Leaving Virgin Media - any tips

Spivved1987

My contract with Virgin Media is up early November. I've been with them for 20 years+, but have been meaning to move away for a while. Fed up with appalling customer service and with kids gone we don't need the tv channels over and above what we could get with Freeview etc.

Anyhow, what I am wondering is if anyone has any tips, especially re timing of my notice to cancel and any little scams they may have to try and squeeze more money out of me.

Also (a bit off-topic) has anyone used Three's wireless broadband gizmo which they are currently pestering me about taking?

Billxx

VM will make it very hard for you to leave.  They will keep you hanging on the telephone for hours only to cut you off.  If you do get through to "retentions" they will offer you a mega-deal with an amazing discount for a year.

If you are serious about leaving them send a recorded delivery letter to their HQ giving them 30 days notice.

I am not sure if it is still on-going, but I believe ofcom were investigating VM because of their poor cancelation record.

Good luck.

Spivved1987

Billxx said:

VM will make it very hard for you to leave.  They will keep you hanging on the telephone for hours only to cut you off.  If you do get through to "retentions" they will offer you a mega-deal with an amazing discount for a year.

If you are serious about leaving them send a recorded delivery letter to their HQ giving them 30 days notice.

I am not sure if it is still on-going, but I believe ofcom were investigating VM because of their poor cancelation record.

Good luck.

I had a feeling it would not be straightforward. I think I will take your advice re the letter approach. I am also a bit wary of their 'return equipment' provisions....

PZ19

It’s always been very straight forward when I ring to negotiate every 18 months, ring 150 30 days before your contract end date, follow the thinking of leaving option, just tell them it’s too much money and don’t want it anymore.  They will offer you something, tell them not interested and want to put cancellation in.  It’s as easy as that. once you get through, 10 mins max.  You may then get call few days later from outbound retentions team with a far better deal.  You can either answer and accept/reject or just ignore the call.  Not sure why some people take hours with them, just be firm and say no I want to cancel