Cancelling Virgin Media

diggerproud

I have been a customer for 6 or 7 years but now feel they offer poor value for money. I was told by one of their advisors I'd have to pay a cancellation fee of £180 to leave them which I find unreasonable. I have changed my package several times over the years but haven't actually signed any paper contract or signed anything online. Would 30 days notice in writing, sent recorded delivery, suffice? Or can they actually charge me £180? Any advice appreciated, thanks

visidigi

You're in the minimum term of your contract, it doesn't matter how long you have been with them.

You can write your 30 days notice. You can even send it recorded, but they will write their own letter, and then their debt collectors will write theirs...

diggerproud

Ok thanks for your reply

[Deleted User]

diggerproud wrote: »

. I have changed my package several times over the years

This is key and will have entered you into a new minimum term contract.
If you want to leave, you'll have to pay the Early Termination of Contract (ETA) fee just as you've already been advised.

Why would you think anyone here would tell you differently?

diggerproud

Is it better to investigate & ask others opinions or simply listen to whatever they say & roll over? These forums would be a little bit pointless otherwise. I simply thought there might be something to look in to with me not actually signing a contract. Thanks for your advice, its appreciated

[Deleted User]

diggerproud wrote: »

Is it better to investigate & ask others opinions or simply listen to whatever they say & roll over?These forums would be a little bit pointless otherwise.

I think the forums do far more than merely attempt to contradict the customer service clerks at Virgin and Sky. I'd like to think we have here a resource far more valuable than that.

All the providers use verbal contracts, by the way.You don't have to sign paperwork in order to agree a contract.

[Deleted User]

Kurtis_Blue wrote: »

What where the changes made to your account?

Answered earlier;

diggerproud wrote: »

I have changed my package several times over the years

OP thought he had to sign paperwork or fill in something online in order for the new contract to be valid.

Jamie_Carter

I have changed my contract with them several times over the years I have been with them. But last time I changed it I instructed them that I didn't want to start a new contract. So between myself and the operator we sorted out a package that would not invoke a new contract. However when I threatened to leave them a while ago they tried to tell me that I was mid contract. As soon as I challenged this they backed down.

Unless you were told that a new contract would be started, then it shouldn't have been. If in doubt contact OFCOM (or whoever the regulator is these days).

[Deleted User]

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

last time I changed it I instructed them that I didn't want to start a new contract. So between myself and the operator we sorted out a package that would not invoke a new contract. However when I threatened to leave them a while ago they tried to tell me that I was mid contract. As soon as I challenged this they backed down.

Clearly, you made it plain the only agreement you were making didn't involve a new minimum term. Obviously the clerk you spoke to didn't check your account properly before trying to apply the ETA. However, it's unwise to advise others who are not in the same position to threaten Virgin with their regulator. .

Jamie_Carter

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

Clearly, you made it plain the only agreement you were making didn't involve a new minimum term. Obviously the clerk you spoke to didn't check your account properly before trying to apply the ETA. However, it's unwise to advise others who are not in the same position to threaten Virgin with their regulator. .

I didn't threaten them with the regulator. I challenged them when they said that I was mid contract, and they backed down. Many large companies will try it on unless challenged.

My advice to the OP was to check with the regulator if in doubt. Especially if they were not told that they would be starting a new contract last time they changed their package.

[Deleted User]

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

I didn't threaten them with the regulator.

Where did I say you did?