RAC Battery scam?

OddballJamie

I think this is the equivalent at Halfords - £84.99 fitting is from £6.99.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_264267_langId_-1_categoryId_165762#tab1

nobbysn*ts

Could have refused, ordered this one, took a day off work to wait in while it was delivered, then fitted it himself, and saved £36. Mind you, they don't state next day delivery, so you may be hanging about in the meantime. https://www.ekmsecure22.co.uk/ekmps/shops/exide/index.asp?function=CHECKOUT&uid=F35FD835-10B6-499E-A1D4-4789F7F566DC

straas

I was all for refusing then going to a local factors, until he told me my car could break down if I put any electrical demand on it (wipers/lights etc) and that I'd have to pay if I required a recovery in this instance as I'd 'refused' to let them fix the problem.

nobbysn*ts

That's your gamble then, pay a few quid more, and get it fixed, or save a few quid against the cost of another call out fee if you need it.

straas

Why should it be a gamble though?

How can the RAC justify the price they're selling the batteries for? I'd assume most people just assume that's what a battery costs and forget about it. But I don't think that makes it right.

I'm fully aware that they're a business and are out to make money, but overcharging so blatently seems quite unfair to me.

Especially as greenflag seem to charge at or around the RRP of the batteries they provide (going on information from colleagues)

custardy

OddballJamie wrote: »

I think this is the equivalent at Halfords - £84.99 fitting is from £6.99.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_264267_langId_-1_categoryId_165762#tab1

straas wrote: »

Why should it be a gamble though?

How can the RAC justify the price they're selling the batteries for? I'd assume most people just assume that's what a battery costs and forget about it. But I don't think that makes it right.

I'm fully aware that they're a business and are out to make money, but overcharging so blatently seems quite unfair to me.

Especially as greenflag seem to charge at or around the RRP of the batteries they provide (going on information from colleagues)

Look at that Halfords price
Have you found your battery locally for a great deal less?

nobbysn*ts

You want it now, things cost more. Cheaper is always more inconvenient. I found one at £40, http://www.hamletovygumy.cz/autobaterie-exide-excell-eb440-12a-44ah-400a/d-98813/?cur=3

colino

Of course he is on commission, they don't include spare parts on the van to make a loss on them. Stop thinking RAC and AA are Gentlemens Clubs you are members of, they are just businesses trying to extract as much money from you as possible.

worried_jim

colino wrote: »

Of course he is on commission, they don't include spare parts on the van to make a loss on them. Stop thinking RAC and AA are Gentlemens Clubs you are members of, they are just businesses trying to extract as much money from you as possible.

What like a business? Shocking! Glad to see that the price is not too far off Halfords, I would say overall having someone come to you car/home then supply and fit and check there are no other issues is a fair price to pay for £96.

Steve059

Perversely, my last new battery (Bosch S3, 70Ah, 670A) was £59.99 delivered, but not fitted, from the RAC.

In line with MSE principles, it was the best price I could find.