Does Martin Lewis know ...?

Habibiboo

That Southern Electric are making 'courtesy' calls door to door & that part of the repertoire includes citing Martin Lewis as they try to generate householders' interest in switching to their supply?
Just had one of their 'courtesy' visits myself but the man didn't like that I wouldn't give him my name. He cited Martin Lewis in saying that householders should act now to make sure that they are getting the best deals yet in his own words he was not "trying to sell" anything. I got rid of him by asking him to send me information because I wasn't going to let him in. He told me I was being odd and jumpy. Fair enough - my house, my rules and I don't accept 'cold' calling!
So, two questions:
1) Does Martin Lewis know about this?
2) Did I just shut my front door on a good deal (currently on capped deal with Scottish Power, capped till Sept)?

eurmalian

I doubt that it's actually an official Southern Electric thing to be honest. It sounds much more likely to be one of their salespeople has decided that this might be a tack that could get them more sales. Sad as it is, door to door people from all of the companies occasionally try things like this. This particular one seems better than most as, other than the not trying to sell part, it doesn't actually involve lying...

broxis11

If I`m understanding this.. the SSE guy was making you aware of impending increases and explained that people in the know ie. Martin Lewis were recommending people should shop around to get a better deal.

It looks to me that he was raising awareness of the fact that customers have a choice and can get a better deal.

Are you one of these people that simply like to complain just because someone knocked on your door regardless of whether you`ve been provided sound advice or not? Sounds a bit like it to me.

Put a `No cold caller` sticker on your door and do us all a favour.

LoopyPrune

broxis11 wrote: »

Put a `No cold caller` sticker on your door and do us all a favour.

Since when do they take notice of this. Had one on our door for 3 years and yet still they try their luck. No amount of complaining to the energy suppliers works either as you get the standard 'we will look into it' response.

broxis11

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/no-more-junk

Habibiboo

I appear to have upset you by posting this Broxis - for which I apologise, I just was interested in whether this was common practice and whether Martin Lewis actually endorses anything that's on offer by Southern Electric.

FYI the man was pretty objectionable because I declined to let him in or give him my name, I have both the no cold caller sticker and the telephone blocking service. I also get about 4 take away menus a day, so Loopy Prune is right there!

Sorry for wasting your time, last time I post anything, I can assure you

broxis11

Habibiboo wrote: »

I appear to have upset you by posting this Broxis - for which I apologise, I just was interested in whether this was common practice and whether Martin Lewis actually endorses anything that's on offer by Southern Electric.

FYI the man was pretty objectionable because I declined to let him in or give him my name, I have both the no cold caller sticker and the telephone blocking service. I also get about 4 take away menus a day, so Loopy Prune is right there!

Sorry for wasting your time, last time I post anything, I can assure you

It wasn`t my intention to offend and I feel that I will have done with the tone of my previous post.

Please accept my apologies.

LoopyPrune

You cant block every telephone call or stop everybody knocking at your door no matter how many services you sign up for or stickers you place in your windows.

I am aware of that link broxis and I am also fully aware of the rules and regs about cold callers. The fact is they dont care. Just because the management at British Gas says no more door to door calls doesnt mean the calls will stop. The nature of the business and the bonus payments they earn mean that some sales people play by the book while others rip the book to shreds and tell you every porkie under the sun to get you to sign. Then you have the ones that dont even bother getting your signature and just sign you up anyhow.

Habibiboo is right Martin should be informed if somebody is quoting his name. Im sure In my business I would be concerned if some Joe Bloggs was using my name to make a sale.

The fact that SSE arent the cheapest to my knowledge when it comes to fixed deals makes me even more concerned. I have dealt with a SSE cold caller before and he told me some of the best stories I have ever heard. He also told me a pack of lies after I asked him to come back in 30mins after I had talked to my wife. (infact I was straight on the net checking this so called amazing package that was actually worse then the one I was currently on) On his return he simply smiled when I informed him of his lies and walked away.

broxis11

If a BG employee kncks on a `Door not knock` door then it is gross misconduct and the employee could be dismissed. The energy companies could also lose their licence to sell door to door if this occurs.

Martin Lewis chooses to put himself in the public arena and is generally accepted as a `Money Saving Expert`. It`s the same as Anne Robinson acting as director for Uswitch and previously chair for Energy watch. These are well known people who are telling people to shop around. What`s wrong with telling people about that message. I doubt the guy was saying that he/SSE are endorsed by Martin, more that his message is to not be complacent and run a comparison either to reaffirm your decision to be where you are or to open your eyes to the deals available.

Again, we can`t assume that this representative was misselling just as you had a bad experience once. From what I can see, he was providing general advice.

macman

Why would you buy from a utility doorstepper anyway, even if he was honest and truthful (if such a thing exists)?
Any offer that they can give you will be available (or bettered) online, and very often with some cashback as well. Why give the agent the commission that you can keep for yourself?

ihateyes

broxis11 wrote: »

It wasn`t my intention to offend and I feel that I will have done with the tone of my previous post.

Please accept my apologies.

The fact is this uy is using Martin Lewis's name - a name people trust....

1) Martin Lewis wouldnt urge anyone to change at the door when they are on a capped price which will carry a cancellation charge.... Will they make the cancellation chare back in savings over the 2-3months??

Just on the subject of SSE, i had one of their fella's at my door.
He tried flogging me boiler cover.. curently with BG.
He told me as long as the contract is 6mths old their is no cancellation charge..... utter tripe.... in the first year i need to pay 10mths to avoid cancellation charges..... and lookin at their T&C's, your tied in each and every 12mths, plus a cancellation charge will apply if cancelling during the contract