Illegal or Just Bad Practice?

kittywife

We recently enquired about a new build. We were told 2 weeks ago that the plot we wanted had just been released for part exchange, we were also told that the sales rep would be "ringing all the people on the waiting list from tomorrow".

Subsequently we were made to believe if we weren't quick that we'd miss out. This was reinforced by a phone call from the rep telling us "don't hang around, I've got another couple interested".

Fast forward to Wednesday just gone, I got a generic marketing email telling me that there was a limited part exchange deal available on the 2 relevant plots and that the deal expires this coming Sunday.

I asked why this had been sent, the rep went back on what she said by telling me it would be too costly and time consuming to ring everyone on the list!!!

Obviously we've been given misinformation and fabricated reasons to sign up quick.

Is this bad practice or something to refer to Trading Standards?

Guest101

Clearly you've never worked in sales....

kittywife

Nor would I want to if it involves blatant lying!

Pixie5740

What do you think is illegal about it?

There very well may have been another couple who were interested at the time but decided to buy elsewhere. You'll never know. Likewise, the sales rep might not have known that the developer was going offer more plots to part exchange customers.

Buying property is stressful, just take what the sales rep, or order taker which is what the person you were dealing with probably is, with a pinch of salt. Don't feel bullied into making a quick decision.

somethingcorporate

What was the lie?

tykesi

Pixie5740 wrote: »

What do you think is illegal about it?

The fact that the OP doesn't like it. Happens all the time on MSE boards, people claiming outrage at something they don't like and it 'must' be illegal. Gets a tad boring after a while.

kittywife

The lie was she said she was going to be telephoning all the people on the "waiting list". Yesterday she said a generic email went out because it's not cost effective to telephone people.

She's extremely patronising too.

Pixie5740

Don't give them your business then. I wouldn't.

theartfullodger

Never believe a salesperson: If something matters, get it in writing - or put it in writing/email to them.

Now, if you took her out for a slap-up lunch with bolly you might have got better treatment.. It's all about relationships & negotiation (eg "I will buy at that price & it will be quick as there is no chain & I am cash buyer.." is a better offer usually for salesperson than "Yeah, OK, need a survey & start talking to mortgage broker..")

Paully232000

That is a good salesman, nothing that you have said would lead me to believe that what they have done is illegal or even something to report.

phill99

At what point is it illegal?

Bad practice? Yes
Common practice? Yes