(PENDING)Phonesafe, Beware!!!!!
Discussion
Just found this thread, and have to say that like a number of others I think that
Is still in need of a complete re-wording.
This is in no way "only a small amount more than direct calls" this is at the very least in the order of 6x more than calling direct. I appreciate that marketing doesn't work like that, so stating that
"calls will cost between six and nine times the cost of a direct call from a fixed line",
but at least get rid of the 'only a small amount'
Perhaps go with something along the lines of:
"Buyers who contact a seller through phone safe can expect to pay the following rates, and calls from mobiles will cost significantly more, and it is advisable to check with your provider before calling.
Once a seller is happy that a caller is genuine, it is recommended that a direct number be shared between both parties so prevent excessive call charges".
This would make things a lot clearer.
In the meantime, I have to say, that despite the recent updates, reading through the thread has left a bitter taste, I do understand that things change, but I still don't see that the current format is really significant enough to constitute a resolution to the problem.
PH said:
How much will it cost to use PhoneSafe?
There is no charge for PistonHeads sellers who want to use PhoneSafe. Buyers who contact a seller through PhoneSafe will be charged only a small amount more than direct calls. The charges are listed below:
There is no charge for PistonHeads sellers who want to use PhoneSafe. Buyers who contact a seller through PhoneSafe will be charged only a small amount more than direct calls. The charges are listed below:
Is still in need of a complete re-wording.
This is in no way "only a small amount more than direct calls" this is at the very least in the order of 6x more than calling direct. I appreciate that marketing doesn't work like that, so stating that
"calls will cost between six and nine times the cost of a direct call from a fixed line",
but at least get rid of the 'only a small amount'
Perhaps go with something along the lines of:
"Buyers who contact a seller through phone safe can expect to pay the following rates, and calls from mobiles will cost significantly more, and it is advisable to check with your provider before calling.
Once a seller is happy that a caller is genuine, it is recommended that a direct number be shared between both parties so prevent excessive call charges".
This would make things a lot clearer.
In the meantime, I have to say, that despite the recent updates, reading through the thread has left a bitter taste, I do understand that things change, but I still don't see that the current format is really significant enough to constitute a resolution to the problem.
£16.97 for a 31 minute phone call to an 07 number. This is totally unacceptable and a complete surprise. I will be complaining to PH directly and demanding my money back and will NEVER call a seller using a phone safe number again. Complete con and disgusting greed on piston heads part. If it really was to stop canvassers then why charge soooo much and not make it completely obvious that you're charging sooo much more. If they cared about the buyers they'd put it in bloody great huge letters and warn sellers that their buyers will pay extortionate costs to enquire about their cars for sale. Seriously £17 for half an hour, works out at £34 an hour!!!! That's more than 5 times the living wage of most of the patrons of this site. I cannot get over how disgusting this is! Also just a quick mention the private seller sold his car to someone else too, even after we'd agreed a deal and I'd booked my train ticket. Phoneyunsafe - adding insult to injury!
I think it is a little misleading to be honest.
When you go to build an ad:
When you get to add PhoneSafe it shows this - but no link to the costs to the buyer.
The seller FAQ makes no mention of charges to the buyer:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Sure, you can click on the logo of an existing advert... but it wouldn't be hard to add into the ad process the costs to the buyer.
When you go to build an ad:
When you get to add PhoneSafe it shows this - but no link to the costs to the buyer.
The seller FAQ makes no mention of charges to the buyer:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Sure, you can click on the logo of an existing advert... but it wouldn't be hard to add into the ad process the costs to the buyer.
From page 1 in 2009:
Garlick said:
Phonesafe has been in operation for some time now, and by and large it has served us and those using it well.
However, you raise a good point regarding clarity of pricing. We are acting above and beyond our legal obligation with regards to displaying prices (you need to click on the logo to see them) but I will chat with the provider to see if that can be made clearer as it is not out intention to hide anything or to misinform.
If you are unhappy with anything regarding this moving forward, please feel free to e mail me, or communicate via this forum if you prefer.
If Paul couldn't get it sorted I rather doubt current HM will do anything.However, you raise a good point regarding clarity of pricing. We are acting above and beyond our legal obligation with regards to displaying prices (you need to click on the logo to see them) but I will chat with the provider to see if that can be made clearer as it is not out intention to hide anything or to misinform.
If you are unhappy with anything regarding this moving forward, please feel free to e mail me, or communicate via this forum if you prefer.
LordGrover said:
From page 1 in 2009:
To be fair it does for prospective buyers - right by the logo.Garlick said:
Phonesafe has been in operation for some time now, and by and large it has served us and those using it well.
However, you raise a good point regarding clarity of pricing. We are acting above and beyond our legal obligation with regards to displaying prices (you need to click on the logo to see them) but I will chat with the provider to see if that can be made clearer as it is not out intention to hide anything or to misinform.
If you are unhappy with anything regarding this moving forward, please feel free to e mail me, or communicate via this forum if you prefer.
If Paul couldn't get it sorted I rather doubt current HM will do anything.However, you raise a good point regarding clarity of pricing. We are acting above and beyond our legal obligation with regards to displaying prices (you need to click on the logo to see them) but I will chat with the provider to see if that can be made clearer as it is not out intention to hide anything or to misinform.
If you are unhappy with anything regarding this moving forward, please feel free to e mail me, or communicate via this forum if you prefer.
Sideshow said:
£16.97 for a 31 minute phone call to an 07 number. This is totally unacceptable and a complete surprise. I will be complaining to PH directly and demanding my money back and will NEVER call a seller using a phone safe number again. Complete con and disgusting greed on piston heads part. If it really was to stop canvassers then why charge soooo much and not make it completely obvious that you're charging sooo much more. If they cared about the buyers they'd put it in bloody great huge letters and warn sellers that their buyers will pay extortionate costs to enquire about their cars for sale. Seriously £17 for half an hour, works out at £34 an hour!!!! That's more than 5 times the living wage of most of the patrons of this site. I cannot get over how disgusting this is! Also just a quick mention the private seller sold his car to someone else too, even after we'd agreed a deal and I'd booked my train ticket. Phoneyunsafe - adding insult to injury!
Hi SideshowI can understand your frustration however the charges are clearly found and displayed by clicking the link next to the PhoneSafe icon.
The charges are set by mobile providers and not by PH so any complaint made should be to them or to GSI who provide the service.
Ollie_M said:
Hi Sideshow
I can understand your frustration however the charges are clearly found and displayed by clicking the link next to the PhoneSafe icon.
The charges are set by mobile providers and not by PH so any complaint made should be to them or to GSI who provide the service.
Can you make them a bit clearer to sellers - a link from the logo during the add build?I can understand your frustration however the charges are clearly found and displayed by clicking the link next to the PhoneSafe icon.
The charges are set by mobile providers and not by PH so any complaint made should be to them or to GSI who provide the service.
Ollie_M said:
Hi Sideshow
I can understand your frustration however the charges are clearly found and displayed by clicking the link next to the PhoneSafe icon.
The charges are set by mobile providers and not by PH so any complaint made should be to them or to GCI who provide the service.
I can understand your frustration however the charges are clearly found and displayed by clicking the link next to the PhoneSafe icon.
The charges are set by mobile providers and not by PH so any complaint made should be to them or to GCI who provide the service.
Ollie_M said:
Sideshow said:
£16.97 for a 31 minute phone call to an 07 number. This is totally unacceptable and a complete surprise. I will be complaining to PH directly and demanding my money back and will NEVER call a seller using a phone safe number again. Complete con and disgusting greed on piston heads part. If it really was to stop canvassers then why charge soooo much and not make it completely obvious that you're charging sooo much more. If they cared about the buyers they'd put it in bloody great huge letters and warn sellers that their buyers will pay extortionate costs to enquire about their cars for sale. Seriously £17 for half an hour, works out at £34 an hour!!!! That's more than 5 times the living wage of most of the patrons of this site. I cannot get over how disgusting this is! Also just a quick mention the private seller sold his car to someone else too, even after we'd agreed a deal and I'd booked my train ticket. Phoneyunsafe - adding insult to injury!
Hi SideshowI can understand your frustration however the charges are clearly found and displayed by clicking the link next to the PhoneSafe icon.
The charges are set by mobile providers and not by PH so any complaint made should be to them or to GSI who provide the service.
Ollie_M said:
Ollie_M said:
Hi Sideshow
I can understand your frustration however the charges are clearly found and displayed by clicking the link next to the PhoneSafe icon.
The charges are set by mobile providers and not by PH so any complaint made should be to them or to GCI who provide the service.
I can understand your frustration however the charges are clearly found and displayed by clicking the link next to the PhoneSafe icon.
The charges are set by mobile providers and not by PH so any complaint made should be to them or to GCI who provide the service.
marshalla said:
I'm not sure that having a link satisfies the requirement for charges to be displayed in close proximity to the number. You might want to get someone from legal to check current OfCom rules on that.
From this, it is actually unclear if PH is ok:http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/~/media/Files/13th-...
Once on a webpage that promotes a PRS, consumers should not have to scroll down (or up) to view the key terms and conditions (especially, but not limited to, the price – see section 2 of this Guidance), or click on a link to another webpage.
Note: it isn't Ofcom, as the service is a PRS it is Phonepayplus?
Edited by Vaud on Thursday 8th October 10:50
Ollie_M said:
It does comply with all regulations and codes of conduct imposed by Ofcom our legal team have ensured this.
Regardless, it is misleading and your defence of phonesafe is disingenuous. How much profit is made from this? The kickback must be substantial and would be adversely affected if the call costs were to be displayed clearly and correctly. Gassing Station | Website Feedback | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff