huge bill ..installments?

victoriav

I have just had a rather large electric bill in, winter quarter so expected a bit more but, its very much larger than normal due to electric floor heating - (faulty switch un noticed meant its been constantly on for 3 months...without switching off as it was supposed to) so obviously I have to pay it.

However the letter bill arrived 3 weeks after it had been sent (the date it was writen) giving me just 3 days to pay it, it is roughly 4 times bigger than normal and I was wondering if I would be allowed to pay it in say 4 installments? Does anybody know please?

Re the mail issue where I live we have all complained that we don't get mail for 4 or 5 days at a time then we get it all on one delivery and for me it has been bills which then have just a couple of days to be paid by due to them having seemingly been held back for delivery, the councillors here have complained but alas royal mail say 'they are unaware of any problem'....hmmm.

dogshome

Phone the supplier, explain the circumstances and negotiate a pay-it-off-at-X- per-month deal.

Be aware that if you agree a deal, it's best to send a letter setting out what you both have agreed to - It's not unknown for suppliers to get their Left & Right hands muddled and pusue debt when there is an agreement in place
Don't miss an an agreed payment date - The supplier will really unleashthe attack dogs

custardy

victoriav wrote: »

I have just had a rather large electric bill in, winter quarter so expected a bit more but, its very much larger than normal due to electric floor heating - (faulty switch un noticed meant its been constantly on for 3 months...without switching off as it was supposed to) so obviously I have to pay it.

However the letter bill arrived 3 weeks after it had been sent (the date it was writen) giving me just 3 days to pay it, it is roughly 4 times bigger than normal and I was wondering if I would be allowed to pay it in say 4 installments? Does anybody know please?

Re the mail issue where I live we have all complained that we don't get mail for 4 or 5 days at a time then we get it all on one delivery and for me it has been bills which then have just a couple of days to be paid by due to them having seemingly been held back for delivery, the councillors here have complained but alas royal mail say 'they are unaware of any problem'....hmmm.

do you live in a main door or flat?
Is there an issue with entry if its a flat?

Terrylw1

Its a common practice to spread debt over 12 months which works best on a DD. It won't really work as 4 installments that way unless its 4 consecutive months...but be careful or they could leave it at the higher level causing you to overpay.

If you are receipt of bill, its harder for them to ensure payment but over 12 months isn't a big risk so its possible, the sooner the better would encourage them even more. It would especially entice them if you can pay the 1st installment quickly so they can see you are committed to it. You can pay direct from your bank account, credit/debit card over the phone, etc.

victoriav

Thanks for replies folks,

POSTAL SITUATION :
custardy - I am in a detached bungalow with an american style mailbox just inside the first set of gates, so postie just needs to open gate one and pop mail in, the dogs are behind a further two sets of gates, set further back, (though in this weather dogs snoring in front of the aga not venturing out):) The postal situation is the same for all in this street...all are detached bungalows/houses, a few are semi. We think its being stored up then done in one or two drops per week....

INSTALLMENT OUTCOME:
Well I just contacted the supplier and was met with a very efficient and really pleasant geordie girl on customer service! So nice, really friendly. She explained I could spread the cost and would send a card which I could pay installments on, I have already said I aim to pay it off before the next bill is in. As I wasn't expecting the company to be very accomodating, -(because of dealings with anglian water, another utility company and how 'sledgehammer' they are, I was expecting similar) - this is a much better outcome than I could have hoped for.:beer:

custardy

victoriav wrote: »

Thanks for replies folks,

POSTAL SITUATION :
custardy - I am in a detached bungalow with an american style mailbox just inside the first set of gates, so postie just needs to open gate one and pop mail in, the dogs are behind a further two sets of gates, set further back, (though in this weather dogs snoring in front of the aga not venturing out):) The postal situation is the same for all in this street...all are detached bungalows/houses, a few are semi. We think its being stored up then done in one or two drops per week....

INSTALLMENT OUTCOME:
Well I just contacted the supplier and was met with a very efficient and really pleasant geordie girl on customer service! So nice, really friendly. She explained I could spread the cost and would send a card which I could pay installments on, I have already said I aim to pay it off before the next bill is in. As I wasn't expecting the company to be very accomodating, -(because of dealings with anglian water, another utility company and how 'sledgehammer' they are, I was expecting similar) - this is a much better outcome than I could have hoped for.:beer:

complain,complain,complain
The USO doesnt allow for 'storing' mail.
(though I know the scenarios this happens!)
hit them on Twitter,complain at Delivery office level and Customer Services
Even better if you can obtain the DSMs (delivery sector manager)email.
often a good way of shaking the tree.
Used it myself once(anon) to get things moving on a mail mving issue.
DO managers will cover things up rather than let the DSM know they are failing on something.