want to stop people using the voucher that was paid for.


  • Registered Users Posts: 13 rare_flower01


    I'm nearly sure I paid for my TG vouchers with my Halifax visa debit (which have now gone from Ireland) where do i stand now? Can anyone help me???? Both vouchers costed more than €720!!

    And same with every other voucher holders our activities were postponed due to bad weather and then non-availabilty but they said expiry date was extended... Although our voucher states theyre expired!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,713 ✭✭✭✭jor el


    I'm nearly sure I paid for my TG vouchers with my Halifax visa debit (which have now gone from Ireland) where do i stand now? Can anyone help me???? Both vouchers costed more than €720!!

    From another thread that was discussing Halifax Visa Debit card charge backs, it seems that the bank must allow for charge backs on the Visa debit cards as well as credit cards. Now, how exactly you are supposed to contact a bank that no longer operates in this country, I'm not sure. Even it's parent company, Bank of Scotland Ireland no longer operates here, so you have no local contact at all.

    I would suggest contacting the Financial Regulator, or the National Consumer Association, to see if there is anything you can do now. It may be that there is nothing, and that your money is gone.

    This is one of the major perils of buying vouchers, they are effectively worthless pieces of paper, with no rules governing how they should be used or accepted.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 878 ✭✭✭rainbowdash


    People need to stop buying vouchers during this recession. Every week since late-2008 there's a new topic in here or AH about people with vouchers for a company that has just gone into receivership/liquidation. Have people learned nothing in over 2 years?

    Thats what you would think, but I had somebody who enquired about an item last March and I told them I would not have it again until June. They pestered me to pay there and then as they were afraid they would spend the money on something less important.

    It was €500 but it was an essential item the person would need next winter. There was no way I would take the money off them so I told them to go to the credit union etc. to hold it for them

    There are some desperate stories out there.


  • Registered Users Posts: 45 arden


    I contacted the bank about getting a chargeback and they said I needed a letter stating that Top Gifts had gone into receivership, but Top Gifts are not answering the phones or sending out any letters.

    Is there somewhere I can get the letter from that the Bank with regards as being a legitimate source? The link and printout of http://www.insolvencyjournal.ie/more_details/11-04-27/TopGifts_Corporate_Event_LTD.aspx is not enough.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 144 ✭✭bumpydog


    arden wrote: »
    I contacted the bank about getting a chargeback and they said I needed a letter stating that Top Gifts had gone into receivership, but Top Gifts are not answering the phones or sending out any letters.

    Is there somewhere I can get the letter from that the Bank with regards as being a legitimate source? The link and printout of http://www.insolvencyjournal.ie/more_details/11-04-27/TopGifts_Corporate_Event_LTD.aspx is not enough.

    Would they accept a letter from the activity partner to state that they are unable to provide the service due to TopGifts liquidation. That has been the case with one or two of our disappointed customers.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 144 ✭✭bumpydog


    Just a quick note to all TopGifts unused voucher holders that the Creditors Meeting (which you were failed to be advised of) will be held at Wynns Hotel, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1 this Friday, 13th May 2011 at 10am.

    As a creditor, you have every right to attend and partake and we would recommend you doing so.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,711 ✭✭✭whippet


    bumpydog wrote: »
    Just a quick note to all TopGifts unused voucher holders that the Creditors Meeting (which you were failed to be advised of) will be held at Wynns Hotel, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1 this Friday, 13th May 2011 at 10am.

    As a creditor, you have every right to attend and partake and we would recommend you doing so.

    Don't expect to get any satisfaction apart from venting a bit of anger .... this meeting will probably make you more annoyed when you realise that after all the other creditors get their cut there will be little or nothing for the unfortunate voucher holders.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 292 ✭✭shayleon


    Hi.

    TopGifts owe me over €800 for services I provided to their clients.

    Is there a point in me going to the creditors meeting tomorrow?

    I live in the west of Ireland and being in the centre of Dublin at 10AM is a serious inconvenience.

    Any feedback would be appreciated.

    Thanks.

    Shay.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,713 ✭✭✭✭jor el


    It would do you no harm to go along, if you're owed money, but it probably won't do you any good. No decisions on who gets money back will be made at it, and you will certainly not come away with your money.

    If you are an unsecured creditor of a company that goes under, you are more than likely never getting paid. Once a liquidator is appointed, you can write to them and apply for a refund, but nothing is guaranteed. You may get all, some or none of your money back.


  • Registered Users Posts: 65 ✭✭Mightycraic


    Probably won't come out at tomorrow's meeting, but it'll be interesting to <mod snip>


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  • Registered Users Posts: 65 ✭✭Mightycraic


    shayleon wrote: »
    Hi.

    I live in the west of Ireland and being in the centre of Dublin at 10AM is a serious inconvenience.
    .

    Why do you think it's being held there?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 292 ✭✭shayleon


    €20k each
    ... and I'm the Queen of England


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 292 ✭✭shayleon


    jor el wrote: »
    It would do you no harm to go along, if you're owed money, but it probably won't do you any good. No decisions on who gets money back will be made at it, and you will certainly not come away with your money.

    If you are an unsecured creditor of a company that goes under, you are more than likely never getting paid. Once a liquidator is appointed, you can write to them and apply for a refund, but nothing is guaranteed. You may get all, some or none of your money back.
    Thanks for the advice! Appreciated.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 144 ✭✭bumpydog


    shayleon wrote: »
    ... and I'm the Queen of England

    Looking forward to meeting you later in the month, your Majesty!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 292 ✭✭shayleon


    bumpydog wrote: »
    Looking forward to meeting you later in the month, your Majesty!
    Same here bumpy. You are the main reason for my visit!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 144 ✭✭bumpydog


    whippet wrote: »
    >> after all the other creditors get their cut there will be little or nothing for the unfortunate voucher holders.

    What cut? There was no cut for anyone. Paul Daniels couldn't have pulled off the disappearing act that TopGifts orchestrated with their assets/capital. They have claimed that the unclaimed voucher holders account for over €825,000 of the €1.57m unsecured creditors, none of whom likely to receive a cent.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,711 ✭✭✭whippet


    Welcome to the harsh world of business in recessionary times.

    In the last 8 months 3 of our customers have been liquidated .... Leaving a black hole of about €300k in our bank account. Its horrible but it's the way it works.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 144 ✭✭bumpydog


    whippet wrote: »
    Welcome to the harsh world of business in recessionary times.

    In the last 8 months 3 of our customers have been liquidated .... Leaving a black hole of about €300k in our bank account. Its horrible but it's the way it works.

    But were any of those 3 companies liquidated under fraudulent (allegedly) conditions? The TopGifts situation has got sweet FA to do with recessionary times.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10 grey rabbits


    Can any one tell me in reference to vouchers.

    Do you not think that when someone buys a voucher that the supplier should hold the funds in a bonded account and vouchers should stay valid until used?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10 sit_casper


    was anyone here at the meeting today, any reports??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 226 ✭✭Hoof_Hearted


    Can any one tell me in reference to vouchers.

    Do you not think that when someone buys a voucher that the supplier should hold the funds in a bonded account and vouchers should stay valid until used?

    That's a very good point. It makes me wonder: all the activity providers that have been 'stung' by Topgifts have probably sold vouchers directly to customers themselves. Have they kept a fund to re-imburse those customers in case they have to stop trading? Or will their customers find themselves in the same sorry situation as some of the Topgifts ones? There really should be some kind of bond in place but I don't think there is (I could be wrong though)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 144 ✭✭bumpydog


    sit_casper wrote: »
    was anyone here at the meeting today, any reports??

    Lots of questions - few answers.

    The reason that the voucher holders (over half of the unsecured creditor total at €825,075 - total being €1.573M) were not invited to the meeting was, according to director Jacqueline Taylor, "we weren't sure of who they were, but we did have a ring around." It beggars belief. The fraudulent filing of company returns was an 'oversight'.

    Judging by the huge value of unredeemed vouchers (which they were selling up until the 25th April, the day before the liquidation notice went out!!) you can do the maths yourself to work out how many members of the public were stung.

    Although there is no hope whatsoever of any of the unsecured creditors getting a cent, voucher holders should register their interest with the liquidator:

    Eugene McLaughlin, EML & Associates, Genoa House, 1A Drummartin Road, Dublin 14.

    I am not prepared to go into specific detail as this might prejudice any future legal actions, although I can confirm that a file is being prepared for the ODCE.


  • Registered Users Posts: 65 ✭✭Mightycraic


    That's a very good point. It makes me wonder: all the activity providers that have been 'stung' by Topgifts have probably sold vouchers directly to customers themselves. Have they kept a fund to re-imburse those customers in case they have to stop trading? Or will their customers find themselves in the same sorry situation as some of the Topgifts ones? There really should be some kind of bond in place but I don't think there is (I could be wrong though)

    It doesn't really answer your question, but the business models of the likes of Top Gifts and the actual service providers are completely different. The Top Gifts model is extremely simple. They take payment, post out a voucher, book that passenger in (sometimes) and pay the supplier. All this takes is some manpower, desks, telephones and, maybe, some advertising and marketing. These costs *should* be adequately covered with the commission they earn on the voucher sales.They do not have to purchase and maintain helicopters, aircraft, rally cars, balloons, racing cars and so on, which require a far larger working capital. I don't have the answer to your question, but I thought I would highlight the above differences, as they might be relevant.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10 grey rabbits


    That's a very good point. It makes me wonder: all the activity providers that have been 'stung' by Topgifts have probably sold vouchers directly to customers themselves. Have they kept a fund to re-imburse those customers in case they have to stop trading? Or will their customers find themselves in the same sorry situation as some of the Topgifts ones? There really should be some kind of bond in place but I don't think there is (I could be wrong though)

    That is a good question? How do find out if our money is in secure accounts in case one off these activities stop trading?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    No company which sells gift vouchers "ring fences" the money into separate accounts. There is always an element of risk when buying gift vouchers. The only real way to protect yourself in case anything goes wrong is to purchase using a credit card.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10 sit_casper


    bumpydog wrote: »
    Lots of questions - few answers.

    The reason that the voucher holders (over half of the unsecured creditor total at €825,075 - total being €1.573M) were not invited to the meeting was, according to director Jacqueline Taylor, "we weren't sure of who they were, but we did have a ring around." It beggars belief. The fraudulent filing of company returns was an 'oversight'.

    Judging by the huge value of unredeemed vouchers (which they were selling up until the 25th April, the day before the liquidation notice went out!!) you can do the maths yourself to work out how many members of the public were stung.

    Although there is no hope whatsoever of any of the unsecured creditors getting a cent, voucher holders should register their interest with the liquidator:

    Eugene McLaughlin, EML & Associates, Genoa House, 1A Drummartin Road, Dublin 14.

    I am not prepared to go into specific detail as this might prejudice any future legal actions, although I can confirm that a file is being prepared for the ODCE.

    Thanks for the update. i cant believe they dont know who the voucher holders are, everythim u rang them and quoted ur voucher number they had all ur details and even if they didnt they have a record of those who purchased the voucher.. such a load of bull. will give it a try with the liquidator but wont hold my breath.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 132 ✭✭jamesbrond


    Yet another lesson to people.
    Do not pay for anything you dont receive on the spot with Laser cards or any other type of debit card. Credit cards only.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 144 ✭✭bumpydog


    The moderators have decided to remove details pertaining to TopGifts, despite it being information that is in the public domain. Interested parties can download the information themselves from the Companies Registration Office here:

    <SNIP>


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    Yes, I did decide to remove those details. I don't know what you hoped to achieve by posting them in a public forum. All dealings should be via the company's registered address and liquidator. Contacting an individual at their home adress could be construed as harassment and I will not allow this forum to potentially facilitate such acts.

    It is clear that this is an emotive topic for you, bumpydog, but I strongly advise you to stay levelheaded on the matter.

    dudara


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,076 ✭✭✭maxer68


    From a legal point of view, once a company has gone into liquidaton, the former directors are prohibited from any dealings regarding the company and their positions have effectively been taken over by the liquidator.

    And as Dudara says, any approach to them by anyone can be construed as harrassment and they can have you arrested.

    On the plus side, you do need to make known to the liquidator all your issues and you can make representations to him which he must answer and include in his reports to the ODCE.

    It may take 18-24 months, but you should certainly be looking for a restriction on the directors, possibly even a case for a ban.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 51 ✭✭Rhalliord


    Just an update on my situation with topgifts.ie
    I got a phonecall from my bank yesterday asking for a copy of the voucher so they could see the expiry date on it. I emailed that into them yesterday evening. This morning when I checked my creditcard balance I saw that the money had been repaid in full to me. I am quite happy with the outcome


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭redman


    Cant believe this, just found out after getting email from the liquidator!

    My wife bought me a voucher for my 40th back in Nov 2009 by credit card, the voucher was to 9 March 2011. I got lots of cancelled dates and they confirmed by email this would be extended to June to cover the latest offered dates. It was for a CourseB Rally Session in Waterford.

    Any hope?

    Redman


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17 Kiab


    I bought my fiance a christmas present in 2009 of a Top Gifts voucher for ferrari racing in England. The voucher expired in mar 2011 but i did get an email extending his voucher until October as - usual story - "there were no dates available" until late August 2011. This happened at least three times when i went to book him in.

    As per a previous posters advice I sent the letter to Eugene McLaughlin, with a copy of the voucher and the email extending the voucher - not that it will achieve anything, and also submitted all of this and my old credit card statement with AIB and wrote them a letter with all the details and asked for a chargeback procedure.

    Does anyone know will even be allowed have a chargeback as the voucher was technically expired, even though it was their fault and I tried to book before the expiry date and have it on email????


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2 nolanm


    I don't really understand alot of the things people are writing on this.. i paid by laser and my voucher is in date for another month. Were do i go from here??? Who do I get in touch with?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,076 ✭✭✭maxer68


    Kiab wrote: »
    I bought my fiance a christmas present in 2009 of a Top Gifts voucher for ferrari racing in England. The voucher expired in mar 2011 but i did get an email extending his voucher until October as - usual story - "there were no dates available" until late August 2011. This happened at least three times when i went to book him in.

    As per a previous posters advice I sent the letter to Eugene McLaughlin, with a copy of the voucher and the email extending the voucher - not that it will achieve anything, and also submitted all of this and my old credit card statement with AIB and wrote them a letter with all the details and asked for a chargeback procedure.

    Does anyone know will even be allowed have a chargeback as the voucher was technically expired, even though it was their fault and I tried to book before the expiry date and have it on email????

    If the voucher was still valid, even if the original date had passed, then you should get a chargeback
    nolanm wrote: »
    I don't really understand alot of the things people are writing on this.. i paid by laser and my voucher is in date for another month. Were do i go from here??? Who do I get in touch with?


    Sorry, payment by laser is just like paying with cash. You are at the end of the queue for payment by the liquidator and have no chance of any refund.


    For all others - Retailer get charged approx 1.5% of the transaction cost by credit card companies. Visa Debit charge about 30c per transaction whilst Laser charge about 20c.

    A small proportion of the visa debit & credit card fee - about 5c-10c goes toward insurance against things like topgifts. So in effect, you are claiming agaist this insurance.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,721 ✭✭✭E39MSport


    Balls - was unaware of this. Just called them to confirm a date and got the answering machine.

    I have due to me: -

    Super car experience
    Rally X experience
    Hawk Walk

    Thankfully all was faciliatated by OH using Visa credit card and we'll take necessary action.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10 sit_casper


    redman wrote: »
    Cant believe this, just found out after getting email from the liquidator!

    My wife bought me a voucher for my 40th back in Nov 2009 by credit card, the voucher was to 9 March 2011. I got lots of cancelled dates and they confirmed by email this would be extended to June to cover the latest offered dates. It was for a CourseB Rally Session in Waterford.

    Any hope?

    Redman

    At least u got an email from the liquidator.I wrote to him 3weeks ago and enclosed copy of our vouchers and havent even recieved an acknowledgement


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,898 ✭✭✭✭Ken.


    sit_casper wrote: »
    At least u got an email from the liquidator.I wrote to him 3weeks ago and enclosed copy of our vouchers and havent even recieved an acknowledgement
    If you didn't do it the first time send the copy again by registered post. Very easy for someone to say they didn't receive something.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,265 ✭✭✭RangeR


    Just found out that I got hit by this. Gave my mam a voucher for a photo shoot. Topgifts gave her the run around for months saying that the photo shoot place were backed up and busy.

    She finally just rang the photo shoot place and they let her know what happened. Mam then told me today. Paid by CC. Will be issuing chargeback today.

    Pain in the balls.


  • Registered Users Posts: 30 stopthelights


    Just went to book my photoshoot today and realised that TopGifts are now in liquidation. So angry, it was my 21st birthday present :( My parents bought the voucher with Tesco Visa. Has anyone had any dealings with Tesco Visa in relation to chargebacks and should I be able to get my money back?
    Any help appreciated!!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    Based on replies on this thread, you will need proof that TopGifts has entered liquidation. Once you provide this to the credit card provider, they should organise the chargeback.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,076 ✭✭✭maxer68


    Just went to book my photoshoot today and realised that TopGifts are now in liquidation. So angry, it was my 21st birthday present :( My parents bought the voucher with Tesco Visa. Has anyone had any dealings with Tesco Visa in relation to chargebacks and should I be able to get my money back?
    Any help appreciated!!

    Doesn't matter if its Tesco Visa or Joe Bloggs Visa, once its a Visa Credit Card, (or mastercard) you'll get your money back assuming the voucher was still vaild on date of liquidation. :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 30 stopthelights


    fantastic, thanks for your reply!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭redman


    Sadly while mine was bought with a credit card, the time had extended beyond which Visa would honour by just a month. We got a letter from the bank stating Visa only covers this up to 5xx days (damn TopGifts for dragging out the dates continuously)

    So €350 down the drain, what a shame. I will just have to pursue the directors of Topgifts personally now, until the end of days.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5 arsefacefrmhel


    200 balloons on a hawkwalk for a 60th birthday..WHO HAS MY MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!


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