Estate Agent wanting me to switch- Do I???

sgrant82

Hi
I am in a rented flat in Ipswich and so far have received two letters from the estate agents asking if I will switch to Southern Electric as they have a "better deal". All the tenants under the estate agents ahve received the letter and I am wondering what you guys would advice- is it a money making scheme on their behalf?
Have used the compare sites and the company isn't even coming up so I'm puzzled as to why they are encouraging us to join. I initially ignored the first letter but the second has made me doubt myself...
Thanks

A_Nice_Englishman

Can't see any reason why the estate agent would do that unless he was going to gain something from you switching.

Does the letter give details of the tariff? How does it compare with what you're paying now and the prices you found on the comparison sites?

If it's a good deal, I would suggest to him that he shares his commission with you!

bullshine

This is common place up and down the country. The estate agent receives a commission for every sign up.

I am quite sure, with the help here, you can find your own best deal.

Plushchris

Yeah, if it does work out that Southern Electric would be the cheapest for you then switch yourself using one of the cashback sites or comparison sites then next time the estate agent contacts you just say thanks for the advice and you have done it yourself and got cashback!

Sounds to me like they would want to switch you over and claim cashback for themselves.

Scousebird_2

They are very good-switch!

Scousebird_2

Oh, and if you need further convincing-read my thread I started to see how much good feedback other people give them!

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=595146

bullshine

Scousebird wrote: »

They are very good-switch!

Although I do not doubt you, I have heard a good few peoplw complain about SSE. Although I do stay in their host area (Dundee, Scottish Hydro Electric).

I think their customer service is one of the if not the best out of the major suppliers however It depends on whether you value customer service above price??

Even if the thread starter does want to go with SSE they should switch by themselves and not through a third party unless there are good incentives for doing so.

Scousebird_2

Completely-thread poster should compare prices I agree-I end up paying prob pennies more than other customers per month but I feel that service should be number one priority for companies-there is so much complacancy (spelling?) in the industry now and I just think that if a company keeps that in mind then they've cracked it as it creates loyalty.

jhp

It is not uncommon for estate/letting agents to earn revenue by recommending a certain energy supplier. Some even promote their favourite phone,broadband supplier for this reason.

It also saves them time/money if they only have to deal with one or two suppliers.

Terrylw1

I would agree that this is about commission. I can't see an estate agent wanted to embroil themselves in which is the cheapest Supplier/tariff etc with all the movement in this sector.

If you pay the elec/gas per your tenancy agreement, make your own mind up but find the best cashback deal and ignore the estate agents.

sgrant82

Thought as much!
Thanks guys- will do another check for energy switch as I know I am not with the cheapest company anymore!
Thanks again