Discussion
Gents/Ladies,
Can I have your thoughts on this strange issue. Last year BT were trying to get us to spend thousands on ‘phone book advertising. They came and pitched with full page and other sized mock up ads. We declined. They then rang up offering the inside front cover of the book, for only £9k in full colour. We declined.
Yesterday £900 plus vat went out of the bank on dd. I asked accounts what it was (I got it on text), she handed me an invoice she wanted to query from BT, for £9000 plus vat and this was the first of 10 instalments. I pulled out the ‘phone book, and lo and behold the is one of the mock ups from the pitch!
Now my issues are this:
1. They have confirmed we didn’t sign a proof
2. It’s non compliant – no FSA bits etc etc
3. It’s mainly pushing non core products such as travel and motor, so we will be fielding lots of calls we don’t need (if it works as well as they say it does).
4. They have confirmed we haven’t signed a contract.
5. Our bank have clawed back the money
6. they haven’t confirmed they are going to stop chasing the debt.
What are your thoughts? How would you handle it? Do we have a case against them for damaging our image, exposing us to FSA breaches, wasting my time?
Can I have your thoughts on this strange issue. Last year BT were trying to get us to spend thousands on ‘phone book advertising. They came and pitched with full page and other sized mock up ads. We declined. They then rang up offering the inside front cover of the book, for only £9k in full colour. We declined.
Yesterday £900 plus vat went out of the bank on dd. I asked accounts what it was (I got it on text), she handed me an invoice she wanted to query from BT, for £9000 plus vat and this was the first of 10 instalments. I pulled out the ‘phone book, and lo and behold the is one of the mock ups from the pitch!
Now my issues are this:
1. They have confirmed we didn’t sign a proof
2. It’s non compliant – no FSA bits etc etc
3. It’s mainly pushing non core products such as travel and motor, so we will be fielding lots of calls we don’t need (if it works as well as they say it does).
4. They have confirmed we haven’t signed a contract.
5. Our bank have clawed back the money
6. they haven’t confirmed they are going to stop chasing the debt.
What are your thoughts? How would you handle it? Do we have a case against them for damaging our image, exposing us to FSA breaches, wasting my time?
My guess is that a sales guy has pushed this through to make the commission on a big deal and make a target.
Probably in the knowledge that if he is caught out it would never come back to him.
I dunno how I would follow this up. If it is generating leads at least that is something, but if the advert is non compliant then that is more important.
I think this is one for your solicitor to draft up a document so at least you can get a straight answer from them that it is their error is case there may be a complaint.
Probably in the knowledge that if he is caught out it would never come back to him.
I dunno how I would follow this up. If it is generating leads at least that is something, but if the advert is non compliant then that is more important.
I think this is one for your solicitor to draft up a document so at least you can get a straight answer from them that it is their error is case there may be a complaint.
ds! How could they claim money on Direct Debit unless you have signed the DD form?
That aside, it is a simple issue. They simply have to prove that you ordered the ad. If they cannot do that, you are in no way liable for the cost. If the ad is incorrect and puts you in a bad light, you are also within your rights to sue them.
That aside, it is a simple issue. They simply have to prove that you ordered the ad. If they cannot do that, you are in no way liable for the cost. If the ad is incorrect and puts you in a bad light, you are also within your rights to sue them.
LivinLaVidaLotus said:
I'd be notifying the FSA what's going on as well - as they are likely to not take kindly to not meeting the requirements if it's regulated business, that's the last thing you need, getting a big fine from FSA because of someone at BT.
+1 to cover your backsideMake it clear you did not commission, design or approve, and indicate that BT did this. Ask them to advise whether they intend to pursue this in any way. If they say no, fine. If they decide to take it up with BT, that's their problem. If they decide to take it up with you, I see a lawsuit coming on (or perhaps a PR-stunt fps in the Times blaming BT).
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