AA Rip off

marvin

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

The AA is no longer a 'Club' or mutual organisation. It's a profit making operation, and your name and address, along with millions of others, have been sold on by current to future owners without you or any others on that list getting a penny.

It's called capitalism.

Try Green Flag at your next renewal if you want to save a load of dosh.

That's called shopping around!

Mines free with the contents insurance which is also the cheapest not sure Green Flag can beat that.

Car_54

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

The AA is no longer a 'Club' or mutual organisation. It's a profit making operation, and your name and address, along with millions of others, have been sold on by current to future owners without you or any others on that list getting a penny.

It's called capitalism

Not quite. When the AA de-mutualised in 1999 and was bought by Centrica, its members got a share of the proceeds (about £250?). They had voted for it - that's called democracy.

bod1467

I vaguely remember getting something when that happened. Don't remember it being anywhere near £250 though, albeit this BBC article suggests it was £240.

ERICS_MUM

tight_scotsman wrote: »

Using the exact brand and part number of coil pack the AA fitted one that retails at £65. I would imagine the AA get huge discounts from their supplier I got the old part back in the new box.
my whole point is that I have already paid for everything EXCEPT the part as part of me being a member of the AA

Its just profiteering on the part of the AA

A company that has to make a profit cannot be expected to pass on to you the discounted price for the parts they buy in bulk. When they are savvy enough to negotiate a good price with their suppliers it's obvious that they will keep most of the discount in their own books.

If what happened doesn't match the specific terms of your membership (there are several types) for example you thought the cost of the part was covered, then by all means speak to the AA but I don't think you would get far if your only issue is the price of the part.

poppasmurf_bewdley

Car_54 wrote: »

Not quite. When the AA de-mutualised in 1999 and was bought by Centrica, its members got a share of the proceeds (about £250?). They had voted for it - that's called democracy.

I realise that.

What I was trying to emphasize is that the AA's biggest asset is it's list of members and their details, rather than bricks and mortar, vans, etc. And it's those self same assets who get diddly squat each time they are sold on.

Car_54

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

I realise that.

What I was trying to emphasize is that the AA's biggest asset is it's list of members and their details, rather than bricks and mortar, vans, etc. And it's those self same assets who get diddly squat each time they are sold on.

That's what Centrica thought when they bought the AA: they talked of "synergies", and hoped to sell energy and other British Gas products to the AA customers, and vice-versa. Five years later they admitted they'd been wrong, and got rid of the business. Aviva's experience with the RAC was similar. The value of customer databases is much exaggerated, as price and product comparison is now so easy and "customer loyalty " diminishes as a result.

Anyway, what makes you think assets should be rewarded? Should they give the vans an extra polish, and the buildings a lick of paint?

motorguy

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

I realise that.

What I was trying to emphasize is that the AA's biggest asset is it's list of members and their details, rather than bricks and mortar, vans, etc. And it's those self same assets who get diddly squat each time they are sold on.

Why would you get something from the AA, no more than you should get something from anyone who holds your name and address?

tight_scotsman

RESULT

After a chat with the very nice guy from the AA they have refunded my card with £102. They admitted I was grossly overcharged for the coil pack. They also agreed that my membership covers everything except the cost of replacement parts. The excuse they used was I was being charged as a non member.

Thanks to everyone for their input and advice

motorguy

arcon5 wrote: »

Yes it's reasonable to add a markup. But jesus christ they've certainly done that!

Absolute daylight robbery!!

Out of curiosity, how can you justify that stance when on another thread running on buying the cheapest coil packs you actually said

arcon5 wrote: »

Also they are produced significantly cheaper and brought in to the country from lands far far away.

Buy cheap buy twice and al'

So the AA fitted a decent more expensive one rather than some cheap chinese rubbish - is that not what you recommended?

Or do you just like finding reasoned to be outraged on the internet?

motorguy

arcon5 wrote: »

Absolute daylight robbery!!

Same with their batteries!!

I just priced a battery with the AA for my 2007 Clio 197.

£101.50 fitted, as an AA member.
£131.50 fitted, as a non AA member.

The battery comes with a four year guarantee.

I then checked EuroCarParts. Their cheapest battery for my car with a four year guarantee is £83.99

So £16 more for an AA member, and they'll be coming out to your house and install it for you in that price, rather than you having to drive to EuroCarParts, pick one up, then either fit it yourself or have someone fit it for you.

Not really seeing daylight robbery there - are you?