Utility Warehouse (Telecom Plus) Discussion

penrhyn

Probably a good idea as they are not the cheapest, good time to do a little research on the comparison sites.

matelodave

I'd be inclined to get another deal from somewhere else, tell UW that you didn't agree to a deposit as they didn't request one at the time you started the contract with them.


However, write to them don't, phone, fax or E-mail, you've no proof about what was said or agreed and e-mails tend to drop into a black hole. Mark it "complaint" and send it by recorded delivery.

scaredofdebt

I know nPower are planning to make every have a credit check before joining and then anyone with a poor history will have to pay a deposit. I suspect other companies may be doing the same.

MillicentBystander

When my son moved into rental accomodation approx a year ago the previous tenant had done a bunk owing his supplier Eon over a grand. Tenants are bad news for those of us who pay religiously because the losses energy suppliers make on errant ones is obviously passed on to our bills. Deposits from tenants are definitely going to be requested by more and more suppliers in future.

Yorkie1

Millicent, or someone else, could you post the standing charge and unit charges for gas & elec for the 4 yr fix? I can't seem to find them on the website. (Yorkshire region is fine).

Thanks.

MillicentBystander

The figures are shown when you get a quotation on the UW website plus it's also listed on all the comparison sites now.

Yorkshire region

Electricity:
Tariff name Double Gold Fixed 1 Payment method Direct Debit Unit rate (pence per kWh) 13.330 Daily standing charge (pence)* 23.840

Gas:
Tariff name Double Gold Fixed 1 Payment method Direct Debit Unit rate (pence per kWh) 4.284 Daily standing charge (pence)* 23.840

*This includes the value of your dual fuel discount.

HTH. Pretty tempted to go for this when my EDF fixed runs out in April as I already take the qualifying services (phone, BB and mobile). Cheaper/longer than any comparable EDF fixed deal they are currently offering (the EDF March 2017 is £4 p.a. more than the UW fix and over a year shorter!) plus it's fixing for the next 4 winters, of course. Oh, and no exit fees (unlike the much dearer Sainsburys March 2018 fix)

Cardew

The above post, and those in the other thread, seem to be those of a new 'UW distributor'; and you should be aware that you must declare that information. - see Martin's first post on this thread.


Mind you scores of other UW salesmen have tried similar tactics.


If you are merely seeking advice, why post an 'advert'.


If you want words of caution, read the small print of any guarantees and see what is involved.


Doubtless MillicentBystander will chime in again, as he has done with all the other names he has used on this thread

Missy712

I can assure you I am not a UW distributor although I have had one approach me.

I am just merely trying to sound out the pros and cons of such a deal and thought the forum would be the ideal place to post the 'thread'. If sounds like a good package but it appears, from my way of thinking, the only real savings come from combining the 'bundles' with the 'cashback prepaid card'. I just want to make sure I've not overlooked things.

I'd rather hear from 'real' users of the service before I sign up for the 'double gold' offer. I thought that's what these forums were all about. Or have I have got this wrong? Apologies if so, didn't mean to cause a stir!

Would still like to hear from anyone if poss.
Thanks xx

Cardew

I hope you have read the first post on this thread - sets the scene.


Over the years we have had countless UW salesmen trying to spam on MSE, so we tend to be cynical.


The major expenditure for almost everyone in the UW package is gas and electricity. So go to any comparison website and enter your kWh consumption and see how UW compares with the other tariffs.


In my area(midlands) UW are 12.4% more expensive than the cheapest for average consumption.


Then if you have a few hours to spare read through the all the terms and conditions attached to the offers and Guarantees. For instance take this guarantee:

Guaranteed savings vs. cheapest variable tariffs available from the 'Big 6' 2

It means they will only compare with the most expensive tariffs from the Big 6 - the word 'variable' is the clue. Also any rival's tariffs for comparison must be for Direct Debit payment and provide 'paper' statements.

If you really want information on their packages get reading and decide if it is suitable for your needs.

Missy712

[I hope you have read the first post on this thread - sets the scene]
Yes read it thank you.


[Over the years we have had countless UW salesmen trying to spam on MSE, so we tend to be cynical.]

It's ok, I understand your stance. I did spend a lot of time reading through the threads today. I equally spent a lot of time reading the T&Cs.


[The major expenditure for almost everyone in the UW package is gas and electricity. So go to any comparison website and enter your kWh consumption and see how UW compares with the other tariffs.]
Yes did this too and as a stand alone it doesn't fair well in the top 10. However when bundling together with the other 3 products (home phone; broadband; mobile) this appears to be the key enabler in obtaining the greater discounts and lower tariffs. The prepaid cashback card then appears to apply cash back off your monthly bill, thus bringing the monthly fees down even further (or at least as I've understood it).


Reading the T&Cs it appears that UW estimates a 2.5% cheaper tariff than the 'variable' rate (not 'fixed' rate) of the other big 6 suppliers. I've no issue getting access to my d/debit and paper statements over last 12mths for comparison reasons or to claim the 'double the difference' offer.


To me it appears the if your are disciplined and astute with your spending behaviours, there could be some mileage in this offer...hence me wondering if there were any current 'happy' users (not distributors) out there maybe using the 5 product bundle.


The threads mainly seem to contain a lot of posts whereby people are challenging each other about specific 'claims' but I've perceived the UW clubhouse to be like a 'pick n mix' type thing, allowing you to see how it can/can't benefit your individual needs....unless I'm being totally naïve! Hence my reason for approaching the forum - to use as that final sounding board prior to signing up.


Any past or present users, please let me know if I've totally missed the point somewhere... :cool:


Thanks x