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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 02-26-2007, 12:52 PM
Ken
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Posts: n/a
Default Cash Back Scams

Can't remember who but I have learnt to read the terms thoroughly now.
One company were offering three cashbacks but in the small print said a
maximum of two cashback claims were allowed under the contract. Is this
common or just a rogue one off?

Ken



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  #2 (permalink)  
Old 02-26-2007, 02:03 PM
Reestit Mutton
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Default Re: Cash Back Scams

Ken wrote:
> Can't remember who but I have learnt to read the terms thoroughly now.
> One company were offering three cashbacks but in the small print said a
> maximum of two cashback claims were allowed under the contract. Is this
> common or just a rogue one off?
>
> Ken
>
>


That's certainly not a retailer that I would deal with on my site. It
looks very much like a rogue site rather than the norm.

To the best of my knowledge, the worst sins of the masses are as follows:

(1) subsequent claims dependent on success of previous claims

(2) original bills only - if a network or the royal mail lose one of
your bills, the duplicate that the network will send you upon request
can often be refused by the retailer.

(3) additional paperwork (claims voucher, despatch note) also required
which isn't always included on despatch and for which you only have a
limited window of opportunity to raise concerns about its absence. For
some retailers, I hold copies of a lot of this paperwork where it is not
specific to your purchase and I'm only too happy to email copies to
anyone who asks.

(4) short claims windows - the worst offenders here only allow 14 days
from the date on the relevant bill for the claim to reach them. Far too
short in my view.

I firmly believe that 2007 will be the year that a lot of these
practices become officially outlawed - Three and Orange have already set
minimum standards for cashback retailers which effectively outlaw some
of the above practices. Retailers who do not fall into line could be
struck off the network's list of approved retailers and also placed on a
"do not deal" list with the distributors to prevent them sourcing
network-supplied product via indirect means.

HtH
Reestit Mutton
--
The UK's only 12 months free line rental listing with a built-in price
history
http://www.reestitmutton.co.uk/MOBIL...?query=12mfree


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  #3 (permalink)  
Old 02-26-2007, 02:19 PM
Ken
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams


"Reestit Mutton" <NOBODY@NOWHERE.IN.PARTICULAR> wrote in message
news:45e2f6d3$0$8721$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader02.plus.net...
> Ken wrote:
>> Can't remember who but I have learnt to read the terms thoroughly now.
>> One company were offering three cashbacks but in the small print said a
>> maximum of two cashback claims were allowed under the contract. Is this
>> common or just a rogue one off?
>>
>> Ken

>
> That's certainly not a retailer that I would deal with on my site. It
> looks very much like a rogue site rather than the norm.
>
> To the best of my knowledge, the worst sins of the masses are as follows:
>
> (1) subsequent claims dependent on success of previous claims
>
> (2) original bills only - if a network or the royal mail lose one of your
> bills, the duplicate that the network will send you upon request can often
> be refused by the retailer.
>
> (3) additional paperwork (claims voucher, despatch note) also required
> which isn't always included on despatch and for which you only have a
> limited window of opportunity to raise concerns about its absence. For
> some retailers, I hold copies of a lot of this paperwork where it is not
> specific to your purchase and I'm only too happy to email copies to anyone
> who asks.
>
> (4) short claims windows - the worst offenders here only allow 14 days
> from the date on the relevant bill for the claim to reach them. Far too
> short in my view.
>
> I firmly believe that 2007 will be the year that a lot of these practices
> become officially outlawed - Three and Orange have already set minimum
> standards for cashback retailers which effectively outlaw some of the
> above practices. Retailers who do not fall into line could be struck off
> the network's list of approved retailers and also placed on a "do not
> deal" list with the distributors to prevent them sourcing network-supplied
> product via indirect means.
>
> HtH
> Reestit Mutton
> --
> The UK's only 12 months free line rental listing with a built-in price
> history
> http://www.reestitmutton.co.uk/MOBIL...?query=12mfree


I was reading a number of sets of terms for my daughter, some while ago, and
wished I could remember who it was but felt shocked on this new scam.
Just been searching my old emails and papers but can't find the retailer.
Ken



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  #4 (permalink)  
Old 02-26-2007, 03:27 PM
Steve Terry
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams

"Reestit Mutton" <NOBODY@NOWHERE.IN.PARTICULAR> wrote in message
news:45e2f6d3$0$8721$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader02.plus.net...
> Ken wrote:
>> Can't remember who but I have learnt to read the terms thoroughly now.
>> One company were offering three cashbacks but in the small print said a
>> maximum of two cashback claims were allowed under the contract. Is this
>> common or just a rogue one off?
>> Ken

>
> That's certainly not a retailer that I would deal with on my site.
> It looks very much like a rogue site rather than the norm.
>

I seem to be having trouble with all my cashbacks
In future I shaln't be using any cashback deals,
unless it's from one of the big dealers like CPW/OSPS
or from a network itself

Steve Terry



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  #5 (permalink)  
Old 02-26-2007, 04:12 PM
Stuart B
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams

On Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:52:56 -0000, "Ken" <Reply to NG only> wrote:

>Can't remember who but I have learnt to read the terms thoroughly now.
>One company were offering three cashbacks but in the small print said a
>maximum of two cashback claims were allowed under the contract. Is this
>common or just a rogue one off?
>
>Ken
>


Is that legal ???

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  #6 (permalink)  
Old 02-26-2007, 04:28 PM
Ken
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams


"Stuart B" <stuart@xpozureu.plus.com> wrote in message
news:n656u25k856fh9knr7re9k9urhtaeb7upd@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:52:56 -0000, "Ken" <Reply to NG only> wrote:
>
>>Can't remember who but I have learnt to read the terms thoroughly now.
>>One company were offering three cashbacks but in the small print said a
>>maximum of two cashback claims were allowed under the contract. Is this
>>common or just a rogue one off?
>>
>>Ken
>>

>
> Is that legal ???


No idea but because I saw it in the terms I no longer looked very closely at
the offer on the rest of the site>



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  #7 (permalink)  
Old 02-26-2007, 06:30 PM
Schrodinger
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams


"Reestit Mutton" <NOBODY@NOWHERE.IN.PARTICULAR> wrote in message
news:45e2f6d3$0$8721$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader02.plus.net...
> Ken wrote:
>> Can't remember who but I have learnt to read the terms thoroughly now.
>> One company were offering three cashbacks but in the small print said a
>> maximum of two cashback claims were allowed under the contract. Is this
>> common or just a rogue one off?
>>
>> Ken

>
> That's certainly not a retailer that I would deal with on my site. It
> looks very much like a rogue site rather than the norm.
>
> To the best of my knowledge, the worst sins of the masses are as follows:
>
> (1) subsequent claims dependent on success of previous claims
>
> (2) original bills only - if a network or the royal mail lose one of your
> bills, the duplicate that the network will send you upon request can often
> be refused by the retailer.
>
> (3) additional paperwork (claims voucher, despatch note) also required
> which isn't always included on despatch and for which you only have a
> limited window of opportunity to raise concerns about its absence. For
> some retailers, I hold copies of a lot of this paperwork where it is not
> specific to your purchase and I'm only too happy to email copies to anyone
> who asks.
>
> (4) short claims windows - the worst offenders here only allow 14 days
> from the date on the relevant bill for the claim to reach them. Far too
> short in my view.
>
> I firmly believe that 2007 will be the year that a lot of these practices
> become officially outlawed - Three and Orange have already set minimum
> standards for cashback retailers which effectively outlaw some of the
> above practices. Retailers who do not fall into line could be struck off
> the network's list of approved retailers and also placed on a "do not
> deal" list with the distributors to prevent them sourcing network-supplied
> product via indirect means.
>
> HtH
> Reestit Mutton
> --
> The UK's only 12 months free line rental listing with a built-in price
> history
> http://www.reestitmutton.co.uk/MOBIL...?query=12mfree
>
>


Why you still list phones2udirect on your site, I don't know. There are
countless complaints on online forums about them, including several that
have had to resort to small claims to recover their cashbacks.


http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/....html?t=262386

http://forum.niftylist.co.uk/index.p...54%3btopicseen

etc. etc.



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  #8 (permalink)  
Old 02-27-2007, 08:52 AM
David Hearn
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Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams

Stuart B wrote:
> On Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:52:56 -0000, "Ken" <Reply to NG only> wrote:
>
>> Can't remember who but I have learnt to read the terms thoroughly now.
>> One company were offering three cashbacks but in the small print said a
>> maximum of two cashback claims were allowed under the contract. Is this
>> common or just a rogue one off?
>>
>> Ken
>>

>
> Is that legal ???


Not if the headline cashback offer amount was not claimable in 2 claims.

The cashback is for a set amount, the number of claims they require is
up to them. They could, in theory, require a £150 cashback claim to be
made in 1p chunks if they wanted. But I doubt they could say your
£150 cashback has to be made in 50p chunks, and you can only make 2
claims - simply because it would be a £1 cashback, rather than £150.

D

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  #9 (permalink)  
Old 02-27-2007, 09:55 AM
Ken
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams


"David Hearn" <dave@NOswampieSPAM.org.uk> wrote in message
news:54ida9F20f4jvU1@mid.individual.net...
> Stuart B wrote:
>> On Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:52:56 -0000, "Ken" <Reply to NG only> wrote:
>>
>>> Can't remember who but I have learnt to read the terms thoroughly now.
>>> One company were offering three cashbacks but in the small print said a
>>> maximum of two cashback claims were allowed under the contract. Is this
>>> common or just a rogue one off?
>>>
>>> Ken

>>
>> Is that legal ???

>
> Not if the headline cashback offer amount was not claimable in 2 claims.
>
> The cashback is for a set amount, the number of claims they require is up
> to them. They could, in theory, require a £150 cashback claim to be made
> in 1p chunks if they wanted. But I doubt they could say your £150
> cashback has to be made in 50p chunks, and you can only make 2 claims -
> simply because it would be a £1 cashback, rather than £150.
>
> D


It was something like 3 cashback points of £99 each available but with a
maximum of two claims permitted. The deal gave a net £5 per month rental
assuming the 3 cashbacks but given only 2 were claimable and the true cost
would of been £13.33 per month. Still not a lot for the deal but I ought to
have taken them up on it --- but ---- time!!!! I stuck with e2save - better
the devil you know!!
Ken



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  #10 (permalink)  
Old 02-27-2007, 10:41 AM
Reestit Mutton
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams

Schrodinger wrote:

>
>
> Why you still list phones2udirect on your site, I don't know. There are
> countless complaints on online forums about them, including several that
> have had to resort to small claims to recover their cashbacks.
>
>
> http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/....html?t=262386
>
> http://forum.niftylist.co.uk/index.p...54%3btopicseen
>
> etc. etc.
>
>


Hi Schrodinger,

A valid point, and one that I expected would eventually come up.

This is a difficult one for me to call. However, I have absolutely no
problem in publicly explaining my current position on this as I am
nothing if not honest.

It is true to say that I have received complaints about Phones2U from
users of my site. However, I currently have an open dialogue with the MD
of Phones2U and he has assured me that he will deal appropriately with
all complaints that I receive from the users of my site. I am actively
testing that assurance and, in order for this route of redress to remain
effective, I feel I need to adopt the stick and carrot approach whereby
their continued coverage on my site is contingent upon:

(a) the level of complaints not increasing.

(b) all complaints that I deem to be valid being dealt with
appropriately and in a timely fashion.

To the best of my knowledge, he has thus far been true to his word.
However, it has to be said that it would be far preferable if there
weren't complaints to have to resolve in this manner in the first place.

Of course, should the volume of complaints increase dramatically or the
route of redress lose its effectiveness, it would be the work of a
moment for me to remove all their deals from my site and I would have no
hesitation in doing so.

HtH
Reestit Mutton
--
The UK's only 12 months free line rental listing with a built-in price
history
http://www.reestitmutton.co.uk/MOBIL...?query=12mfree


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  #11 (permalink)  
Old 02-27-2007, 12:06 PM
David Hearn
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams

Ken wrote:
> "David Hearn" <dave@NOswampieSPAM.org.uk> wrote in message
> news:54ida9F20f4jvU1@mid.individual.net...
>> Stuart B wrote:
>>> On Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:52:56 -0000, "Ken" <Reply to NG only> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Can't remember who but I have learnt to read the terms thoroughly now.
>>>> One company were offering three cashbacks but in the small print said a
>>>> maximum of two cashback claims were allowed under the contract. Is this
>>>> common or just a rogue one off?
>>>>
>>>> Ken
>>> Is that legal ???

>> Not if the headline cashback offer amount was not claimable in 2 claims.
>>
>> The cashback is for a set amount, the number of claims they require is up
>> to them. They could, in theory, require a £150 cashback claim to be made
>> in 1p chunks if they wanted. But I doubt they could say your £150
>> cashback has to be made in 50p chunks, and you can only make 2 claims -
>> simply because it would be a £1 cashback, rather than £150.
>>
>> D

>
> It was something like 3 cashback points of £99 each available but with a
> maximum of two claims permitted. The deal gave a net £5 per month rental
> assuming the 3 cashbacks but given only 2 were claimable and the true cost
> would of been £13.33 per month. Still not a lot for the deal but I ought to
> have taken them up on it --- but ---- time!!!! I stuck with e2save - better
> the devil you know!!
> Ken


That in my mind would be false advertising of the deal. If the deal
claims £5 per month rental (after cashback) yet you could never make the
3rd claim, and therefore was actually £13.33 per month, then I think
that would be false advertising. I don't know the legality of such
things, but I suspect it is 'illegal' in some way.

D

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  #12 (permalink)  
Old 02-27-2007, 12:27 PM
Ken
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams


"David Hearn" <dave@NOswampieSPAM.org.uk> wrote in message
news:54iomoF213uj0U1@mid.individual.net...
> Ken wrote:
>> "David Hearn" <dave@NOswampieSPAM.org.uk> wrote in message
>> news:54ida9F20f4jvU1@mid.individual.net...
>>> Stuart B wrote:
>>>> On Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:52:56 -0000, "Ken" <Reply to NG only> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Can't remember who but I have learnt to read the terms thoroughly now.
>>>>> One company were offering three cashbacks but in the small print said
>>>>> a maximum of two cashback claims were allowed under the contract. Is
>>>>> this common or just a rogue one off?
>>>>>
>>>>> Ken
>>>> Is that legal ???
>>> Not if the headline cashback offer amount was not claimable in 2 claims.
>>>
>>> The cashback is for a set amount, the number of claims they require is
>>> up to them. They could, in theory, require a £150 cashback claim to be
>>> made in 1p chunks if they wanted. But I doubt they could say your
>>> £150 cashback has to be made in 50p chunks, and you can only make 2
>>> claims - simply because it would be a £1 cashback, rather than £150.
>>>
>>> D

>>
>> It was something like 3 cashback points of £99 each available but with a
>> maximum of two claims permitted. The deal gave a net £5 per month rental
>> assuming the 3 cashbacks but given only 2 were claimable and the true
>> cost would of been £13.33 per month. Still not a lot for the deal but I
>> ought to have taken them up on it --- but ---- time!!!! I stuck with
>> e2save - better the devil you know!!
>> Ken

>
> That in my mind would be false advertising of the deal. If the deal
> claims £5 per month rental (after cashback) yet you could never make the
> 3rd claim, and therefore was actually £13.33 per month, then I think that
> would be false advertising. I don't know the legality of such things, but
> I suspect it is 'illegal' in some way.
>
> D


Yes like too many things these days where there is false hope in the main
message but the drawback is in the detail.
Ken



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  #13 (permalink)  
Old 02-27-2007, 03:51 PM
guv
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams

On Mon, 26 Feb 2007 15:03:29 +0000, Reestit Mutton
<NOBODY@NOWHERE.IN.PARTICULAR> wrote:

>Ken wrote:
>> Can't remember who but I have learnt to read the terms thoroughly now.
>> One company were offering three cashbacks but in the small print said a
>> maximum of two cashback claims were allowed under the contract. Is this
>> common or just a rogue one off?
>>
>> Ken
>>
>>

>
>That's certainly not a retailer that I would deal with on my site. It
>looks very much like a rogue site rather than the norm.
>
>To the best of my knowledge, the worst sins of the masses are as follows:
>
>(1) subsequent claims dependent on success of previous claims
>
>(2) original bills only - if a network or the royal mail lose one of
>your bills, the duplicate that the network will send you upon request
>can often be refused by the retailer.
>
>(3) additional paperwork (claims voucher, despatch note) also required
>which isn't always included on despatch and for which you only have a
>limited window of opportunity to raise concerns about its absence. For
>some retailers, I hold copies of a lot of this paperwork where it is not
>specific to your purchase and I'm only too happy to email copies to
>anyone who asks.
>
>(4) short claims windows - the worst offenders here only allow 14 days
>from the date on the relevant bill for the claim to reach them. Far too
>short in my view.


Interestingly *ALL* of those apply to Buymobilephones.net.

Its a real pain to me personally. My 4th bill date is 22 March. I go
to America on the 25 March for 3 weeks, so unless i get someone to
come round, I have no way of forfilling within the 14 day window.


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  #14 (permalink)  
Old 02-27-2007, 04:17 PM
Reestit Mutton
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams

guv wrote:

<SNIP list of common cashback gotchas>

>
> Interestingly *ALL* of those apply to Buymobilephones.net.
>
> Its a real pain to me personally. My 4th bill date is 22 March. I go
> to America on the 25 March for 3 weeks, so unless I get someone to
> come round, I have no way of forfilling within the 14 day window.
>


Alas, the vast majority of non-CPW retailers use very similar T&Cs in
almost all respects. Much as I would love to do so, if I were to raise
the bar to obtaining coverage in my database by imposing mimum standards
within the T&Cs, I would be left with very few retailers, many of which
would be carphone-warehouse owned...and, even then, some people have
bones to pick with them too.

Oh well...such is life.

Personally though...I think you have a good argument for testing the
fairness of the contract between yourself and BMP in the courts. I don't
think it has been done yet but, if you were to intimate to BMP that you
would be prepared to do so, they may well capitulate prior to the hearing.

Also, if your contract is with Orange or Three you also have a stick to
beat BMP with as both networks are prepared to cull retailers who do not
allow at least 60 days to make their claims.

e.g. (with Orange)
http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/content/15413.asp

I can't find the press coverage for Three ATM but I know a similar
article relating to Three's minimum business standards for cashback
retailers exists on Mobile Today.

HtH
Reestit Mutton
--
The UK's only 12 months free line rental listed with a built-in price
history
http://www.reestitmutton.co.uk/MOBIL...?query=12mfree


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  #15 (permalink)  
Old 02-28-2007, 04:34 PM
guv
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams

On Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:17:58 +0000, Reestit Mutton
<NOBODY@NOWHERE.IN.PARTICULAR> wrote:

>guv wrote:
>
><SNIP list of common cashback gotchas>
>
>>
>> Interestingly *ALL* of those apply to Buymobilephones.net.
>>
>> Its a real pain to me personally. My 4th bill date is 22 March. I go
>> to America on the 25 March for 3 weeks, so unless I get someone to
>> come round, I have no way of forfilling within the 14 day window.
>>

>
>Alas, the vast majority of non-CPW retailers use very similar T&Cs in
>almost all respects. Much as I would love to do so, if I were to raise
>the bar to obtaining coverage in my database by imposing mimum standards
>within the T&Cs, I would be left with very few retailers, many of which
>would be carphone-warehouse owned...and, even then, some people have
>bones to pick with them too.
>
>Oh well...such is life.


Yeh, I realise that - and it wasn't a reflection on you! (Im sure you
realised!)

>
>Personally though...I think you have a good argument for testing the
>fairness of the contract between yourself and BMP in the courts. I don't
>think it has been done yet but, if you were to intimate to BMP that you
>would be prepared to do so, they may well capitulate prior to the hearing.


Hopefully I can get someone round to collect and post it for me. I
really dont want to take a gamble!

>Also, if your contract is with Orange or Three you also have a stick to
>beat BMP with as both networks are prepared to cull retailers who do not
>allow at least 60 days to make their claims.


Alas its with O2.

I did actually phone them on the day I received the phone to argue my
case - but they were having none of it. I told them I was told I had
28 days to return the bills - they just said I was mistaken. I know
for a fact the previous 2 were 28 days! No doubt they would argue that
I have accepted the phone and can have no argument I was aware.


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  #16 (permalink)  
Old 02-28-2007, 06:25 PM
Reestit Mutton
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Cash Back Scams

guv wrote:

> I did actually phone them on the day I received the phone to argue my
> case - but they were having none of it. I told them I was told I had
> 28 days to return the bills - they just said I was mistaken. I know
> for a fact the previous 2 were 28 days! No doubt they would argue that
> I have accepted the phone and can have no argument I was aware.
>


Hi again,

It used to be 28 days. It was then reduced to 21 days and then in June
last year they reduced it further to 14 days.

regards
Reestit Mutton
--
The UK's only 12 months free line rental listing with a built-in price
history
now including a range of 12 months free Flext web 'n' walk deals
http://www.reestitmutton.co.uk/MOBIL...?query=12mfree


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