Negligent Estate Agent got me Clamped!!

Casual

Yep, that's right. I was house viewing last Friday and the Estate Agent told me it was safe to park in space #11 (we were viewing flat #9) despite the clamping notices.

So I believed the guy as he was the experienced and knowledgeable agent but lo and behold, five minutes later - I was clamped. And so was he!!

It was ridiculous, his boss refused to take responsibility for what his member of staff had claimed (isn't taking responsibility the crucial part of being a manager??!!). And he also stated that he 'could' do something about it but that he didn't want to.

I am incensed - £165 fine to view a grotty flat that they had described as wonderful.

Help please!! How do I complain? It was unsuccessful doing so in the Estate Agent offices and I've written to Watchdog but I'm stumped now. Advice please, how do I get my money back or get the Estate Agent to suffer?

Thanks-
Catherine

rchddap1

The best way to hurt them...is by trying to limit their 'custom'. Put the word out about this. Talk to local newspapers etc....

lush_walrus

Out of curiousity I see you are based in Reading, that wasnt at Granby Court was it?? Absolutely nutorious for clamping there!

NAR

Go to your local newspaper and give the Estate's Agents as much bad publicity as you can. The staff member gave you the bad advice whilst working, so it is fair do's to give the company the stick, as they refused to take responsibility for their staff member's actions.

youngmoney_2

Initially go to your local Trading Standards office and seek advice there. Other than that go to a few other local estate agents. Most of them will probably rival each other and will have no problem giving you details in regards to bringing another estate agent down.

If the grunt that took you to the parking space will admit that he was at fault then obviously you will have a good case.

On a third point is it a national firm of estate agents or a small local one? If it is a national one then find the contact details of their main office and contact them there. If you casually inform them that you may mention it to a member of the press I am sure you would get a thorough apology and the mess will be sorted

Let us know how it goes!

Casual

Hey everyone - thanks for the promt replies.

Yes, it was at Granby Court actually - St Paul's Court. They must have been waiting there ready to clamp us!

That fact incenses me even mroe to be honest i.e. they should have know about it and thus tell all viewers to be careful where to park. If it's a notorious location then they should be even more vigilant. I didn't know the area myself so I was looking to them for advice.

On the publicity front - I have a friend who works for BBC Berkshire and she it thinking of doing a piece on it for the local news. Do any local moneysavers want to come to the filming and share their views on this issue - as consumer champions?!!

But, what else can I do?? I can't afford to shell out that kind of money!

youngmoney_2

Honestly a good vicious media prod will do the world of good. My brother had a similar situation whereby he got clamped in a zone that he was told was free.

He mentioned to the manager that he would go to the press and would ask around other estate agents for their opinions and he promptly pulled out his chequebook!

skintchick

Hi - I'm a freelance for national newspapers and based in Reading. PM me if you want to do something.

youngmoney_2

You could also print off this page with all of the replies of support. I'm sure that would have him quaking!

lush_walrus

Casual wrote:

Hey everyone - thanks for the promt replies.

Yes, it was at Granby Court actually - St Paul's Court. They must have been waiting there ready to clamp us!

That fact incenses me even mroe to be honest i.e. they should have know about it and thus tell all viewers to be careful where to park. If it's a notorious location then they should be even more vigilant. I didn't know the area myself so I was looking to them for advice.
QUOTE]

Yes they definately should have known! The clampers have been in that area for the past 2 or 3 years including the pub car park!! Im not surprised you are angry.

Im not sure what the best course of action is regarding gettng compensated, personally I would get some legal advice before you do anything, as ultimately you have to be careful in these sorts of cases where it will come down to your word against the guy from the EA. I think a letter to the EA stating clearly that you are going to source legal advice regarding trying the fine that was inflicted upon you are a result of the advice of their representative could be a start. Then if you get no where on that, go in to them and speak to the manager regarding what has happened, if he doesnt play ball then state that you will have no option but to take the matter further, and that one of your methods will be to speak to your solicitor and go to local press etc. That should get them moving as Im sure the fine will just be extracted from the EA who took you rounds wages.

What you want is to try to get your money back as a first priority, then get onto getting the EA exposed. Otherway round and you will get the same effect on publicity but stand nop chance of reclaiming your money from them.

Casual

Thanks lushwalrus - your advice about legal is good.

But the good thing is I shouldn't have to worry about my word against the Estate Agent - I had two friends with me.

Yep, two nosey friends who wanted to view houses with me - one was on crutches though, we must have looked a sight!