F&F request time scale?

AngryDog

I sent a F&F request on the 15th of this month. Up to now I have had no response.

How long would be sensible to leave it before "chasing" it up?

Thanks.

glentoran99

Personally id phone them, obviously get written confirmation before paying anything though.

sourcrates

Give it another week, then follow up with another letter.
I am a great believer in doing everything of a financial nature in writing, so there is a paper trail, and you have a written record of what has/has not, been agreed.
Things can be agreed verbally, but not backed up in writing, and so are worthless, and getting put through to the "right person" on the phone, who is dealing with your request, is also nigh on impossible.

harveybobbles

Stay off the phone.

Did you state in your letter when you'd like a response by?

"I look forwards to your written confirmation and acceptance of this offer within 14 days.."

glentoran99

Why is everyone so anti phone? As long as it's followed up in writing there is no issue, I found it easier to negotiate f&f on the phone and then get it confirmed in writing. Much quicker too

sourcrates

glentoran99 wrote: »

Why is everyone so anti phone? As long as it's followed up in writing there is no issue, I found it easier to negotiate f&f on the phone and then get it confirmed in writing. Much quicker too

This does not apply so much when asking for a settlement figure, but the usual advice is never to phone a DCA for the following reasons :


(1) If they didn't have your number before, they may do now, the telephone is a DCA`s 1st weapon of choice, a lot of people are intimidated into paying more than they can afford to, not to mention a lot of the staff employed by these companies are simply sales people, mainly paid on a commission basis, they are not always the friendliest of people to deal with.

(2) Telephone conversations are not always followed up in writing, and the person you speak to is not normally the decision maker, it would need to go to a different dept. who normally you cant phone direct anyway.

(3) Its a lot easier to get your point across in a letter, and only a written conformation is legally binding.

National_Debtline

Hello there,

As the others have mentioned it's vital to ensure that all full & final settlment negotiations are in writing. There's nothing to prevent you from calling so long as you stick to your guns and insist on further negotiations in writing only. Some creditors are very helpful on the phones (althogh some less so!).

Best wishes,

David @ National Debtline.