Telemarketing success

October 16th, 2006 - 18:30 | 3 comments

[phone rings]

Hello?
Hello, Mr West?
Yes. Hi.
Hello, I’m calling from British Gas. I believe you have an existing contract with us to service your boiler, is that right?
Yes, it is.
I’m phoning to let you know about an offer we have on at the moment which is a very good deal.
Oh?
At the moment you’re paying £25 a month for your support contract, I believe?
Yes, that’s right.
Our new offer would add electricity and drainage cover to your contract for an extra 25p per month
Um, I don’t think I really…wait, 25 pence, not pounds?
Yes, it’s a very good offer.
[beat] How long would this last?
Twelve months, after which it will go up to an extra £9.75 per month. I can add it right away, and send you the paperwork with a seven-day cooling off period so you can check all the details. Would you like to go ahead?
Um. It really covers all the wiring in the flat?
Yes.
…Ok, then.

I don’t think I’ve ever said yes to a phone call like this before. The trick here is that they’re hoping I won’t revert back to the cheaper contract once a year has passed, right? I’m not missing anything, am I?

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3 Responses to “Telemarketing success”

1 Skuds Oct 16th, 2006 at 10:17 pm

With any luck they are just relying on inertia selling in a years’ time - but check the contract when it comes through and be prepared to use the grace period for cancelling if it is not as they said on the phone.

This is assuming you own the place and do not rent, obviously. If you rent from a HA or council then the landlord is probably responsible for drains, wiring and boiler anyway and you could save £25 a month.
2 Andrew Oct 16th, 2006 at 11:40 pm

Yeah, I’ll try to make sure it’s ok. Yep, the flat’s all my responsibility. I’ve probably saved hundreds with the boiler contract - damn thing keeps breaking - but haven’t actually had anything go wrong with wiring as yet. Ah well, if the contract’s ok I’ll put it in the calendar so I don’t forget.
3 Nod Oct 17th, 2006 at 10:07 am

Pay particular attention to the minimum contract length and cancellation notice periods.

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