Talkmobile advertised deal not being what it seems

eddiejones

So I signed up for a TalkMobile SIM only deal via the recommendations last month on MSE.
12 months. 7.5/month but the first three months half price.
I've just got my first bill and despite it being called "7.5 12 months" on the bill, the charge is:
* Base price: 7.98
* 50% deduction: -3.99
* And then VAT is added: 0.80
So I'm a bit confused. Obviously the 'base price seems wrong. But are the prices quoted on MSE' best deals really excluding VAT?!?

Obviously makes a large difference if it's 9.60 (8 plus 20%) per month rather than 7.50...

Any other TalkMobile customers had a similar experience?

eddiejones

It looks like it's a legal requirement for them to include VAT in the advertisement ( similar thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4045617/vat-not-included-in-advertised-line-rental-price/p2).
I'll get in touch with them about that, and the attempt to charge a higher base price.

eddiejones

Ok, it seems this was all a misunderstanding. I guess their bill is unnecessarily confusing, splitting it out as they did above.
But the reason my bill is higher than expected is because it is pro-rata'd.
Why they listed it like that and didn't mention the exact dates it covered I don't know...