ACE - not what I'd call them!

Tinkywinks108

Blacksheep1979 wrote: »

Did you ever have a proper credit agreement with them?

Ermm.....not sure, I ordered online and can't really remember much except I was surprised when I wasn't asked for payment, then discovered I would be sent an invoice.

Another thing, (sorry, haven't quite got it all off my chest), if they are going to charge such ridiculous rates for late payments then they should make this clear. If they really didn't want people to be late with their payments, they would clearly warn them about the costs that could be incurred. We're not talking about a few quid here. Even the £20 which they are still asking me for....is a lot of money for someone like me on benefits with two children to look after, and is also a lot of money for students, oap's, those on a low income etc. £20 is a lot of money, especially when the train set only cost £24!

Tinkywinks108

momisa wrote: »

Hi Sharada

I had an account with ACE for a few years. Whilst they are a tad daft in not allowing people to pay up front initially, once an account is set up you can pay the balance. So, as soon as you received the first statement I'm sure you could have paid it if you wanted/remembered to. TODO piles are great if you DO them

Anyway, as you say most of the charges have been dropped but you did agree over the phone to pay the £20. There was probably a note added to your account details stating this. Because this has gone on for many months your credit file will definately have been marked for the missed payments by now and you can't change that unfortunately.

I understand your feelings and fully appreciate your view of ACE. I would NEVER, EVER buy anything from them again!! However, to easily resolve this, I would suggest that you pay the £20 asap. Then, go thru the statements, and follow Martin MSE guide to reclaiming charges. I know it's time consuming and very annoying but this £20 is unlawful and for a little time and postage stamp you should get it back.

One thing that ACE was very good at was sending items which I wasn't happy with, I'd send them back and then would have to fight with the staff who never understood how interest works. I'd have to tell them that I want the cost of the product back plus any interest that had been charged to my account between it being sent and returned.
ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE as this happened far too often. :mad:

Good luck

Thanks for your comments, I didn't realise that I could deal with this in the same way as reclaiming bank charges, but I guess it's the same principal, I wouldn't be surprised if Ace responded with an elaborate tale of how the charges were worked out...mind you, even the strongest of imaginations would have a hard time showing how sending out a few letters cost nearly £110.

Becles

Sharada wrote: »

Another thing, (sorry, haven't quite got it all off my chest), if they are going to charge such ridiculous rates for late payments then they should make this clear. If they really didn't want people to be late with their payments, they would clearly warn them about the costs that could be incurred.

They do on their website:
http://www.24ace.co.uk/ss/help/help.jsp?page=faq#4

I think as part of the reason the charges built up is because you forgot to pay them, it would be best just paying the £20 you have agreed to pay and write it off to experience.

If you're like me and don't like this type of ordering/payment method, you're better off buying from places where you pay in one go, even if it is slightly more expensive.

Dave_Brooker

Sharada wrote: »

Anyway, I received the statements, put them on my to do pile, and....kept forgetting to get to the bank. I'm a single parent with twins and have a hectic life. Because I was late with the first payment, they charged me £20 administration fees and £2.27 service charge. I thought this was utterly ridiculous and just paid what I owed them for the product. But they kept sending me payment reminders for the late charges and piling on more fees each time, until they wanted £109.72 in charges altogether.

Is this not just a problem of your own making?

If you're too idle to pay your bills, you'll get hit with charges...

Dave_Brooker

Sharada wrote: »

Even the £20 which they are still asking me for....is a lot of money for someone like me on benefits

You could always get a job...

Tinkywinks108

Dave_Brooker wrote: »

You could always get a job...

Actually, I have always worked right up until having my twins. I didn't bank on their father leaving me when they were a few months old and I have the right to choose to raise my own children. So, for your information, I am working, very hard, bringing my children up.

I admit this scenario is my own fault, for not reading the small print, for not paying on time, but my comments about the way this company operate are still valid. It's like telling all the people reclaiming unfair bank charges that it is their own fault for not sorting out their finances better.

Dave_Brooker

Sharada wrote: »

It's like telling all the people reclaiming unfair bank charges that it is their own fault for not sorting out their finances better.

People who get hit with bank charges have only themselves to blame.

Blacksheep1979

Dave_Brooker wrote: »

People who get hit with bank charges have only themselves to blame.

Not always - I got one for a bounced dd, one that was then taken from my account the next day. How is that feasible/my fault when no money was clearing (last money paid in 2+ weeks beforehand)? Got it bank from a very confused bank worker.