£120 per year car security software updates

river_thames

Aylesbury_Duck said:

In which case, you don't have consumer rights, so any action you might want to take would have to be done under the rights afforded to your business in the contract.  What does the contract say, if anything, about ongoing subscription costs?

Thanks, hoping to be pointed in the right direction. There is no contract, and the £120 per year for software updates isn't a subscription cost. The subscription relates to mobile charges, which is was expected as it's explained and advertised, so no disputing that. If it makes any difference, I am a sole trader. The installation was performed by a popular local vehicle audio and security company. The product installed is not theirs, but they are an "approved installer" by Pandora.

Aylesbury_Duck

river_thames said:

Aylesbury_Duck said:

In which case, you don't have consumer rights, so any action you might want to take would have to be done under the rights afforded to your business in the contract.  What does the contract say, if anything, about ongoing subscription costs?

Thanks, hoping to be pointed in the right direction. There is no contract, and the £120 per year for software updates isn't a subscription cost. The subscription relates to mobile charges, which is was expected as it's explained and advertised, so no disputing that. If it makes any difference, I am a sole trader. The installation was performed by a popular local vehicle audio and security company. The product installed is not theirs, but they are an "approved installer" by Pandora.

I see, thanks.  Who did you pay for the product, Pandora, or the installer?  Ultimately, your contract lies with that entity.  What outcome do you want?

born_again

river_thames said:

Of course, to be clear this is the supplier website. It was an approved installer that said they'd be in touch in 12 months for the update

www.pandoracaralarms.co.uk/smart-pro-v3-car-alarm

www.pandora-alarm.eu/pandora-smart-pro/

It looks like there are occasional firmware updates, but nothing for a little while:
www.pandorainfo.com/alarmstudio-firmware/

Perhaps I should get in touch with the installers and say "could you remind me what you said about annual updates, and give me more info" in order that they put something in writing. 

Would make sense in case this is something that relates to the installer & not pandora.

river_thames

I see, thanks.  Who did you pay for the product, Pandora, or the installer?  Ultimately, your contract lies with that entity.  What outcome do you want?

I paid the installer for the product. They're in some kind of partnership with Pandora. Regarding outcome, I think a partial refund to compensate for the upcoming undisclosed costs. I have a suspicion that these updates aren't necessary or even exist. So an alternative desirable outcome would be an admission of that, and reassurance I don't need to pay anything, and my product would continue to work as sold without voiding any kind of warranty.

river_thames

born_again said: 

Would make sense in case this is something that relates to the installer & not pandora.

Done I'll report back when they've replied 

TELLIT01

Is it possible that the annual fee is a charge to use the software?  Many software providers, including Microsoft, don't actually sell certain products any more, you purchase a licence to use.  If that licence isn't renewed annually you can no longer access the software.  Just a thought.

Hoenir

river_thames said:

doverswot said:

From a quick read it must have a mobile network connection to provide the updates to the app.  

Without the subscription I can’t see that the listed features will work. 

From car audio Kenya web site:-

Subscription is £70 for 6 months or £125 for a year. Add Pandora Key Guard for £200 extra.

The software updates mentioned were in addition to those mentioned in relation to the mobile tariff.

What has your installer said in their communication? 

molerat

The T&C mention an annual service to maintain the warranty