Utility Warehouse (Telecom Plus) Discussion

jimexbox

vinnyph wrote: »

I haven't made any claims. You have drawn up that conclusion yourself.

You just wrote 'price comparison sites get the figures wrong'. I simply want you to back this assertion up.

jimexbox

vinnyph wrote: »

do you know the actual prices UW will charge after april 1st?
calculate the price then compare it against what is quted on price camparison site. If the two are not different, why?

We are comparing prices today, not a future date. Comparison sites can only give you options on current tariffs. Its a spurious argument forecasting future tariff changes, my current providor could well announce a new tarrif on the 1st April, who knows. So currently UW would cost me an extra 19% per annum, that some serious spending in UW 'approved' retail outlets to match my current deal.

NigeWick

jimexbox wrote: »

So currently UW would cost me an extra 19% per annum, that some serious spending in UW 'approved' retail outlets to match my current deal.

Stick with your current deal then. No problem. However, I still say that Utility Warehouse is best value for my requirements and therefore it can be so for others too.

1carminestocky

jimexbox wrote: »

We are comparing prices today, not a future date. Comparison sites can only give you options on current tariffs. Its a spurious argument forecasting future tariff changes, my current providor could well announce a new tarrif on the 1st April, who knows. So currently UW would cost me an extra 19% per annum, that some serious spending in UW 'approved' retail outlets to match my current deal.

Which comparison site you using, jimexbox?

mech_2

NigeWick wrote: »

I have bought items at all three at prices that were best for what I wanted. As I have previously stated, I do spend a bit over £250 per month at Sainsbury's on stuff that I want. It's fine that you choose to shop elsewhere and obviously Utility Warehouse does not provide what you want. But, it gives me what I want and I save money overall.

Maybe. Or maybe you're just really bad at shopping around. Boots in particular tends to cost double what I can get things for elsewhere. Sainsburys is kind of a moot point. Yes some things will be cheaper in one supermarket than in another - they are all pretty similar in reality. Though I'm hardly likely to make a special order / special trip to Sainsburys for the 4 or 5 items mysupermarket indicates are genuinely cheaper there. But even if they are equal on price, I can generally get more than 5% extra value out of Tesco with points and coupons.

It appears to me that some people think that because what suits me does not suit them, that it will be bad for everybody. This is just not correct. I have found a system of purchasing goods and services where I get what I want for less money than any other combination that I would be happy with. I contend that if it suits me, it can be just as good for many others.

I just think you are unable to view the issue objectively. If the retailer foots the bill for the UW card, their gross margins must be large enough to cover such promotional activity. If so, then there's probably another way to realise the same savings without the UW card. Failing that, there are probably other retailers with lower costs who can offer cheaper prices in the first place. This is likely to apply to everybody, not just me.

Generally speaking, if a "system" requires you to spend more to save money, you arent saving money. It's a good rule of thumb that I stick by and it hasn't failed me yet.

jimexbox

Ive used the one recommended by this site, energyhelpline.

1carminestocky

mech wrote: »

Maybe. Or maybe you're just really bad at shopping around. Boots in particular tends to cost double what I can get things for elsewhere. Sainsburys is kind of a moot point. Yes some things will be cheaper in one supermarket than in another - they are all pretty similar in reality. Though I'm hardly likely to make a special order / special trip to Sainsburys for the 4 or 5 items mysupermarket indicates are genuinely cheaper there. But even if they are equal on price, I can generally get more than 5% extra value out of Tesco with points and coupons.



I just think you are unable to view the issue objectively. If the retailer foots the bill for the UW card, their gross margins must be large enough to cover such promotional activity. If so, then there's probably another way to realise the same savings without the UW card. Failing that, there are probably other retailers with lower costs who can offer cheaper prices in the first place. This is likely to apply to everybody, not just me.

Generally speaking, if a "system" requires you to spend more to save money, you arent saving money. It's a good rule of thumb that I stick by and it hasn't failed me yet.

But with respect, mech, you have already admitted that you spend just £15 a week on groceries. On that tiny level of spending you just aren't going to notice much difference between ANY stores, TBH. And I can't imagine you accruing many Tesco points now the silly code offers appear to have dried up. The UW deal is *definitely* not for people like you. Unquestionably. People with families and several cars on the drive would definitely be more candidates to make use of the UW deal. Those families who already shop regularly shop at Sainsburys for groceries and fuel (millions of the blighters, no doubt) are almost certainly missing out on savings no matter what energy company they are with and on whatever tariff. It's almost a certainty. Again, it still doesn't mean they will go for it, as it's an entirely personal choice.

1carminestocky

jimexbox wrote: »

Ive used the one recommended by this site, energyhelpline.

I'm glad because uswitch, for instance, always adds the £21 club fee in twice when comparing dual fuel deals. If you don't mind me asking, how much less are you paying than UW shown as a monetary figure as opposed to a %tage? TIA!

mech_2

vinnyph wrote: »

jimexbox wrote:

Are you claiming that 'Energy helpline', which is MSE top pick for comparing utility prices are deliberately misleading their customers, or are you claiming MSE have chosen a useless site that misleads its customers?

I would have grounds to take you to court for that accusation.

He asked a question. How is that an accusation?

Instead of trying to discredit me and distract away from the real issue is that there is a multitude of attacks on UW that are slander on this site. Does that not occur to you.

In print it would be libel. Though to be honest the outrageous claims and misinformation seem to me to be the preserve of the UW reps.

I think you should reread some of your posts on this thread vinnyph. Do you really come across as you intend? It seems to me you've got yourself wound up and are babbling. It happens to the best of us, but anyway at the moment you're very hard to take seriously.

jimexbox

Im current on Eon's Online extra extra saver 13. UW standard user would cost an extra £255, high user £259 per annum.

Too the UW reps who frequent here, dont take any criticism personally. Read a few Eon threads, I criticise my current supplier with far more vigor and venom than I can muster for UW.