Business utilities supplier insisting on dealing by phone!
Discussion
Recently taken over some premises which are currently being supplied with gas and electricity by a firm whose name includes the initials S and E and B but not in that order.
They keep ringing me and insisting on my making a contract with them over the phone. That's not the way I like to do things, and have said as much to them. The reply is that that's how all commercial suppliers do it, that I don't have any choice. A quick look around suggests that might indeed be the case, unless anyone here knows differently?
They keep ringing me and insisting on my making a contract with them over the phone. That's not the way I like to do things, and have said as much to them. The reply is that that's how all commercial suppliers do it, that I don't have any choice. A quick look around suggests that might indeed be the case, unless anyone here knows differently?
The call I had this morning they said about 'verbal contracts', which is somewhat nervous making as apparently these people are expensive and being a business I won't have the same protections available to private customers.
Generally I prefer to have some figures in front of me, either on a screen or on paper.
Generally I prefer to have some figures in front of me, either on a screen or on paper.
singlecoil said:
The call I had this morning they said about 'verbal contracts', which is somewhat nervous making as apparently these people are expensive and being a business I won't have the same protections available to private customers.
Generally I prefer to have some figures in front of me, either on a screen or on paper.
You will be able to agree the unit prices with them. I do agree I would also be a little wary if they were not willing to confirm these in writing after you have committed.Generally I prefer to have some figures in front of me, either on a screen or on paper.
I was initially with NPower as they provided the supply when I rented my office three years ago, a year ago I swapped to E.ON. Both confirmed in writing after the terms were agreed.
PurpleMoonlight said:
singlecoil said:
The call I had this morning they said about 'verbal contracts', which is somewhat nervous making as apparently these people are expensive and being a business I won't have the same protections available to private customers.
Generally I prefer to have some figures in front of me, either on a screen or on paper.
You will be able to agree the unit prices with them. I do agree I would also be a little wary if they were not willing to confirm these in writing after you have committedGenerally I prefer to have some figures in front of me, either on a screen or on paper.
I was initially with NPower as they provided the supply when I rented my office three years ago, a year ago I swapped to E.ON. Both confirmed in writing after the terms were agreed.
singlecoil said:
That's the bit I'm not happy about, having to commit to a deal on the phone. It's all very well to have something in writing after the deal is done, but really it's too late then.
Not really.They will record calls.
If the letter does not correspond to what was agreed you can complain. If they can't trace the call then then you can reject the written terms and look elsewhere.
I'm no making myself clear. The thing that I am objecting to is having to decide during the call. I'm not an experienced buyer of commercial energy, so how am I to know what's a good deal and what isn't unless I can have some written offers in front of me, such as I have when buying virtually anything else. The mere fact that they want to do business like this suggests that it is going to disadvantage me.
It's getting worse.
Now getting calls from Power 4 Business Ltd suggesting that they are brokers checking the market for the best prices 'for me' but the emails say B.E.S.
Apparently the rates are variable, but if I want to change suppliers not only is it £100 admin charge, but also 6 months expected billings!
So they want me to make a verbal contract agreeing to a price that they can change at whim and then charge me an outrageous fee for switching to a different supplier should I choose to.
Now getting calls from Power 4 Business Ltd suggesting that they are brokers checking the market for the best prices 'for me' but the emails say B.E.S.
Apparently the rates are variable, but if I want to change suppliers not only is it £100 admin charge, but also 6 months expected billings!
So they want me to make a verbal contract agreeing to a price that they can change at whim and then charge me an outrageous fee for switching to a different supplier should I choose to.
BES aren't exactly a well known provider of energy.
Why don't you just get a quote from the local big six supplier for a year's supply? They will do it properly and you will have a clear(ish) contract. It doesn't sound like you will use much so even if they are more expensive at least you won't have to worry about dodgy contract terms and notice periods.
Why don't you just get a quote from the local big six supplier for a year's supply? They will do it properly and you will have a clear(ish) contract. It doesn't sound like you will use much so even if they are more expensive at least you won't have to worry about dodgy contract terms and notice periods.
singlecoil said:
So said:
Then why are you making a big song and dance about engaging with an energy supplier?
I'm not, what a ridiculous thing to say 
singlecoil said:
They keep ringing me and insisting on my making a contract with them over the phone. That's not the way I like to do things, and have said as much to them.
.You're making a meal of it.
It's an energy contract for a little shop. It's not the Metrocentre. Deal with it on the phone like they want you and like any sane person would want to and move on with your business.
So said:
You're making a meal of it.
It's an energy contract for a little shop. It's not the Metrocentre. Deal with it on the phone like they want you and like any sane person would want to and move on with your business.
Whatever. I can't be bothered arguing with you, you sound as if you work for one of these companies.It's an energy contract for a little shop. It's not the Metrocentre. Deal with it on the phone like they want you and like any sane person would want to and move on with your business.
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