Mesh gets caught in administration

I ordered a computer from Mesh Computers on 2 March. The payment of £810 was taken from my account two days later but by 7 April the computer had still not been built, so I cancelled the order. Confirmation of this cancellation was eventually emailed to me on 18 April 2011, stating I would receive my refund within 15 to 30 days but, despite constant emails and phone calls, I have had no response from Mesh.
Nick Chumbley

On 31 May Mesh Computers went into administration. This means the company is no longer trading and people who have not received a computer will have to file a claim to get their money back.

There should be no problems for those who paid by credit card or had a finance agreement. Credit card-issuing banks and finance companies are bound by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. These companies are ‘jointly and severally liable’ with the trader for purchases of between £100.01 and £30,000.

If Mr Chumbley paid for his computer by Visa debit card, he may still be entitled to a refund under the Visa Debit Chargeback Scheme. This protection is dependent upon the terms and conditions of the card-issuing bank. The card user should contact their bank to ascertain whether they are eligible, and do so within 120 days of when goods should have been delivered; or when the company ceases trading.

Protection using a Mastercard debit card would depend on the debit card used, according to the company. People who paid using a personal bank loan or by cheque are not covered by any protection. They will have to file a claim with the administrator (see below).

Mesh customers should not be confused because they see the Mesh brand still being used. Component supplier PC Peripherals has bought the Mesh brand. So although people will continue to see the Mesh name on PCs, these are built by an entirely new company. Legally, customers of the original Mesh Computers have no contract with the new company or PC Peripherals.

However, PC Peripherals assured us that it would honour all warranties. If someone has a Mesh computer that has an inherent fault outside the warranty period, providing a credit card was used, then again the issuing bank will be liable for a repair, replacement or refund. The refund, however, will be pro rata and depend on how much use the person has had from the PC.

Contacting the administrator
The administrator handling Mesh Computers is Macintyre Hudson. People needing to file a claim should download a proof of debt form, fill it in and send it to the company. They need to realise that they may get little or no money back as this will depend on Mesh Computers’ financial situation and how many creditors have filed a claim. MacIntyre Hudson, Ref CR100626, New Bridge Street House, 30-34 New Bridge Street, London, EC4V 6BJ.