Utility Warehouse (Telecom Plus) Discussion

Quentin

NigeWick wrote: »

The word I would use is, liar.

When you keep randomly posting this, in your role as a uw rep, you just succeed in bringing your company into (further) disrepute.

So carry on!

kippen_noedel

Can you work out these posters
1 Neck Wig
A Stocky Mincer
Beastly Yule Mop
Deep Open Link
Meek Bay Heist
Own Salvage Reef
Doge Fly Wool Jell
Coiled As !!!!!! Sin

Cardew

OK, Any UW ID have any idea on how UW will deal with the latest ofgem directive in this release.

http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/MEDIA/FACTSHEETS/Documents1/probefs.pdf

Two extracts in particular are relevant:

A survey for Ofgem’s probe last year showed more than one in two people switching did so in response to contact with a salesperson.
However, many who switch on the doorstep inadvertently move to more expensive tariffs perhaps because they are misled or unable to accurately compare tariffs. Ofgem has introduced tougher rules on doorstep sales ensuring that suppliers provide customers with written estimates before any sales are concluded. This will enable customers to compare the offer with their current deal. And a new requirement that any information used in marketing activities is clear, accurate and easy to understand is also being applied to cover telesales.


In addition to these new rules, Ofgem has introduced overarching standards setting out that suppliers should not sell a customer a product or service that they do not fully understand or that is inappropriate for their needs and circumstances. They should also not offer products that are unnecessarily complex or confusing. These standards will not be directly enforceable themselves, instead they guide suppliers to comply with the ‘spirit’ of regulation as well as the letter of the licence conditions. However, when deciding whether to investigate potential licence breaches and when considering consumer detriment Ofgem will have regard to these standards.

Now without going into any point scoring against UW,(that might come later!!) I think it is without dispute that:

1. Virtually all of UW’s business is as a result of contact with a salesperson.

2. There can be no question that UW’s gas and electricity prices are just about the most expensive in UK. Even the Triple Value Guarantee will now not apply – see other changes on the Regional supplier electricity tariffs.

3. The requirement to provide customers with a written estimate of gas and electricity prices will prove conclusively that their prices are much more expensive – there will not be the ability to ‘invent’ hypothetical situations where UW fare well e.g. low Gas and 90% consumption of electricity at night on Economy 7

4. The(valid) considerations of the UW cashcard and discounts for referring other customers will surely not be allowed to be included in a written estimate:

e.g you currently pay £1000 for gas and electricity with BG/EON/EDF/ etc and the same gas and electricity will cost £1,300 with UW. However if you get the cashcard, spend £9,000pa in shops that accept the card, and each year persuade several customers to join UW, you can pay less than you are currently paying.

Bear in mind the requirement to ensure that the product is not “inappropriate for their needs and circumstances.”

Also “they should also not offer products that are unnecessarily complex or confusing” as well as within the “Spirit of the Regulation”

Interesting Times!!!

1carminestocky

Are you suggesting that the majority of UW sales are via the doorstep?

kippen_noedel

1carminestocky wrote: »

Are you suggesting that the majority of UW sales are via the doorstep?

Legally yes, it's classed as doorstep selling, whether the customer makes the initial contact or an unsolicited knock at the door.

Cardew

1carminestocky wrote: »

Are you suggesting that the majority of UW sales are via the doorstep?

Depends how you define doorstop?

I am stating, not suggesting, that UW sales are because "people switching did so in response to contact with a salesperson"

That doesn't mean that 'doorstep sales' have to be unsolicited knocking on a door. Although I have certainly had UW flyers delivered and UW doorstop knockers.

That you, or any other UW customer, tell a UW salesman that Mr A Hancock of 1 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam is interested in UW products, still means a UW salesman will call - and presumably knock on the door;)

Remember the "Spirit of the Regulations"

Quentin

Don't forget uptomyeyeballs = WUM when he posts in this thread (self confessed!)

Cardew

It is also most important to point out that:

“they should also not offer products that are unnecessarily complex or confusing”

Even the most hardened UW enthusiast could not deny that UW tariffs with gas, electricity, broadband, phone, mobile, membership levels, cashcard and all it's conditions, recruitments incentives, all inter-dependant are a nightmare to understand.

Indeed most UW salespeople on this thread have difficulty in getting it right. Quentin usually has to correct them!

Cardew

uptomyeyeballs wrote: »

Actually, as the UW customer base must still be relatively small compared to other utility companies, it would seem that the new regulations are designed to combat the indiscretions of the other companies rather than UW. It may actually work in UW's favour.

You really do talk nonsense! Little companies can ignore the rules, big ones can't!!!!!

Instead of making silly statements why not back it up with some reasoning.

kippen_noedel

uptomyeyeballs wrote: »

Actually, as the UW customer base must still be relatively small compared to other utility companies, it would seem that the new regulations are designed to combat the indiscretions of the other companies rather than UW. It may actually work in UW's favour.

you might have that the wrong way round, with 30,000+ registered salespeople UW surely have much more to lose than any other company ??