Your questions answered

Here's some of the most commonly asked questions regarding online finance.

Once my application is approved, what happens next?

Within minutes of your application being approved, you will be presented with the option to sign your credit agreement.

If you are offered the ability e-sign your credit agreement and choose to do so, a PDF of your credit agreement will be displayed on screen. You should read the credit agreement carefully before clicking all the relevant sections agreeing to its terms. Once you have agreed to the terms of the credit agreement H.Samuel Limited will be notified and you need do nothing more. Please take advantage of the e-sign option if offered as this will speed up the delivery of your item.

If you are only presented with the ability to print and return your credit agreement you should print the PDF agreement, read it carefully and then sign the document following the instructions on the covering letter. This signed document should then be posted to the address shown on the covering letter of the credit agreement. Note that products will not be allocated to your order until your completed and signed agreement is returned and received by Hitachi Capital. Shipment of your goods will follow soon after your agreement has been returned to our finance company

Will you credit score me and if so, what does this mean?

Credit scoring is the process used by financial services companies to evaluate the credit risk of new applicants. This technique will be applied to your application for online finance. Credit scoring works by awarding points for each answer given on the application form such as age, income and occupation, together with information obtained from credit reference agencies. This information allows us to produce consistent decisions, ensuring all our applicants are treated fairly. Credit scoring does not discriminate on the grounds of sex, race, religion or disability.

If you decline my application, what is the reason?

In addition to credit scoring, we also take into account confirmation of your identity, validation of certain application details, existing commitments and information held at the credit reference agencies. Though we are unable to provide you with a main reason for decline of your application, it is usually based on one, or a combination of the following:

• Your credit score (note that every finance company will score you differently)
• Adverse credit reference agency information
• You are considered to be overcommitted
• You are aged under 18
• Your existing account performance with other lenders

What type of information do credit reference agencies hold about me?

Some of the information is public information, for example electoral roll, County Court Judgements and bankruptcies. Other lenders may also file information about accounts you hold with them for instance this could include your payment history and outstanding balance on these accounts. Any requests for credit, where a credit reference search has been undertaken, will also be filed, although the result of the request is not recorded.

How do I obtain a copy of this information?

You should send a cheque for £2.00 made payable to the relevant company, together with details of all addresses at which you have lived over the last 6 years

Consumer Help Desk Experian Limited PO Box 8000 Nottingham NG1 5GX Equifax Ltd., Credit File Advice Centre. PO Box 1140. Bradford, BD1 5US Consumer Services, Call credit Limited, PO Box 491, LEEDS, LS3 1WZ

The above listed agencies will provide details of information relating via these addresses. If you believe that the information is incorrect, you can ask the agency to correct it.

If my application is not successful, can I re-apply?

Yes. We acknowledge that your circumstances change and just because we have refused a previous application, it does not mean that we'll automatically turn down a further request. We do suggest however, that you leave at least 6 months between applications.

Who is eligible to apply for online finance?

To apply for finance, you must be over the age of 18, work at least 16 hours a week, or be retired with an income. You must also be a resident of the United Kingdom and have lived in the UK for the last 12 months or more. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer finance to residents of Eire. Homemakers aren't excluded from applying under their own names; however we will require the employment details of your spouse in order to process your application.

Can I request delivery to an address other than my billing address?

In order to safeguard against fraudulent applications, we regret that we're able only to deliver goods to the billing address of the applicant. Your billing address must be your current address at the time of application.

Can I purchase more than one item in a transaction using Interest Free Credit?

Interest Free credit is only available when purchasing a single product so can not include more than one item and cannot include gift packaging. Multiple items can be purchased in store with Interest Free Credit.

Can I use PayPal or a gift card to pay my deposit?

Unfortunately the deposit for Interest Free Credit must be paid on credit/debit or gift/insurance card.

Can I get my purchase delivered the next day?

In order to get your application processed by Hitachi we are unable to deliver interest free credit item the next day. Once your application has been approved and confirmed to us by Hitachi we will inform you of when the order will be delivered.

If you require further information please visit or call your local H.Samuel store.