Refunds and Big Company Dragging-Of-Heels...

Hi.

Can anyone give me any advice with this? I'm a bit concerned...

A few months back I bought a new computer and it had a faulty part. On contacting the manufacturer, it was agreed that a replacement part would be sent out and that I would fit it and return the faulty part. As is their policy, I had to provide card details to the manufacturer to cover them in case I was 'trying it on' - which seemed fair. I provided these details, they sent the card out and I sent the faulty one back.

I was then charged, even though the company in question has admitted that they received the part as agreed. They agreed to refund, but almost six weeks later I am still £550 down. They keep saying "next monday/etc." and then that day comes and no refund.

I'm getting a bit fed up. It's not a fortune but enough money to be worth treating seriously. They have admitted their error, but only via speaking to a call centre drone on the phone. They claim that the delays are because the payments originate in the US and it takes a while for payments to clear into a UK bank account - some excuse - I know that a few days is required, but we're now talking weeks!

So, I've informed my bank but I suspect they won't be able to help. I think the fact I willingly provided the (debit-)card details, expecting no charge, means that there's no fraud as such. I've looked into OFT regulations, but nothing seems to dictate how long a company can take to provide a refund. I'm going to send a letter of complaint, but I don't necessarily see that helping.

Has anyone been through something like this before, and/or have any suggestions?

(concerned) John