Returning router

Worried_of_wakefield

Just about reached the end of 18mth contract, final bill arrived all OK. An email arrived with an address for the return of a router and a bill for £80 ish as a threat if the router isn't recieved.

Question
1. Is it my responsibility to return at my cost and risk
2. Is that a fair price for a 18mth old now second hand router
3 And, they have applied vat on this second hand piece of kit.

Whilst I'm sure all will be well, the last 18mth have not gone as smooth as I had hoped leaving me a little irritated 

Mark_d

I presume this is a specialist router from a fibre company such as Virgin Media, where you typically only rent the router on a monthly basis?  I'm sure the contract states conditions under which the router was provided to you, and your obligations.  If you weren't happy with the terms of the contract then why sign up.

marcia_

Worried_of_wakefield said:

Just about reached the end of 18mth contract, final bill arrived all OK. An email arrived with an address for the return of a router and a bill for £80 ish as a threat if the router isn't recieved.

Question
1. Is it my responsibility to return at my cost and risk

 usually they offer a pre paid package, in my case BT emailed me a mailing label i paid for the packaging ask if they haven't sent one

2. Is that a fair price for a 18mth old now second hand router

 yes they can recycle them for reuse or parts saving them from landfill 

3 And, they have applied vat on this second hand piece of kit.

Whilst I'm sure all will be well, the last 18mth have not gone as smooth as I had hoped leaving me a little irritated 

 Just send it back it forms part if the terms and conditions you signed up to 

mr_stripey

Worried_of_wakefield said:

Just about reached the end of 18mth contract, final bill arrived all OK. An email arrived with an address for the return of a router and a bill for £80 ish as a threat if the router isn't recieved.

Question
1. Is it my responsibility to return at my cost and risk
2. Is that a fair price for a 18mth old now second hand router
3 And, they have applied vat on this second hand piece of kit.

Whilst I'm sure all will be well, the last 18mth have not gone as smooth as I had hoped leaving me a little irritated 

which company? 

If it is in the T&C's then yes, you need send it back. Sky for example send out a prepaid label and box. Check with your provider and send it back. Get a proof or posting though.

MyRealNameToo

Worried_of_wakefield said:

Just about reached the end of 18mth contract, final bill arrived all OK. An email arrived with an address for the return of a router and a bill for £80 ish as a threat if the router isn't recieved.

Question
1. Is it my responsibility to return at my cost and risk
2. Is that a fair price for a 18mth old now second hand router
3 And, they have applied vat on this second hand piece of kit.

Whilst I'm sure all will be well, the last 18mth have not gone as smooth as I had hoped leaving me a little irritated 

1. Read your contract, some rent or loan you the router and you agree to return it at the end. It should also state at who's expense the return will be... in my case the merchant has always given a prepaid label but there is in principle no reason why they couldn't make it your responsibility

2. Depends on the router, looking at ours they are listed on eBay for about £160 but ours weren't from our broadband provider

3. Yes, doubt there are many broad band providers with under £90k revenue so they will be VAT registered and so have to charge you VAT if you decide to buy the router rather than return it. 

la531983

Be interested to know which provider makes you send it back at your own expense, almost all the ones I am aware off will either provide you with the packaging and postage label, or you can print it off yourself.

HonestJohn

I have always sent my routers back to avoid waste. My last few contracts insisted on a return and sent the appropriate tracked label. If not you can google the company to get a returns address as a last resort. Vodafone say you can take it to one of their shops.

molerat

Companies get green smarty points for the amount of electrical equipment they recycle compared to the amount they send out and slapped wrists if they don't do enough so they need the old stuff back.  In answer to your questions

1. yes if your contract states this but most provide a bag, label or a freepost address

2. no but the price is intended to encourage you to send it back

3. only if you don't send it back

ccluedo

Plusnet didn't want theirs back when I called re the potential £50 charge if not returned.
The guy on the 'phone asked me to recycle it myself - if possible! 
I did insist on an email confirming the conversation in case they decide to chase at a later date tho. 

TheNorthStar

la531983 said:

Be interested to know which provider makes you send it back at your own expense, almost all the ones I am aware off will either provide you with the packaging and postage label, or you can print it off yourself.

I agree it’s very odd to not get a pre paid returns label. Contact customer service, I think it’s great that companies get you to return the routers so many must end up in land fill.