Peter Andersson's 60th birthday gift from his daughter, a sports car experience, was lost when Upplevelse.com declared bankruptcy. Despite attempts to book the experience, the company ceased operations, leaving customers uncertain about refunds. The bankruptcy trustee warns that customers may not recover their money, highlighting the risks associated with gift cards.
60th Birthday Gift Vanishes as Experience Company Goes Bankrupt
60th Birthday Gift Vanishes as Experience Company Goes Bankrupt
Ferrari or Lamborghini? Neither became a reality for Peter Andersson. His 60th birthday gift from his daughter disappeared when Upplevelse.com went bankrupt.
– It's terribly disappointing, says his wife Karin Andersson.
On his 60th birthday, Peter Andersson received an experience from his daughter – a chance to drive a sports car on an airfield.
But the joy was short-lived – despite several attempts, the experience could not be booked through Upplevelse.com.
– You had to book through another site that Upplevelse.com used for their sports car experiences. It was very complicated to book, the site was outdated, says Karin Andersson.
Difficulties Booking the Experience
When he contacted the company, they said they had stopped offering experiences through the other provider. Instead, Peter received a new gift card for another site.
But then Upplevelse.com went bankrupt – after 16 years.
– It's terribly bad that they issue a new gift card when they know they are about to go bankrupt, says Karin Andersson.
On Upplevelse.com's website, it states that if you have a valid voucher or gift card, you can submit a request for a refund, but it is "not yet clear if or how a refund can be made."
Any potential refund may be given at the earliest in two months, it says.
Risk of Customers' Money Being Lost
Bankruptcy trustee Mikael Klerbro says the company went bankrupt due to payment difficulties.
– They cannot pay their debts, why they ended up there is something we will investigate within the framework of the bankruptcy, he says.
Those with a gift card can contact the bankruptcy trustee. However, there is a risk that customers' money is lost.
– You file a claim in the bankruptcy, then it's not certain you will get your money back. It depends on the financial situation of the bankruptcy estate, which we do not have a complete overview of yet. A full refund is unlikely, but sometimes you can get a partial amount, says Mikael Klerbro.
Those who purchased on credit can also use the right of objection and direct a claim for a refund to the credit provider.
– Then it may be that the bank has to pay back, says Mikael Klerbro.
Gift Cards Worth Thousands
According to Mikael Klerbro, some customers may lose large amounts.
– It can be gift cards worth a few hundred kronor for a dinner to thousands of kronor for a helicopter flight, he says.
Peter Andersson mostly finds it sad that the experience didn't happen.
– It was special because it was my daughter who gave me this 60th birthday gift.
Expressen has sought Upplevelse.com, which has not responded.