anyone familiar with Next Directory?

bluetimone97

Be aware Next also do strange things, we were with them for a few years (also £3600 limit) with only £200 outstanding, went to place an order one day and they phoned and said they credit check you for every order now and we no longer qualified for a next directory account!! Took it away just like that!
I can only assume it is because we had a late payment on one of our other credit accounts but still think it is crazy if you have been with them for years and they suddenly decide you are not wanted anymore!

They have also done this to my friend who insists that nothing bad has happened to her credit history since opening the account!

kellywelly_2

Ok, this is a strange one, I ordered a few things Online from Next in the recent sale, was not aware of any account, have not been emailed to tell me about an account and tbh do not want any store accounts ever.
Also they debited my money themselves, after we received the order there was a problem with it and an adjustment in payment had to be made and this was all done over the phone and charged instantly to my debit card as was the original order.

MoneyGirl_2

When I looked into ordering something from Next, I sent a sort of complaint e-mail saying that I thought it was a bit of a waste charging me the 3.50 for a catalogue when I could browse it online saving paper and that I didn't need the catalogue. She said they would be happy to not charge me the 3.50 if I wanted to opt out, even though it's not an option, so thats pretty fair. I think you just need to be aware that when signing up, as far as Im aware, you're signing up for 'credit' so be aware of this as it'll appear on your credit report. The selection with Next online is much better than the shops as well.

Aside from this though I didn't actually end up signing up for them as it was too late for what I need but may in the future.

mamazaac

cifpower wrote:

I have never been charged for a directory - it has always been refunded automatically. I always pay in full every month and my credit limit has increased. Can only be a good thing for your credit score.

As this post is over a year old, I was wondering whether anyone knew whether they still refund the cost of the directory if you order from them? It doesn't say so on the website.

mookybargirl

Hi there,

I got their amended terms and conditions and it states that you can stop the directory coming through by advising them that you don't wish to receive it. I called them up and said I don't want it any more and it was no problem. We never use it anyway, as we just use the website.

sam_trap

Like the rest of you, I too bought things from NEXT online. I found it difficult to find a way to pay, until I owe them interest. Twice I have bought stuff and not found a payment mechanism before they send an invoice with interest attached. And like the other writer, I pride myself on paying my credit card off every month.

I could always ring up the premium rate 0844 number, but that defeats the object of saving money. Well at least the NEXT brand is openly contemptious of its customers.

sharpy2010

Yeah they're pretty useless. One of the posters mentioned about them withdrawing credit facilities "just like that", which is what they did to me (and countless other customers). I wrote to the managing director and told them I wasn't interested in being dicked around and for them to close my account. Unsurprisingly enough, he didn't have the courtesy to write back.

onlypaddy

sam_trap wrote: »

Like the rest of you, I too bought things from NEXT online. I found it difficult to find a way to pay, until I owe them interest. Twice I have bought stuff and not found a payment mechanism before they send an invoice with interest attached. And like the other writer, I pride myself on paying my credit card off every month.

I could always ring up the premium rate 0844 number, but that defeats the object of saving money. Well at least the NEXT brand is openly contemptious of its customers.

That's weird.

Log in to your account online.... 'Make a Payment' is the third main option on the left hand menu.

Or you can make a bank transfer using your unique customer reference..

And, like a credit card if you pay within 56 days then you are charged no interest. So you would have to go through 2 bills before they charge interest.

As for varying credit limit, Next take a monthly feed from equifax and update your limit based on that and your account behaviour.

archer7

I avoided opening a credit account with Next altogether. Tucked away in the FAQs, it says you can ring them and ask to pay by credit or debit card. This opens up a cash account for you. You can even call them free on 0800 478478 to avoid the 0844.

Unfortunately I rang up, asked specifically to pay by card, got asked a lot of questions that sounded like the credit account ones ("are you over 18" etc). I then got "I'm sorry Mr X, the system is now saying a credit account has been opened for you". To their credit, the account was closed immediately, but I would definitely say to listen to what they're asking.

Once your cash account has been opened, they will send out your customer number that you can use to log in online and place orders.

It seems I can't post a link to the FAQ item as a new user, but it's entitled "Can I shop without a Next Directory Account?" if anyone wants to search for it on the Next website.