Where do I stand with this O2 contract?

Ex-Spendaholic

In February my contract was up for renewal with O2 online. I phoned them and they told me that the handset I wanted Nokia 6500 Slide was out of stock and that I should go to one of their stores to get it.

So off I went to the local store. The guy put me on the phone to O2 online who took details etc. I asked for a 12 month contract but was told I couldn't have one on this handset and the minimum was 18 months. So I agreed to the 18 months over the phone. I was given the handset there and then and I signed a contract. This is where my query comes in. The print out had the option of 12, 18 or 24 months. The contract the guy printed out had the 12 months box checked. I noticed this and I have to admit that I said nothing and signed the documents.

So where do I stand? Can O2 make me keep this contract for 18 months as it was verbally agreed over the phone or does the fact I signed for 12 months carry any weight?

Any advice appreciated.

Sol00

I'm not 100% but I would imagine as you have a signed contract which states 12 months, this would hold more water.

jimgee

I would just play dumb and ask CS to what exact date the contract runs to. If you get the answer you want then it doesn't matter what was verbally agreed and if you don't you always have the option to leave.

Cavey

Verbal agreements are very hard to enforce legally. Do you have a copy of the paper contract? Is it clear it is 12 months or just a smudge?

If yes then you can simply point at it and state that you thought the deal was amended by a legit member of O2 staff and/or you believe that the CS rep on the phone had made a mistake. Both of these are valid arguments as the contract O2 offered to you and that you accepted were for 12 months with no dishonesty on your part.

Ex-Spendaholic

Hi

Yes the written contract is very clear. Its when I logon to the account online it states 18 months. So do I try to fight them now or do I wait until 11 months and try to give notice. I would be very happy to get shot of this contract and change to PAYG to be honest.

Thanks for the replies.

Kerilinann

Hi OP,

I would just phone up and play dumb. Say that you signed a contract for 12 months and you have it in front of you, but online it says that you are contracted to 18months and that you are very much confused

mikegahan

You have a strong hand here if you are happy with a 12 month contract, as you have written proof of what they offered and you accepted & the 12 month is binding on them (and you). O2 may want to keep you on a 12 month contract which to them is better than no contract at all. of course you could play up and say that you have been mucked around with all the confusion and that you want to revoke the contract but you have accepted the phone so not sure how that would play in practice