The Utility Warehouse (buying 'club')?

willow33

I've been approached by friends to 'buy into' the Utility Warehouse organisation in order to save money on my utilities, but I'm not sure why we haven't heard more about this system if it's what it's hyped up to be. Anyone got any information?

Farway

No connection or use with UW, but be aware your "friends" will be getting commission percentage from every bill you pay, so not an unbiased recommend

Do your own research & check prices, including the "club" fee

willow33

Good point, and I obviously guessed there's something in it for them or else why would they do it! So potentially there are 2 savings, one for buying via a 'club' and one if you were to cut out the 'fee' my friends get! But hmmmm, how can you do that as an individual?!

Bufflowbill

The club costs you from £1.76p a month membership fee before you start . It suits some people ,others dislike it intensely.:D

If you search the site under UW or Telecom Plus your find lots of threads about them.

Cardew

It is pertinent to point out that we get lots of posts like the one above(post#5) from people who have just joined MSE and are UW agents.

This is obviously not allowed under the rules of MSE and is one of the many reasons that organisation is detested by so many people; that and their selling tactics.

Of course I am not implying that Jo88 is a UW agent(or a relative) but !!!!!

nochange1

I think I have made a big mistake I was recommended UW by a friend the sales lady came out within 24hr I changed my Gas and electricity over because I knew that British gas which supplied both was expensive and thought this was a good change They have now written to me saying my monthly charges will be over double what I was paying now I dont know what to do.

Cardew

nochange1 wrote: »

I think I have made a big mistake I was recommended UW by a friend the sales lady came out within 24hr I changed my Gas and electricity over because I knew that British gas which supplied both was expensive and thought this was a good change They have now written to me saying my monthly charges will be over double what I was paying now I dont know what to do.

This demonstrates exactly why people dislike UW.

Their agents deliberately lure you with an unrealistically low Direct Debit - so that they can get their commission - and then it increases dramatically.

To be fair that is the same practice as agents from other Utility Companies and Comparison Websites( they also are only interested in commission) but at least they don't have a network of 'friends' to help.

The only way to check who is best for you, is to check the tariffs of other companies using their price per kWh and the various discounts.(and it the case of UW their membership fees)

NigeWick

nochange1 wrote: »

I dont know what to do.

I have been a Distributor for the Utility Warehouse (Telecom Plus) for a number of years. The combination of services I take works out well for me. But, they may well not work out for you. Try the comparison sites, especially those who are more independent such as WHICH? to get an idea of what you could be paying. If necessary, work out some figures for yourself when you have narrowed the field down. As somebody has already mentioned, do not forget that there is a £1.76 per month membership fee that covers all of the services they offer.

Nigel.

Mike_by_the_Sea

Cardew wrote: »

This demonstrates exactly why people dislike UW.

Their agents deliberately lure you with an unrealistically low Direct Debit - so that they can get their commission - and then it increases dramatically.

To be fair that is the same practice as agents from other Utility Companies and Comparison Websites( they also are only interested in commission) but at least they don't have a network of 'friends' to help.

Hi Cardew

Since when did UW agents provide potential customers with any form of Direct Debit information? If you are going to be critical, at least be accurate.

Thanks

Mike

Mike_by_the_Sea

nochange1 wrote: »

I think I have made a big mistake I was recommended UW by a friend the sales lady came out within 24hr I changed my Gas and electricity over because I knew that British gas which supplied both was expensive and thought this was a good change They have now written to me saying my monthly charges will be over double what I was paying now I dont know what to do.

Hi nochange1

The amount of a monthly direct debit does not necessarily directly relate to the cost of providing your gas or electricity. Have a look at your bills for the last 12 months and see what the actual cost was for your gas and electricity. If you feel that the estimate you have received is unrealistic compared with your normal usage, then go back to customer services and ask for the direct debit to be reduced.

All the best

Mike

Farway

Better still, use the last 12 months bills to actually calculate the kilowatts used, ignore price.

Then get comparison using KW per annum