Re-evaluating Rates

saverbuyer

The_Hurricane wrote: »

I phoned up to pay and I just complained that the value of the property was not reflective of what the rating agency had it at and as a result I felt the rates were too high.

After a bit of a debate with the operator he applied a 5% discount as a "good will gesture".

And he didn't as for any proof or comparables?

Did you say that the 2005 value was too high?

I seriously must get the inlaws to try this. They'd save nearly £200 quid.

The_Hurricane

saverbuyer wrote: »

And he didn't as for any proof or comparables?

Did you say that the 2005 value was too high?

I seriously must get the inlaws to try this. They'd save nearly £200 quid.

The only stipulation was I had to pay in full today as it was apparently the only way the payment would go through cleanly.

I'm reasonably happy although I did query about next year and was advised that if I was not happy with the bill to follow the same procedure.

I did chance my hand with 10% but 5% was all he would budge to.

saverbuyer

The_Hurricane wrote: »

The only stipulation was I had to pay in full today as it was apparently the only way the payment would go through cleanly.

I'm reasonably happy although I did query about next year and was advised that if I was not happy with the bill to follow the same procedure.

I did chance my hand with 10% but 5% was all he would budge to.

That's good to know. It's a substantial saving.

Everyone take note, you can save 5% on your rates by paying in advance.

I'm just wondering how you phrased it to them. Did you just say you thought it was too much? Too much compared to what though?

The_Hurricane

saverbuyer wrote: »

That's good to know. It's a substantial saving.

Everyone take note, you can save 5% on your rates by paying in advance.

I'm just wondering how you phrased it to them. Did you just say you thought it was too much? Too much compared to what though?

The key arguement was would I see value for money from the £711 I would be paying? The poor guy chuckled when I asked this.

I then moved the arguement on to would my house be costing £711 to run, of course he talked about street lighting, water charges and bin collections - then I just presssed on the issue of were these services coming to £711 p/a and he advised "probably less" and then stated "as a good will gesture and to provide you with better value for money I'm in a position to be able to offer you an additional 5% off".

saverbuyer

So value for money.

I like it; seriously everyone should be trying this.

I honestly didn't think they had any discretion.

The_Hurricane

saverbuyer wrote: »

So value for money.

I like it; seriously everyone should be trying this.

I honestly didn't think they had any discretion.

I'm just looking at my phone log and it took almost 40 minutes, be prepared for a few knock backs, discussions with supervisors and talk of filling in forms before the discount is mentioned.

Also have all your facts at hand including your Account ID, paymet details, current discounts etc - nothing throws them more than being well organised.

One other thing I mentioned at the start of the call was before going into details about my query I asked if the person I was speaking to was able to deal with all rate queries relating to my house without the need to refer on. In fairness all that was referred on was the discount to a supervisor.

For less co-operative operators you may need to request to speak with a supervisor.

saverbuyer

The_Hurricane wrote: »

I'm just looking at my phone log and it took almost 40 minutes, be prepared for a few knock backs, discussions with supervisors and talk of filling in forms before the discount is mentioned.

Also have all your facts at hand including your Account ID, paymet details, current discounts etc - nothing throws them more than being well organised.

One other thing I mentioned at the start of the call was before going into details about my query I asked if the person I was speaking to was able to deal with all rate queries relating to my house without the need to refer on. In fairness all that was referred on was the discount to a supervisor.

For less co-operative operators you may need to request to speak with a supervisor.

I'll let the inlaws know the points above.

Still it's a good precedent.

£200 quid saving for a 40 minute call is well worth it.

The_Hurricane

It's not for everyone, you do have to be firm.

I think to an extent in NI we have been programmed to accept the going prices and the rating agency is a prime exampe where the conception is there is no flexibility. To be fair I am guilty of this too, I had only wanted to complain about the price before paying my bill but when I was on the phone I felt "why not press for a discount?"

shaz77_2

First of all thanks for the heads up Hurricane.

My rates were £550 this year and around £530 last year, I did as you said and got some joy. It was hard work and the call was over one hour and I also had to take a call back from a supervisor but it was very swift.

Ok the deal I got was 8% off, for two years but they would not back date further. £86.40 was my total saving. I questioned the rise from last year, used the value for money line etc. The operator's English was poor and she was also rude at times and it was difficult to get the matter referred to a supervisor. Again when the supervisor called it was a good will gesture of 8% for the two years and an apology for the operator's tone (I think the recordings were listened to).

I don't feel great at the moment as it took ages and a lot of negotiating and it wasn't much fun but the savings made it worthwhile. I'm glad I was off today and make sure you are too if you call these guys.

The_Hurricane

shaz77 wrote: »

First of all thanks for the heads up Hurricane.

My rates were £550 this year and around £530 last year, I did as you said and got some joy. It was hard work and the call was over one hour and I also had to take a call back from a supervisor but it was very swift.

Ok the deal I got was 8% off, for two years but they would not back date further. £86.40 was my total saving. I questioned the rise from last year, used the value for money line etc. The operator's English was poor and she was also rude at times and it was difficult to get the matter referred to a supervisor. Again when the supervisor called it was a good will gesture of 8% for the two years and an apology for the operator's tone (I think the recordings were listened to).

I don't feel great at the moment as it took ages and a lot of negotiating and it wasn't much fun but the savings made it worthwhile. I'm glad I was off today and make sure you are too if you call these guys.

So much for 5% being as high as he could go - well done Shaz.