Npower-how much compensation should I ask for?

tipsychick

They have already offered 15% off my bill, which would be more than £100, although EDF have yet to actually provide an accurate bill and I obviously won't be discussing compensation until they manage to.

In the past I've found that if I break down the compensation being sought in the manner above, it's hard for it to be disputed by a financial institution. From what I can tell anecdotally, I seem to have received more than average in compensation for various banking errors by doing this.

I don't overestimate my figures, it's just that I think a lot of people don't accurately calculate the amount of time it's taken for them to deal with whatever the issue is and cost their time at £10 p/h.

Sterling

tipsychick wrote: »

I, too, would be very interested to hear from anyone who has had compensation paid out, how they reached a final figure and what that final figure actually was.

This is an excellent post, and will I’m sure be a great help to anyone involved in making a complaint. This is the same procedure that I have used over many years, especially the time costing.

I normally estimate my time at £20 per hour if the complaint is serious; my argument being that the nature and complexity of the complaint warrants it. In most cases that has been accepted without argument, and even when it has been disputed, the lump sum offered in settlement (without further hassle) has been tempting enough to accept.

I normally work in increments of 5 minutes and use a programmed spreadsheet to keep a running balance of both the time and its value.

Cardew

Don't forget to include the time spent on this thread;)

backfoot

Using the Ombudsman Services is a great way to concentrate the minds of these faceless organisations.

Nationwide lost our ISA deposit of £3,000 and instead of having respect and understanding made life very difficult for us. Not only did they fail to find the deposit for months, they incorrectly hid behind the Data Protection ACT,denied written evidence and basically fobbed us off at every attempt.

When at last, they found their error they refused to pay compensation citing it as their policy not to do so. Faced with that challenge, I used the FOS and within a day I had a Senior Compalints Manager from Nationwide almost begging me settle. We did at over £200.(Presumably to avoid a formal hearing and £450 costs).

Use the good advice from others about claiming your full costs and use the Ombudsman Services if necessary or the Small Claims Court.

Like Sterling I have many other examples. Stick to your principles and don't let them treat you with contempt.

backfoot

Cardew wrote: »

Don't forget to include the time spent on this thread;)

Or our Advice Fees.

jalexa

backfoot wrote: »

Or our Advice Fees.

Well I'm happy to be thanked, but sometimes don't even get that.:(

hels234

Just to let you all know I have accepted £75 and a discount on bill. I think this was reasonable and covered my mobile costs and bills. The lady I finally dealt with was efficient and really good (unlike the previous compliants people I'd had!) Thank you for all your advice, I know some will think I settled a bit low, but as I previously said, I just wanted to cover my costs and be financially where I should have been without this mess

I just want to say, this forum has been really supportive and I'm really gratefull for the advice you have given, it has given me confidence when speaking to these people on the phone on what and how to say things :T

Thanks all