Additions Direct

bumpydog

I've just come off the phone to Additions Direct and I'm fuming.
Back in the Autumn I signed up with them for the first time and used a couple of discount codes to recieve money off my first order. I honestly can't remember what the codes were (I got them from some discount code site on the internet - don't think it was MSE). Discount codes successfully applied, goods arrived, and money paid off in full.

I thought no more about it until this morning when my wife phones me at work to say that she's had a call from them to say there is £30 outstanding on my balance and I'm behind in my payments. I contacted customer services and was told that an amount equal to one of the discount codes I used has been retrospectively added to my account as its not valid to use more than one code at a time. Fair enough I guess, however: why did thier webpage allow me to complete the transaction at the time if it wasn't valid? why only reapply the money several months after the transaction? why was I not informed that a further charge had been made on my account? Smells to me like this behaviour is a definate marketing strategy at best, and at worse, a scam.

I disputed this with customer services (very politely), and was transfered to the security department. Again I was very polite, but the lady I spoke too was incredibly aggressive. Cutting me off mid sentance, raising her voice, and pretty much accusing me of being a criminal. (I had to tell HER to calm down in the end and not to talk to me in that way). I must admit that it was not a pleasant experience and it got me thinking that some more vunerable people could have been quite upset by the experience.

Not sure where I go from here apart from to pay the balance and never touch them again. you have been warned...

Esoog

To be fair, it's most likely in the terms and conditions that you can only use code at a time. Now obviously I don't expect you to trawl through them before you order; but no doubt it will be there so you can't really complain.

As for why did it let you use more than one? No doubt to try and catch people out who haven't read the T&Cs! Oooh I'm a cynic

bumpydog

I think you're probably right.
TBH the main beef I've got is with the verbally abusive customer service person who dealt with me. Does anyone happen to know whether they record all thier phone calls with customers? I really think this person could benefit from some 're-training', and would love someone higher up the company to hear how she dealt with me.

bumpydog

lol - just looked at my account and they have also charged me with a £12 missed payment charge.

seriously avoid these scammers!

sarah1972

They are within there rights to do that as various threads on here have said before unfortunately.

Littlewoods (who are Additions and Very) issued a statement a few years ago saying that if you used a code that was not directly sent or emailed to you then they have the right to take them back from your account and charge accordingly. They said that a lot of codes are abused online and so they would be checking accounts etc.

I do agree OP though that they shouldnt have let you use more than one code when you ordered. Very doesnt allow me to do that so maybe was a bug in Additions system?

I also agree with you about the abusive behaviour of the person you spoke to, maybe that is worth a complaint.

Esoog

sarah1972 wrote: »

They are within there rights to do that as various threads on here have said before unfortunately.

Littlewoods (who are Additions and Very) issued a statement a few years ago saying that if you used a code that was not directly sent or emailed to you then they have the right to take them back from your account and charge accordingly. They said that a lot of codes are abused online and so they would be checking accounts etc.

I do agree OP though that they shouldnt have let you use more than one code when you ordered. Very doesnt allow me to do that so maybe was a bug in Additions system?

I also agree with you about the abusive behaviour of the person you spoke to, maybe that is worth a complaint.

They probably do record all calls, although they probably "cannot locate" your call if you complain.

Btw, they're also;
Additions Direct
Choice
K&Co
Littlewoods
Very
Littlewoods Ireland
Isme
Woolworths