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BT Engineer visit charge!!
bluecatman
Posts: 5 Forumite
Hi everyone. Can't find a thread about this. Apologies if there is one.
Been having a problem with my broadband connection. ISP is Zen (expensive but excellent) but sadly, still comes through BT line. Zen identified a line fault and booked an engineer appt for Tuesday am. In order to get an appt I have to accept that if the fault is with my equipment or with wiring etc in my house, or I am not available to let them in when they arrive, I will be charged £144 + vat!! Can you believe that? What are those guys getting paid? What happens if I'm in the loo when they knock on the door?
Of course, the engineer didn't turn up and I understand this is not uncommon. Apparently, I have no come-back and they can not turn up as often as they like. Firstly, I think £144 + vat is outrageous. Secondly, the fact there is no recourse other than to complain is appalling. I feel like invoicing them the same charge but I doubt they would pay. Has anyone had any experience of this? Any ideas about what to do to make sure they turn up? Is this what could be termed an unfair practice?
Any suggestions/answers gratefully received. Thanks.
Been having a problem with my broadband connection. ISP is Zen (expensive but excellent) but sadly, still comes through BT line. Zen identified a line fault and booked an engineer appt for Tuesday am. In order to get an appt I have to accept that if the fault is with my equipment or with wiring etc in my house, or I am not available to let them in when they arrive, I will be charged £144 + vat!! Can you believe that? What are those guys getting paid? What happens if I'm in the loo when they knock on the door?
Of course, the engineer didn't turn up and I understand this is not uncommon. Apparently, I have no come-back and they can not turn up as often as they like. Firstly, I think £144 + vat is outrageous. Secondly, the fact there is no recourse other than to complain is appalling. I feel like invoicing them the same charge but I doubt they would pay. Has anyone had any experience of this? Any ideas about what to do to make sure they turn up? Is this what could be termed an unfair practice?
Any suggestions/answers gratefully received. Thanks.
0
Comments
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The charge is levied by BT openreach (broadband engineers) and is only applicable if the fault is found to be with the customer's own equipment, so you 'should' be safe.
I guess someone has to pay for the customers too stupid to check that their modem is on/leads plugged in etc..., now the burden of cost is transferred from everyone onto those responsible - seems fair to me
Utinam logica falsa tuam philosophiam totam suffodiant.0 -
I was as outraged as you when a similar thing happened to me. The engineer turned up and was excellent. I wasn't charged. Try and find my old post as I got some advice on what to check myself first.:heartsmil When you find people who not only tolerate your quirks but celebrate them with glad cries of "Me too!" be sure to cherish them. Because these weirdos are your true family.0
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Here it is:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=962967&highlight=engineer
Slightly different circumstances but it may help you.:heartsmil When you find people who not only tolerate your quirks but celebrate them with glad cries of "Me too!" be sure to cherish them. Because these weirdos are your true family.0 -
Hi DatabaseError.
Don't disagree with you. What is annoying me is BT saying they will charge me £144 + vat if I'm not there to let them in while I have no recourse other than to book another appointment if they don't turn up.
To set the record straight, I don't disagree with a charge if I don't keep the appointment but I do think that charge is extortionate.:D0 -
Many thanks whitewing.0
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