Re: [Sheflug] Pipex woes

[Gary Stimson <bulk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Lesley Binks wrote:
> Hi everyone
> 
> Just thought I'd post about this experience.
> 
> I've been assessing different ISP providers and checked the Pipex site
> for some deals there.
> 
> I entered my telephone number in to check line speed and didn't see the
> box one needs to check in order to avoid them telephoning you about
> their latest deals.
> 
> I eventually got phone calls through from their automated dial out
> service and some time after the first few phone calls a human spoke to me.
> 
> During the conversation, I was promised a pack would be sent out to me
> and that I would need to retrieve my MAC code from my existing ISP.  The
> deal I was discussing involved telephony service and ISP.
> 
> Toward the end of the conversation, I asked if this service gave me a
> static IP address and was told it did not.  I said I needed a static IP
> address and I decided it would be better not to go for the deal at all.
> 
> Today I have received a bill from Pipex for £29.40 direct debited out of
> my account.  That's for one month's phone calls.  I usually pay BT less
> than £40 per quarter.
> 
> I received no package from them and no further communications other than
> this bill.
> 
> I'll put my hands up to a blonde moment in giving Pipex my bank details
> in the first place.
> 
> While I have been typing this I have been on hold on an 0870 number to
> Pipex, trying to sort the matter out.  They have already indicated that
> I have to make two more telephone calls one to BT and one to my bank to
> initiate the refund of that direct debit.
> 
> Be careful if you are looking at Pipex be absolutely clear about what
> you are agreeing to and don't give your bank details out until you
> receive the paperwork.
> 
> Regards
> 
> Lesley
> 
> P.S. I've made the phone call to BT and it will take until 21st February
> to sort the line change over.  I potentially stand to lose my landline
> for 10 days.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
>         Sheffield Linux User's Group
>   http://wwww.sheflug.org.uk/mailfaq.html
>  GNU - The choice of a complete generation
> 

Pipex have gone all out for the mass market - going for subscriber
numbers rather than service quality. They've bought and trashed the once
good ISP called Nildram in the process.

Personally I'd deal with this by letter only - it's faster and letters
reach people who are able to get things done. Plus you get a nice audit
trail. I'd write two. One to the bank to get a refund under the Direct
Debit Guarantee and to ask them to block any further payments. One to
Pipex explaining you have no contract with them and that they are to put
your line back how it was and compensate for any loss of service.

Then sit back and see what happens. Other people would probably take a
different approach :-)

BTW 0870 numbers are a rip off at about 8p per minute. You can find
equivalent landline numbers at http://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php
Ofcom are forcing telcos to just charge normal rates for 0870s from next
year.

Gary

_______________________________________________
        Sheffield Linux User's Group
  http://wwww.sheflug.org.uk/mailfaq.html
 GNU - The choice of a complete generation