Prezzo App - not worth the hassle?

pete-20-11

I downloaded and signed up for the Prezzo App whilst at one of their restaurants to get 10% off.

As I was trying to pay, I got a text from Halifax asking if I approved a transaction of £36.47 - I said no, as it was nothing like my bill amount with or without the discount - I assumed it was the wrong table/transaction.

I then couldn't get the app to accept my payment - nor could I find a way to add a different card.

The manager didn't know how to do that either - I later found the account icon - which appears only on the pay my bill screen - and only on the home page of that section.

The manager asked if I had enough money on my card. Hmmm...

It was also suggested it is better to link the app to PayPal rather than a credit card - useful tip if you are thinking of downloading the app.

Anyway, I ended up paying (on the same card) by chip and pin, after 10-15 minutes of faffing around, but they couldn't give me the 10% discount.

So much for time saving!

When I got home, I checked my online banking - three pending transactions :
0.01 my check uk ltd
25.00 Prezzo card not present
68.30 Prezzo chip and pin

A Google search showed prezzo use my check ltd, and another search shows Prezzo pre-auth for £25.00 (not mentioned on the app if I recall correctly).

And if you add the 25.00 and the amount quoted in the Halifax SMS, it equals the price after discount! Not very clear - not sure if Halifax need to improve their text messages, or if prezzo need to request the final cost, not the difference from the pre-auth, but either way, it's confusing!

The manager did take my details, so hopefully head office can look into the situation and maybe i'll get a discount next time!

Laura_Scotland

I've been to Prezzo a few times, but never used their app. They almost always have money off offers on their website, you don't have to print them either, just show the voucher code on your phone

http://www.prezzorestaurants.co.uk/offers/

Tastecard had (might still do!) a 2 for 1 offer on all courses, I think excluding weekends though. They often have free trials, so that might be a good idea to save money there too.

Hopefully they'll do something to sort it out

williham

Shocking how some managers don't take responsibility for company apps.. If they don't know how to use them they shouldn't advertise them.

pete-20-11

Yeah, I had a look for offers but being a Saturday couldn't find any. Would have been happy to pay full price, but if there's an offer advertised, may as well take it

I think the issue is often at HQ - lack of training / information being shared with the front line!


Halifax said most merchants re-request the full amount, not the difference between the pre-auth and final balance.

Maybe that's just how their system works - the app just does pre-auths, then the till takes the payment later?

If the app made it clear there is a £25 pre-auth I might have realised what was going on when the SMS from Halifax arrived!

pete-20-11

Surprise Surprise

No phone call from Prezzo...

Think I'll have to email their HQ.