Speculation grows that Barclays will be bailed out as investors 'throw in the towel'

Mike1989

ahai1 wrote: »

Mike all those things you mentioned could be done online or via the internet. I recently verfied my ID for opening a bank account by sending the required stuff in the post.

It can be sent just as easily through the post. But I would much prefer taking my ID into a branch, them looking at it and taking a copy, then giving it me back. Because there are quite a few idiots who work for companies who have lost things recently. Whether that be people's ID or paper work. Much easier going into a bank or office, showing them the ID, and its done and dusted. No guarantees via the post.

You can get things like mortgage advise on the phone and you can even get a mortgage online. I can see a time where branches are for a large number of customers becoming a thing of the past. As I have said I very rarely viist a branch.

I too rarely visit the Halifax, in the past year and a half I have been in there to; show my ID and open a current account, pay a cheque into a guaranteed reserve, set up a standing order. Three times in the past year and a half but the YBS I have an ISA with I have been in once a month. But there are people out there believe it or not who prefer the branch service. It might not be better, but they prefer speaking to a person face to face.

After all, if the day comes were people get mortgage advice on the phone that means they will probably ship the jobs out to India or some country that will pay less wages. And to be fair on the phone it can take quite a while to explain what you want, or what is going wrong, as "some" of their operators don't know their !!!! from their elbow.

Going to a bank branch does not mean you get a good service. When I went into Barclays for some leaflets they tried to get me to talk to a personal banker. I had to tell them I just wanted the leaflets. On the phone or internet you don't get cornered that way. That is another reason why I will never go into a Barclays branch.

To be fair that is not bad service. If you go into a bank and start looking at leaflets, the general assumption is, new customer wanting information and maybe need advice. They are trying to sell you a product but at the end of the day most of those who approach you want to help.

But if you don't like people coming up to help you, advise a product, or even point you in the direction of a personal banker. Don't go in that branch. When I was approached in Preston's bank I said I am picking up some leaflets for a savings account, the woman said if you need any help just ask me and I'll pass you onto a personal banker. That for me is good service. Rather than walking into Abbey, look at the leaflets and getting a look of what you doing from one of their staff.

But don't go into a branch. That is your choice but they won't become a thing of the past. They are still needed and always will be. It is just some people prefer everything online because they are either; a - to lazy to stand in a queue, or b - have had a bad experience. As far as I'm concerned I would rather have a bank were staff approach you to "help" rather than do nothing. Because there are times were you have questions or you are just intimidated to actually go up and ask a question...

ahai1

I have personally sent in a number of items by post as with most of the providers I am with they don't have a high street presense and the internet savers offer the best deal.

I am one of those people who perfers browsing and does not want a member of staff come and approach them. It is so that they can sell you something and get a bonus.

I do all my standing orders online and I have no problem with it as it avoids me talking to bank staff who in many cases will ask you if you want to buy anything else.

As for the work been offshored I doubt we would notice any difference on the standard. I have personally nothing against offshoring.