Harlands Direct Debit Charge

colsten

agrinnall wrote: »

Then don't pay it, but don't come back here complaining when Harlands take you to court.

They would probably just report a default to the OP's credit files, where it will then stay for the next 6 years. They might also eventually sell the debt to a debt collection agency which will then hound the OP. As it's all self-inflicted, I don't have any sympathy with the OP.

JazzJPH

colsten wrote: »

They would probably just report a default to the OP's credit files, where it will then stay for the next 6 years. They might also eventually sell the debt to a debt collection agency which will then hound the OP. As it's all self-inflicted, I don't have any sympathy with the OP.

Good, I'm sure that's the attitude Martin Lewis has. Oh wait, he's out to help people from such scams.

colsten

JazzJPH wrote: »

Good, I'm sure that's the attitude Martin Lewis has. Oh wait, he's out to help people from such scams.

It's not a scam, and it doesn't become one by you calling it one.

JazzJPH

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

Bearing in mind the DD pull will be initiated this coming Thursday *at the latest*, the only way to do that is to cancel the DDI with the bank or make sure there are insufficient funds in the current account on the 9th.

But look at what happened last time they did one of those.

OP, have you actually spoken to Harlands? I'm guessing not, otherwise you'd have said so in your OP. Wouldn't you think that would be a good idea? Maybe read up on condition 13 of your agreement beforehand.

I've emailed the gym manager. If she confirms the payment is cancelled then I have nothing to worry about. If she doesn't, I'll contact Harlands. I tried to call though, but they were closed.

If I'd deliberately let the DD bounce I could understand the hostility in some of the posts. But it's an honest mistake paired with some massive expenses.

MSE is a site dedicated to loopholes and saving money, I really don't see Mr Lewis sending weekly emails saying "struggling to save? Well it's your own stupid fault, stupid face!" - but that's mostly what I'm getting from this thread. Not to worry though, I'll make sure my experience with them is recorded to help those in future

Anybody's experience with Harlands is welcome.

JazzJPH

colsten wrote: »

It's not a scam, and it doesn't become one by you calling it one.

OK then, not scam.... Maybe a fine that far exceeds the actual cost. How's that work for you?

colsten

JazzJPH wrote: »

OK then, not scam.... Maybe a fine that far exceeds the actual cost. How's that work for you?

How do you know what Harland's cost is? Do you understand what running a company involves? £25 for handling an exception seems a fair price. The exception is being caused by you, so it is only fair that you pay for it. It would be grossly unfair if someone else had to pay for the exception you created.

Whether you caused the exception deliberately or by accident is neither here nor there - you caused it. Have some pride and assume responsibility for your own actions.

JazzJPH

colsten wrote: »

How do you know what Harland's cost is? Do you understand what running a company involves? £25 for handling an exception seems a fair price. The exception is being caused by you, so it is only fair that you pay for it. It would be grossly unfair if someone else had to pay for the exception you created.

Whether you caused the exception deliberately or by accident is neither here nor there - you caused it. Have some pride and assume responsibility for your own actions.

You're good at helping save people money with that advice. :T

colsten

JazzJPH wrote: »

You're good at helping save people money with that advice. :T

You are absolutely right, I recommend that people comply with the terms they have agreed to as this can save them money. Your case is proof of that: you wouldn't be asked to pay an extra £25 if you were complying with the terms.

If you choose to break the terms of your agreement, you are just getting into deeper trouble. That's entirely your choice but it does feel a bit crazy to deliberately make things difficult for yourself.

JazzJPH

Well to clear things up a bit. I have no intention of making things difficult for myself. I didn't deliberately bounce the DD and it wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the circumstances that devoured my savings.

If necessary I will pay it. I've asked the gym. If that doesn't work I will phone Harlands. If that doesn't work, I will pay the fee.

I've read elsewhere that the FCA find it illegal for them to charge that.

Anyway like I said, I will make sure I come back here to report the results. Then if people have an issue with them in future I can give advice rather than speculate or tell them it's their own silly fault.

jimjames

It's probably also worth making a note of when your DD payments go out so you aren't caught by surprise next time.