Texas - the big win

By THIS IS MONEY
Updated:

 

THE campaigning power of Financial Mail has paid off handsomely for thousands caught in the Texas kitchens cashback saga. Of those originally promised a cash refund when they bought a kitchen more than a decade ago, 95% have now received their cheques.

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We know of cases where there are still disputes over payouts and missing documentation, but almost 4,000 homeowners are now better off by as much as £5,000. And Texas has promised to explain every decision to reject a cashback application.

The saga dates back over a decade to an extraordinary promotion run by the now-defunct Texas DIY chain.

It said that every customer who bought a kitchen in February 1992, and kept a certificate to prove it, would receive a refund of up to £5,000 if they applied exactly ten years later - during February this year. But, as a series of claimants soon discovered, it was not so simple. Hundreds were rejected on flimsy excuses and given no explanation. It appeared that the companies behind the deal might wriggle out of their obligations. Not only had Texas been taken over by DIY rival Homebase, but a number of firms associated with the original promotion had gone bust.

It was only after a vigorous campaign by Financial Mail that one of the many companies involved - the Hilton group - promised to honour the payments.

To celebrate the long- awaited refunds, Financial Mail has sent three sets of Delia Smith's How To Cook series of books to Texas customers who had received their cashback and whose names were drawn out of a hat. Hundreds entered the competition by sending copies of their cheques. One set of Delia's books is on its way to Kathleen and Eric Bates, both 58, of Anglesey, Gwynedd, who received their £1,119 refund last month. Kathleen says: 'We were thrilled to get the money, which we thought might never come.'

She and Eric, who works for a power station, have earmarked the cash to help with their daughter's university fees. The other winners are James Exley of Maidstone, Kent, who received £4,660 cashback, and Byron and Eileen Wilkinson of Mattishall Burgh, Norfolk, who received £2,506.

Hundreds of customers who received cashbacks have written to thank Financial Mail for forcing the companies involved to meet their promises. Many have said they would like to make a thank-you donation to charity.

• Those who wish to do this should send their donation to Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital Fund, 40-41 Queen Street, London WC1N 3BR.

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