Beware: Primus auto-renewing 12 month contracts

deudonne

I just switchd to Primus, but will be cancelling when my wife gets home (its in her name, she has to make the call).

I switched from BT. BT want to charge me a termination fee. I have been with BT for well over a year - but have been stung by their auto-renewing contract!!! They say the sent a reminder, but we never received it, and CERTAINLY would NOT have signed up for another 12 month contract given a choice!! B*stards!

So i called up Primus to see if they behave in such an underhand and deceptive way. They do! They also have an auto-rolling contract - an recently it has been applied to all their new contracts!!

Look at section 2 of these terms and conditions:

www. primussaver.co.uk/primus_saver-plus_12months_terms.html

I was told that those are the terms and conditions for the 8.99 home phone saver contract (even though it has been titled differently to add extra confusion to those trying to find out what they are signing up to).


Get this too.. I asked BT if I could get a copy of the letter is was supposed to have seen and agreed to - and they said NO. I then asked if I could get a copy of this new 12 month contract that I apparently have with BT - they also said NO. Straight out.


Can they do this?

Heinz

There's an excellent "How to get out of ...." pro forma letter if you don't receive the letter BT is supposed to send in month 11 (not if you just want out).

See HERE.

As Primus promise to send a similar letter 16+ days prior to each end-of-contract date, non-receipt thereof can be challenged with a similar letter IMHO.

2. Duration
This Agreement shall come into full force and effect from the date of acceptance by Primus, and will continue for a minimum initial term of 12 (twelve) consecutive months from the date the Customer switches to the Service (the “Initial Term”). After this Initial Term, this Agreement will be automatically renewed for further terms of 12 (twelve) consecutive months each, until such a time that the customer cancels the contract. Should the customer wish the (sic) cancel the Service they must contact Primus no later than 16 days prior to the end of their current contract. Primus will remind the customer in writing prior to this date. The Agreement may be terminated by either party on prior written notice only in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

deudonne

Thanks!

Have cancelled Primus switch today however, and called BT and managed to get someone to remove the 'free' evenings and weekends pack (which they did - without being bound by this 'contract'!)-

so I am now on no fixed length contract at all, but am still paying £13.49 line rental instead of the £7.99 primus offered me. I just couldn't stand being in an autorollover 12 month contract - especially without it being clearly stated on the website where al the other features of the deal are stated.

If anyone know of a cheaper line rental than BTs that does not auto-renew, please let me know.

Cheers!

Inactive

deudonne wrote: »

If anyone know of a cheaper line rental than BTs that does not auto-renew, please let me know.

Cheers!

IDNet, 30 day contract only.

Great company, no overseas call centres.

I seem to recall that the line rental only is £10.99 month.

I have been with them for over 4 years now, no problems at all.

sue.b_2

After problems with increased charges for Caller Display I have cancelled my contract with Primus. They make it very difficult.

On 22 November I posted a letter, 1st class, to their Glasgow PO Box address. Called customer services on 29 November and was told no letter had been received. Sent again on same day. Called on 2 December, letter still not received but I was told to email a copy.

I emailed on 2 December, then called on 4 December. Customer services denied receiving email but it was opened as I was talking to them. I had asked for a return receipt. I have kept the original email and the receipt just in case.

savemoney

When I joined them (no lone rental) I asked them what was minimum term they said 6 months. I have no reason to leave them as I am happy with calls a few quid a month