Spark Energy

macman

Here we go again then...
Put in a written complaint, wait 8 weeks, if not resolved you can take it to the regulator.

jdeeuk

We all look for price in G+E but think of other stuff we buy, would you buy a car from an unknown dealer for £200 when everything like it normally costs £2000?

Spark are often cheaper then "the big 6" but as they are a tiny company in comparison there are several things to consider.

1: Their Cashflow is weaker so they can not afford to take risks as easily as the big boys.. this means upon changing from spark unless your account is billed to date and cleared they will likely object to change of supply (in week 3 of process) as they cant afford to have ppl decide to leave then not pay the debt back quickly.

2: As they have less cash to splash as it where, when they do screw up and at some point everyone does, their advisors can be far more robust in defending the companies liability as they cant afford to shower customers in good will gestures and compensation.

They are not some evil force but a small snappy dog in a park that is patrolled by 6 giant dobermans.

Advice from me would be when dealing with any supplier always ask about leaving their supply and get the reply in writing if possible that way if they dont tell you their exact process you can have them over a barrell.

dogshome

jdeeuk wrote: »

We all look for price in G+E but think of other stuff we buy, would you buy a car from an unknown dealer for £200 when everything like it normally costs £2000?

Spark are often cheaper then "the big 6" but as they are a tiny company in comparison there are several things to consider.

1: Their Cashflow is weaker so they can not afford to take risks as easily as the big boys.. this means upon changing from spark unless your account is billed to date and cleared they will likely object to change of supply (in week 3 of process) as they cant afford to have ppl decide to leave then not pay the debt back quickly.

2: As they have less cash to splash as it where, when they do screw up and at some point everyone does, their advisors can be far more robust in defending the companies liability as they cant afford to shower customers in good will gestures and compensation.

They are not some evil force but a small snappy dog in a park that is patrolled by 6 giant dobermans.

Advice from me would be when dealing with any supplier always ask about leaving their supply and get the reply in writing if possible that way if they dont tell you their exact process you can have them over a barrell.

Well, Well, This a surprise - A Newbie defending Spark
As regulars may have guessed, my handle gives the clue that I live in a dog owning household and always have.

However I've never known a dog that does under-the-counter deals with a third party, to get fed high priced food bought by unwary strangers, nor any canine that goes into attack mode when the feeder has conversations with another dog

adewalton

Sorry I don't follow Doghouse?
Could you please explain?
Am I going to be sorry I have moved from Ovo to Spark?
The saving is between 8 to 9 %...... I'm thinking even if Spark rise their price and I fell they will as not done so since Oct 2012 I believe I should yes that's should be still in pocket???
Course if it goes up over 9% ..... well it's 8.8% to be exact then the wheels will of well and truly come off my little plan!!!

Yes guys and galls its time to get out the crystal ball again!!!

Cheers
Ade

dogshome

Hi adewalton - The Spark tariff you are being offered is one thing, but as a signed up customer, actually dealing with them on a day to day basis is something else.

Do a long web search and you will find customer complaints of unjustified demands for money and bills that don't relate to meter readings, which make it nigh on impossible for even the most experienced consumers to be sure of the Debt/Credit status of their account, and even though Spark's "Free Men" tariff that you want to sign up for has been only been on offer for a short while, there are already customers wanting to escape from it and go to another supplier.

adewalton

Oh I see..... I get you now!!
Can you not move or are you tired in etc?

adewalton

Quick question re Spark Advance tariff?
Once joined are you tired in for 12 months?
I might be just daft but I can find anything about leaving charges on their website?
Was thinking prices go up over 8% I could switch - I am sure it's a non tie in tariff?
Cheers!
Ade

dogshome

Depending on your particular contract that may have Penalty payments for leaving early, of course you can escape to another supplier - But you'll probably find that the "Colditz Story" is worth reading - look at the blogs

adewalton

It's just their regular DD in advance tariff I understand - how would I fair if wanted to move from that within the year?

Where can I find the story on the blog you told me about?
Do you have a link?

jdeeuk

Defending spark? not really my style...Im one of the enemy as some guys on here would probably see me as I work for an energy company...big 6 not spark. Im just saying there are reasons why spark act like they do and it is lack of cashflow compared to larger suppliers. Trust me I aint a fan of them.