Beware ordering 'direct' from three.co.uk

tiggybear

I recently took out an 18-month Mobile Broadband Contract with '3'-Mobile via the www.three.co.uk website (who charged my credit card) and I opted to buy a D100 Router at the same time. The dongle arrived on the contracted date as expected but without the router. I rang the customer number as given on www.three.co.uk website but was told that the '3-Store' website was in fact nothing to do with three.co.uk.
I argued my case that three.co.uk charged my credit card and so were liable till I was blue in the face with the delightfully helpful '3' staff in Bombay but they would have none of it. I had to phone Studio 330 each day for a fortnight. Each time I was assured that I would recieve the router 'tomorrow' (lies). Eventually I got bored and issued Studio 330 with a Small Claims via Moneyclaimonline. Now suddenly I am apparently to get the router later today.
Neither the Otel Ombudsman, Ofcom or Consumer Direct seem to be aware that www.three.co,uk use a Third Party firm to handle their orders (it would seem that Studio 330 are in fact Dial-a-Phone). I am still awaiting the 14-days before I can apply for default judgement against this awful company.
I would have expected that when I placed an order via www.three.co.uk and had my order accepted and my credit card billed by three.co.uk that three.co.uk are in fact liable but this is not an easy case to pursue. interestingly since I last had to sue three.co.uk I note that their address has moved to Scotland. It is not possoble to go online and sue a company in Scotland via the Moneyclaimonline website.
As a past Advisor with Citizens Advice Bureau I would consider myself fairly savvy in dealing with consumer issues but three.co.uk are very keen to muddy the waters where liability is concerned.
I await the Court Claim with much interest.

fatnbald

Interesting reading, thanks for the heads up on it.

I am considering the mobile broadband option for when I travel in the UK, many hotels are charging such an extortinate rate for really ropey broadband this may be a better option for me.
I already have a couple of phones on contract with them and they are offering the rental on mobile broadband for half price on 18month contract so starting at £5 per month for the lower package and the modem dongle thing for free.

mess0804

their mobile broadband is crap... so stay away.

diamonds

registered office is England, 3 Stores are a seperate 3 company but still 3