Tied into contract after 'trail-period' is over

xskullx

Hello MSE,

Telecoms World provided me with a 3-month trial of their services for a virtual receptionist. I forgot the exact date the 3-month trial ended and I am now tied into a 9-month contract costing me £80 per month. It was not made clear to me that this would happen and I have now stopped any use of the number on my website to minimise my bill every month.

I desperately need to know what grounds I stand on to try to cancel the contract? I have already enquired and they have told me the terms were clear and that I can not cancel.

PLEASE someone help. I am a University student and this is not great for my finances while trying to study especially when I am not using the services anymore.

Thanks

JJ_Egan

<I forgot the exact date the 3-month trial ended.>
Usually 3 months after the start.

Web Site is very clear on the terms.
FREE 90 day trial, from £1 per day thereafter

ssparks2003

Why does a university student need a receptionist? Do you have that busy a social life?

xskullx

Do I have grounds to try get out of my contract or not a chance?

xskullx

Yes, but I lost track of then this date was.

JJ_Egan

No chance its all down to you .

Deastons

xskullx wrote: »

Do I have grounds to try get out of my contract or not a chance?

It sounds obvious, but read your contract. All the info you need will be in there.

I suspect you'll find that, as you've gone passed the 3 month trial period without cancelling, the contract will stand. If you don't want to have the service, call and cancel now to ensure you don't get charged after the 12 months expires (or, at the very least, put the date in your diary so you don't forget again).

xskullx

If I was to raise this with the the communications ombudsman about them not being clear about the 3 month trail tie in what would happen?

foxtrotoscar_2

xskullx wrote: »

If I was to raise this with the the communications ombudsman about them not being clear about the 3 month trail tie in what would happen?

It's very clear though:-


FREE 90 day trial, from £1 per day thereafter

Deastons

xskullx wrote: »

If I was to raise this with the the communications ombudsman about them not being clear about the 3 month trail tie in what would happen?

How do you think they weren't clear? Did it not say it on the contract you signed? The Committee of Advertising Practice says that trader must:

1. Ensure that any significant conditions are made clear that are likely to affect a consumer's decision whether to participate in the free trial.

Simply stating that "T&Cs" apply is not sufficient. The significant conditions must actually be stated in the ad itself. This includes making clear if a paid subscription will start automatically after the free trial unless it is cancelled as well as the extent of the financial commitment if it is not cancelled.

2. Display the significant conditions in a sufficiently prominent place so that consumers will not miss them.

This means ensuring that they immediately follow the most prominent references to the trial or offer. Pop ups or text that is hidden away at the footer of a website will not be sufficient. Where space is really tight, such as on a Twitter ad, marketers could include an image that contains the relevant conditions. The message is clear !!!8211; a lack of space is no excuse.

Did Telecoms world not fulfil this?

DoaM

Deastons wrote: »

How do you think they weren't clear? Did it not say it on the contract you signed? The Committee of Advertising Practice says that trader must:

1. Ensure that any significant conditions are made clear that are likely to affect a consumer's decision whether to participate in the free trial.

You think this is a Consumer contract? Which consumers do you know that hire "receptionists"?