Tricked into Photocopier contract spiral :(

Plant1980

We are contracted to a certain volume at a per copy rate, we initially signd up for 30k mono and 5k colour, they said we were going to go over so adjusted it to 40k mono and 10k colour but doubled the cost per copy so we are stuck on that, and now they wont move it down, but to be honest i think they lied as i checked the volumes and we are around the 10k mono and 5k colour.
Yes when we added them to our network we installed a bit of software to let the machines report prints and toner requirements.
When he said we need to sign for the volume change there was nothing on there about double the cost or any new per quarter charge so i think he got the signature and filled the rest in later.
but i dont know where we stand if we pull the direct debit as the lease company will be straight onto us.

Enterprise_1701C

Not suggesting you pull the direct debit, just that you stop using those copiers, could you get a short term loan on a "trial basis" from someone?

Are the lease company separate from the photocopier company? I know when we leased out phone systems it was an entirely separate company dealing with the lease.

Have you tackled the lease company about what appears to be the fraudulent activity?

Plant1980

The contract is for a minimum amount so we get hit with the bill no matter what, we only get extra charges if we go over the allocated amount of copies per quarter.
When we got the bill for the double amount we immediately opened a dispute with the lease company, thats when the copier compay said not to worry they would lower the volume amounts for us and get the DD back down, so we closed the complaint, now they refuse to lower the amount and DD.
Our bills come direct from the lease company no the copier people

Enterprise_1701C

Sorry, didn't realise it was a set amount. Thought it was per copy. I am coming at this from totally outside the industry, just looking at it from a fairness pov.

I would say to the lease company that you had been deceived into closing the complaint and you want to reopen it. They have obviously seen how massively the amounts have gone up, and I am surprised they got away with increasing the amount per copy so massively, I would have thought the amount should stay stable or even go down when the quantity was increased, although we have never actually leased a photocopier that way. With amount like that it might have actually been worth considering outright purchase.

If you are getting nowhere with the photocopier people, the lease people will be the obvious next stop.

Is it worth considering contacting these people https://www.fla.org.uk/index.php/consumer-information/how-to-make-a-complaint2/ (only had a quick look but they look like they might be relevant)

macman

I would request, no, insist, that the rep and his manager attend your office to discuss this, as you intend to raise a formal complaint and possibly take legal action.
It's a lot easier for the company to deny any fraud over the phone than to do it face to face with you.
I'd also get a complaint down in writing, as phone conversations leave no audit trail. If that fails, you need legal advice.
I am still not clear if there is a minimum volume clause; if not, just stop using it. They'll soon come and get it back, as it will otherwise be a dead asset to them.

Plant1980

Thanks for the advice people, i think once we go down the route of fully complaining i just wanted to be sure we have a solid case, its been total deception at every turn.
when i asked why they had doubled the costs within a few months they just said "it is what it is"
I have contacted the faircontracts.co.uk to see what they think, and possibly get a bit of legal advice first before we go head on at them.
I am almost 100% the financial increase figures were not on the sheet but cannot say "i looked and the box was empty" if you know what i mean.

rtho782

I would complain to the finance provider, that you've been missold this by the dealer.

Can I ask who the finance provider is?

Plant1980

Yeah i think that may be the first port of call, The lease company is BNP Paribas.

Alderbank

What does this thread have to do with loans? It seems to me to be about unit pricing of photocopies!

This article however might be of interest:
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/8356709.__48k_photocopier_bill_may_close_Oxford_charity_opened_by_Princess_Diana/#comments-anchor
It is about a small company which was successfully sued by BNP Barnibas for non payment of photocopier fees.
The comments suggest that the company directors had not fully understood the contract they had signed. There are some similarities

rtho782

Alderbank wrote: »

What does this thread have to do with loans? It seems to me to be about unit pricing of photocopies!

This article however might be of interest:
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/8356709.__48k_photocopier_bill_may_close_Oxford_charity_opened_by_Princess_Diana/#comments-anchor
It is about a small company which was successfully sued by BNP Barnibas for non payment of photocopier fees.
The comments suggest that the company directors had not fully understood the contract they had signed. There are some similarities

Yeah, standard practice for that company. I've known them crush a few charities in that way.