Utility Warehouse - any good?

NigeWick

Energyman wrote: »

When I started UW (as an add on to my other stuff) I was amazed at the way which this company tries to manipulate its distributors - or NEW BUSINESSES as it calls them - I feel this totally wrong and is one of the main causes of the issues raised on these boards. The reps have an unreal expectation of UWDC and how much money they will make - they all think they will 'get rich quick' if they 'follow the plan'

I have never felt manipulated by the company, nor did I have an unreal expectation of what I could earn. All the trainings I went to emphasised the need for a long term consistent effort to make a good living. When I joined the company, I had the benefit of a good pension and just wanted something to supplement it. I put some effort in and got what I wanted.

If you had said "some distributors try and manipulate their newly signed ones" I could perhaps agree a bit more. The bloke who signed me up, and the one above him have always been helpful. If *I* am successful, they get paid more and it is worth their while to help me to help myself.

NigeWick

1carminestocky wrote: »

Anyway, this thread shouldn't be about the business opportunity as this is the gas and electric forum. No offence to choc or Nigel but I don't really care about who's making money from it or not.

I agree. But, if anybody mentions the company in other threads, they are told to go to the Telecom Plus/Utility Warehouse thread. In fact, this one isn't even the "proper one." :eek:

NigeWick

Quentin wrote: »

If that is the case, why do they issue such bold warnings about the risks associated with putting your money up front with them on this prepayment card?

Probably for the same reason that pedals cycles for sale have the warning "Caution. Contains moving parts" on them.

jimexbox

NigeWick wrote: »

Probably for the same reason that pedals cycles for sale have the warning "Caution. Contains moving parts" on them.

No, its because if UW went into administration you would be counted as a creditor. Therefore highly unlikely to see any of the money you have on their card. It is a risk, end of story, certainly more of risk than me jamming my fingers in a bicycle wheel.

1carminestocky

jimexbox wrote: »

No, its because if UW went into administration you would be counted as a creditor. Therefore highly unlikely to see any of the money you have on their card. It is a risk, end of story, certainly more of risk than me jamming my fingers in a bicycle wheel.

If you never see site of a bicycle, yes, but if you ride one regularly I would say no :rolleyes: .Frankly a ridiculously-contrived 'negative' when compared with the positives. I'm no expert on cashback cards (or pre-paid cards) but do any others give the potential benefits of the UW card? If you are the type who genuinely worries a company this well 'set up' could go bust overnight, it's fairly simple - if you wish to use the card to reap the benefits simply load up the cash on it as you need to spend it. With 5% credit off your UW bill for designated spend at the listed outlets, there's plenty of 'leaway' to do this - especially as it only costs 35p to load the money. Going to spend £100 at Sainsburys? Load £100 on the card just before. It's still worth a net £4.65 off your UW bill whereas if you'd paid by debit card or cash (no, not cash, what if I get mugged?? :eek: ) it's worth nothing off.

PS Are there ANY pre-paid cards that guarantee your money if the card issuer goes bust?

Energyman_2

NigeWick wrote: »

As to alienating friends and family, the old fashioned "make a list of everybody you know" thing should have died a death by now as methods have moved on.

I was told to do this! (but didn't)
I still get really patronising e-mails from them.

Does this still happen now?

1carminestocky

I don't know why people are worried about a niche market energy supplier with zero debt going bust when we are all apparently doomed, anyway... :eek:

Energyman_2

1carminestocky wrote: »

I suppose one of the drawbacks of such a sales strategy is the cost of entry (compared to starting a conventional business) is so low it attracts dreamers.



I think you have nailed it! Put up the fees to say £500 or £1000 - get rid of the dreamers and the bu******ters and my impression of this company would probably improve!

I am amazed at how this company manages to polarize these boards. I think the majority of the problem comes from the hype surrounding the company and its structure.

jimexbox

1carminestocky wrote: »

.Frankly a ridiculously-contrived 'negative' when compared with the positives.

What? How can it be a 'contrived' negative? Its a plain fact, if you wish to ignore that, fine. Though everyone should be aware that loading a pre-payment card carries a risk. Company goes to the wall, you lose whatever you had on their card.

Maz

Energyman wrote: »

I don't actively promote UWDC, or associate myself with the company, as I believe (IMO) it negative to what I do and this can be seen from the postings on this forum, (from a lot of other people)re the company -

Although I've only quoted part of Energyman's post, this is the bit I'd like to comment on!

If you think UWDC is in conflict with what you do or you simply don't agree with the way they operate etc, why don't you just resign your distributorship? Genuine question btw, I don't get why you continue to be a distributor, then come on this forum to debunk it.

Just seems a bit pointless representing a company that you don't feel comfortable with?

And yes, I am a distributor (amongst other things). But given the inflammatory and anti UWDC 'contributions' from certain rabid factions on here (you know who you are, Q & C et al!) I feel that unless other posters declare their interests in being representative of the competition i.e. other utlity companies, this is a descriminatory approach and unworthy of MSE as a forum.

I personally don't give a tupenny !!!!!! what the pompous and pontificating detractors have to say but they should at least have to declare whether they work for or are representative in any way, of any other utility provider. You're not going to get a fair and balanced view otherwise.