Deposits: Kika/Leiner Liquidator Does Not Want to Comment Publicly

Leitner recently informed all affected customers about the next steps in a letter. According to media reports, this concerns 10,000 to 20,000 deposits, for example for kitchens or sofas.

It is rumoured that a third of the deposits are for the "kikaLeiner Gravel Protection". The customer funds went into a so-called trust account and are only released for the company after the goods have been delivered. These customers will "most likely get their money back", sources well-informed told APA. For deposits where the furniture can be delivered relatively quickly, the Kika/Leiner insolvency administrator will also enter into the purchase contract.

Liquidator Says Nothing Publicly About Deposits

For longer-lasting orders, there apparently will be no more furniture delivery. Affected customers can only register their deposit as a claim in the bankruptcy proceedings at the St. Pölten Regional Court or try a "chargeback" at the bank. "If the liquidator says that I can no longer fulfil the contract, then he can withdraw from the contract," said Gerhard Weinhofer from the Creditreform creditor protection association to the "Kurier" (Thursday edition). "He must not enter into the contract because he would probably create new liabilities," said Weinhofer.

A prerequisite for a possible chargeback of the deposit is that it was made with a credit card or debit card. Then the customer can initiate a "chargeback" procedure with his bank via a so-called sales complaint. The deadline for this is usually 120 days from the order or planned delivery date. The Chamber of Labour (AK) advises to use the bank's forms. "Chargeback" is an agreement between the credit card companies and the merchant banks, explained AK financial expert Christian Prantner recently on APA request. He therefore classifies "chargeback" as a goodwill gesture granted by the credit card company.

(APA/Red)

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