Charging for services in advance

surreywill

Hi,

Can anyone provide any advice on my consumer rights in the following situation?

Many years ago I signed up for a domain name at a certain internet company. I may still have the original contract, I'm not sure, but the current contract on that company's website says the following:

"The customer agrees to pay for all products, services and features in advance; except when noted otherwise."

The issue is that the company attempted to charge me in May for renewal in September. My card was declined due to expiry date, so they were not able to debit it, and I subsequently decided that I did not wish to renew the domain at all.

However, they are maintaining that since the invoice has already been issued, I must pay for this service, even though I do not wish them to undertake renewal of the domain for me from September.

Do I have a leg to stand on?

pcombo

Just dont pay it, what can they do.

surreywill

Oh sorry, forgot to mention:

"Please be aware that if this matter is not resolved, you may be sent to a debt collection agency. If the account is sent to a debt collection agency a £15.00 charge will be added to the unpaid balance."

I can see from Googling a couple of people have actually been contacted by a debt collection agency in similar situations dealing with the same company.
Obviously, I don't want this to happen, but I also don't want to be bullied by these people.

PZH

surreywill wrote:

Many years ago I signed up...

How many renewals have you been through ?


You need to read your original contract with them and see what it states about renewal.


Failing that - have a thorough read of their cancellation policy - and follow it precisely step by step.

As far as I am aware - issuing an invoice is not the same as starting the service - and if the existing service doesn't finish until September then they are pushing their luck.