The Utility Warehouse Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“Best, cheapest company ever! I get free bills all the...”
Written on: 22/05/2013 by Whichreviews (1 review written)
Gas and electric, phone Internet, and mobile. Take them all! Then if you want them for free take the cash back card which is free. My first bill was -94 Second -57 No wonder they are voted no.1 and are growing at a staggering rate. I see people's complaints on here and I understand the frustration people are under. Keep calm and talk to people in customer service like you want them to help you not shouting at them telling them what they have done wrong. I would and are recommending this... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“This firm's methods stinks”
Written on: 18/05/2013
The psychological approach by friends and family members to sign up to this firm stinks. I do not want family members ringing me up and trying to sell me this rubbish (read more)
Whichreviews's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
So I presume you would like to pay for conventional advertising costs of 300million pounds which most energy company's and telecommunications pay?
Award winning customer care?
A personal representive (your friend or family member)
Guaranteed savings?
#no brainier
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Davetj's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
Simple really don't join if you have far too much money to know what to do with and prefer over paying for your utilities ~ if on the other hand you like getting the best deals ~ join and save. Same gas, same elec, same wires just pay much less for them :)
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Martin12345678's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
I value people much more than saving money and anyway I have far better deals with my providers than you are offering
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Martin12345678's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
Looking at the reviews on UW they are not all good and they do not necessarily match up with other deals on the market.
Also I think that there is more to life than being a member of this so called club and then pestering family and friends to join up.
I subscribe to tps, have caller display and have opt out of royal mail junk mail. Why should I then have to suffer when I innocently pick up the phone to someone I know.
I choose my own utilities and use comparison websites and the deals that I have are good and do not mean that I have to ring up a relative and make statements like I had which were:
~Question Who is your energy provider
Answer after a lot of persistence - None of your business
Question So you want to pay more for your utility
Answer If you don't stop this it is the end of a relationship
Leave us alone. We now have neighbours on the band waggon plus friends advertising on facebook and I don't think that they are doing it out of love. They and you must be getting something out of it and it is immoral
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
Let me help you out with your statements
Award winning customer care?
This was reported in the which magazine in 2011, and the numbers used to determine winning customer care were flawed, as they could not be verified and were assumed correct..
A personal representive (your friend or family member)
this is an unqualified - possibly half educated desperate person (i shall give them credit for working or finding a job) but sadly lack any true compassion other than that of trying to make their quota or targets to get a yellow mini.
Guaranteed savings?
This is obviously incorrect because its not even closely true and the advertising standards committee or agency rebuked them for this!!
and one of the reasons why the company dont match up on many comparison websites is because they are not cheaper (in many cases more expensive) and this all in one bill, is just a very poor poor gimmick, that is if you have one problem with one of the services, all are effected when it comes to payment or fines (which the like to levy a lot)
oh and the no brainier is use common sense, shop around but most of all AVOID UW at all costs
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★☆☆☆☆
“Nothing short of theft. NOT to be trusted.”
Written on: 15/05/2013
It's taken me 2 years to get someone to agree to come out and fix the broken meter, which they've conveniently arranged for one week after I move out of the rented flat. They know this and I'm sure have done it deliberately so they have know way of working out my bills properly and don't have to refund me for the absolutely extortionate estimates they have had me on for 2 years. (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 15/05/2013
if you have written evidence that you have communicated with them about this issue, you can complain via their complaints dept, and if they dont take it up you go to the ombudsman. if your proven correct you can back charge against the estimates and recover lost additional monies if applicable
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★☆☆☆☆
“CANNOT WAIT TO LEAVE UW!”
Written on: 13/05/2013
The most unhelpful company ever! I took out the policy to consolidate my phone and broadband. I have a business downstairs and as a family we live upstairs with children using computer and broadband. I was recommended to put the broadband onto the business line downstairs which meant it struggled to even send an email, let alone try and stream anything 2 floors above, I was sold a mobile phone for the business which had no network coverage, so nobody ever used it, I was still paying another... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 13/05/2013
were you covered during the cooling off period, if you voiced your concerns during this time, and they did not act you can via the ombudsman get resolution and possible recover lost business costs etc
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Whichreviews's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
The phone lines in your house/business are yours and your concern not UW's they run on the standard BT line that was originally there. Cancelling DD always incurs more costs. Their mobile uses EE the biggest network in the UK. Sounds just your in between the transfer phase. Don't panic
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
Whichreviews's, may i suggest you read peoples observations before you put the boot in.. I can only assume english is not your first language or your not very good at reading.. maybe like smirnoffices you should stick to crayoning (she likes to do this on threads as well) that is bully, patronize and attempt to intimidate reviewers
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★★★★☆
“Its a Package!!”
Written on: 13/05/2013
I had pitch in January and finally had all services transferred, i say it like this as there were some issues and a lot of phonecalls. It strike me after reading the other reviews that it doesnt take much to get people on their soap box, I myself dealt with each problem as it came and then my first bill arrived...... I am one of the last customers that could choose Premium and even with that I save £4.92 in my first month and with no services live actually got PAID £1.48 into my account.... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 13/05/2013
I really don't understand your review, it appears to be a shallow attack on people who have issues and don't have the issues resolved sensibly, in many cases.
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★☆☆☆☆
“AVOID AVOID AVOID!!!”
Written on: 30/04/2013 by Ronnie123 (1 review written)
Hmmmm something not right about this company! Avoid like the plague is the best advise I can give. Still alot more to find out what is going on with my gas and electric from the ombudsman but I will be back with the full details on how I have a £1700 debt from over 2 years yet I have paid 75 a month .only 2 of us and 1 child living in a small semi detached? Try to call U/W for help but they are threatening me with breaking into my home while I'm at work to fit meters. This is going to... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Response to Ronnie123's Review
Written on: 03/05/2013
If you have not done so, try and follow the complaints procedure, also stop talking to them, communicate only via email.
email customer care and complain, state the facts and reason with them.. they will throw many things at you legal or other. its possible they will reject your complaint..
next step
ceo office, complain to them, use the same facts as above and any other correspondence, refer back to any letters they have sent you.
if they dont acknowledge or try and reason with you, go to the ombudsman..
however make sure you have all the facts, if you have a telephone log of when you called them and the subject matter. put together all the facts and copies of communication of UW if relevant, put together an bill statements that you may have. Look at the Bills are the estimate or actual, look at your use through winter and summer.
I pay 100 a month for gas and electric and still owed £700 when all was told (but we expected that based on our usage over winter, and with summer here we are using a lot less but still pay the same DD, so we expect it to balance itself out before winter comes..
Its a bit of hard work, but its worth it if you can prove UW are been unreasonable..
Hope it works out either way
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Princess_Tt's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 18/05/2013
So true Ronnie same thing has happened to us but I have now taken legal action against the Utility Warehouse, they are the most evil, horrible, useless, bunch of stuck up, rude, obnoxious incompetent monkey's i've ever had to deal with. I could think of worse but I am sure review centre may close my account down.
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Smirnoffice's Response to Ronnie123's Review
Written on: 04/05/2013
Sounds like this could be a (very large) catch up bill to me. Have you provided UW with any meter reads during the last couple of years? If not the bills you have been receiving will have been based on estimations and it's not until your meters are actually read that the true cost of what you have been using becomes known. £75/mth is not exactly a big monthly payment for even a small semi. Plus the size of the property is not the only indication of consumption, it's how good you are with using the heating efficiently and not reading the meter for months on end won't encourage thriftiness because the cost of what you are using isn't known to you so you don't worry about it. I know of people in houses almost half the size of ours who consume more gas and electric. Best thing is to check your previous bills and see how this big bill was arrived at. If it's wrong then make representations to UW to get it changed.
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Whichreviews's Response to Ronnie123's Review
Written on: 22/05/2013
Naive, read your meters. If you have used the power you ow it.
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★★☆☆☆
“Check First Before Switching”
Written on: 28/04/2013
If everyone checked with their current supplier for the best rate and what they receive for that price you will find that UW are unable to do better on many of these. Its if you want one large bill to pay at the end of the month or spread your payments with different companies. My Friend has been trying to win me over but when Virgin are better on the mobile contracts and I am on the best price for Gas and Electric with my current supplier I am not gaining. Cant comment on he service they... (read more)
Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 29/04/2013
If you sign up for at least 4 services out of the 5 qualifying services on offer (i.e. gas, electric, phone, broadband, mobile) then you qualify for 10% off your annual Gas & Electricity spend in the first year.. Plus lots of other perks you don't usually get with other suppliers (like monthly billing, one DD for the whole services you take, 24/7 free landline calls to other landlines AND UW mobiles, free international calls, guaranteed UK call centre, up to £200 to help you switch from contracts with another supplier etc ). But I absolutely agree, do your own research before deciding. UW is not for everybody. No company is...
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 01/05/2013
Remember folks, when one thing goes wrong on your bill, IT ALL GOES WRONG.. just read back on some of the issues people have had with this multi tier process..
and dont buy anything you dont need in this so called get all deal, you will not be better off
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★☆☆☆☆
“Disgusting”
Written on: 24/04/2013
Utility warehouse are scams they told me i could upgrade for free to an iphone. When i received my bill it stated that i was paying a handset charge. When i called them and spoke to a gentlemen by the name of Ron i was told that instead of paying an upfront fee that they would charge me a monthly handset charge. I was disgusted to know that i could have been coned this way as when i initially took the upgrade i had not been informed by Ron who admitted he had done the upgrade for me of... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 24/04/2013
Do you have any indication, documents or contracts that support your verbal agreement..
did you agree in writing that you would pay monthly..
check over all your documents, and if its all hearsay you should be able to get assistance and get this stopped.
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Whichreviews's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
When you upgrade this always incurs a new contract...
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
misleading company with a misleading practice, they try and do as much as they can verbally and avoid documentation, always always follow up with any conversation with an email, and dont be afraid to air your concerns
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★☆☆☆☆
“This company is rude arrogant and money grabbers I...”
Written on: 23/04/2013
This company is rude arrogant and money grabbers I moved into property four months ago sent them my tenancy countless of times and still they haven't sorted my account out I'm paying 20 pounds every time I top up gas and electric and they won't lower it have spoken to everyone in there office and still it ain't sorted something needs to be done about this company there jokers (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 25/04/2013
tell them you are going to change suppliers, if you have no debt with them.. they cannot refuse
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★☆☆☆☆
“Not to be trusted”
Written on: 22/04/2013 by david_yorks (2 reviews written)
One star is too much. They sell through local distributors akin to a multi level marketing scheme. They don't deliver the offers they promise and despite the distributor offering the cash back card they refused and were unwilling to offer until 2 months payments had been made. Cheap possibly but the quality of service they suggest just aren't delivered, it's every one else is problem. Nearly 5 weeks on, no response my original complaint or refund. (read more)
Areviewer2012's Response to david_yorks's Review
Written on: 23/04/2013
may i suggest if not already done
1 customer care (email them your issues/complaint)
2 ceo office (email them) or ask for their address its on there Terms and conditions somewhere
3 go to the ombudsman, they will ask you for evidence and that you have been reasonable in trying to resolve any issues. and dont forget to work out your costs and ask for them to be taken into account, they charge you for a letter etc, why not charge them..
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Whichreviews's Response to david_yorks's Review
Written on: 22/05/2013
Sounds like you have bad credit, this company is ideal for good credit homeowners who are simple clever people.
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David_Yorks's reply to Whichreviews's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
it would be great if your comments had been on fact rather than speculation. rating is based on my experience of their service and staff
they have openly admitted their mistakes in dealing with my application. as a consumer and a clever person you can make your own choices. if you believe my comments are incorrect you always have the options to report this review. do you work for utility warehouse in any capacity by catch?
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Areviewer2012's reply to Whichreviews's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
I like how you patronize and bully the people using this thread, it really sums up UW selecting poorly educated and gullible people to do its dirty work.. David_York is correct, but i shall say in my own words you are a sad and pathetic troll, crayoning over good people trying to look clever?
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See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 612 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Non starter”
Written on: 22/04/2013
Just had an agent trying to sell me this deal, just reminded me of pyramid selling. I have already haggled with my utilities to get the best deal, to go with this company would be to increase my outgoings. When I pointed out my broadband speed was much faster than The Utility Warehouse could provide, she said, yes but do you really need that speed, errr yes especially when its cheaper than you could provide, same with line rental it would be another increase, etc. And why put all your eggs... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 23/04/2013
This made me smile, (sorry) but I have looked back over many threads, about UW and it only gets worse with them..
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Whichreviews's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
They guarantee to save u money. So with no contract I presume you have at least trialled the services to see for your self. Oh and pyramid selling's illegal! This is a brilliant multi level marketing business, check the London stock exchange!
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
So what, they are under a 250 ftse company, but most of the money is made through fines, default payers (which in many cases are incorrect, and not normally of the customers fault)..they use open source software (which granted saves money) but it is also pathetic
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★★★★★
“No problems with switching & hassle free!”
Written on: 17/04/2013
I heard about UWH from a friend and after a lot of looking around and comparing them to other suppliers I realised i couldn't get a better deal. what attracted me most was the cash back card that allowed me to reduce my bills each month. I am now looking forward to Christmas where my challenge is to wipe my monthly bill completely like some of my friends have done!! Bring on Christmas. ps very sad to hear people are having a few issues with this company, everyone i have spoken to things... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 18/04/2013
I suppose there are some incentives with companies, but rarely do people mention anything about the service they receive, the actual savings its always the cash back card. The cashback card is not really, its just credit back if your lucky (depending on where you shop and what you buy) onto your club account.
you can find cash back cards everywhere with other companies that do give you the cash back into your account...
But i will support your no problems with switching, every company will do their best to get you on board... but like the trend of the thread goes, the problems people have had just are unexplainable.
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 24/04/2013
'you can find cash back cards everywhere with other companies that do give you the cash back into your account...'
Err, no you can't, unless you are suggesting people sign up for a worry-some credit card and all the downsides they offer? The UW card is a PRE-PAYMENT CARD so you can't spend money you don't have. Simple.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 24/04/2013
sometimes you loose me with irrelevant tish tosh...
the other cash back cards I have mentioned, and yet you fail to grasp this or follow it up, they are all pre paid...!
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 24/04/2013
Give me the name of ONE pre-paid card that rivals UWs in that you get cash back on CARD PAYMENTS in store and online and NOT by going through affiliate links on the card provider's web site. Just ONE, please. And what is 'loose'? i suggest it is your command of reality...
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 25/04/2013
this i have copy and pasted from another thread, in fact their are also 3 other threads where I have put this and similar information where you have asked me to prove this..
To be honest, you have even commented on the threads but never made reference to any of this information.. Your a selective destructive troll...
My egg nest cashback debit card
Myspree prepaid cashback card
Halifax cashback debit card
barclaycard cashback card
Lebara money (pre paid)
Travelex cash passport (pre paid)
Travelex cash passport currency (pre paid)
Cashplus Gold Activeplus
Pockit Prepaid Mastercard pay as you go
kalixa prepaid master card
tuxedo pay as you go master card
clear cash pay as you go mastercard
orange cash
pockit prepaid mastercard pay monthly
virgin prepaid card pay as you go
cashplus gold premier
secure trust bank
Clearcash card
Bread Card
Orange cash card
freedom card
mycash plus
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 02/05/2013
I think enough has been proven..
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★☆☆☆☆
“patronising!!!!”
Written on: 16/04/2013
im not even a customer yet!! but wont be and thats just because of the sales pitch, i do not take kindly to being called love! told to do it for him! and feel pushed, harassed, bullied and pestered, this treatment drove me to look into y he was so concerned about me joining straight away!! i wonder if its ought to do with the reward he gets for the first 12 customers or the even bigger reward he gets for his first 50 customers! hhmm, makes me think he didnt really mean it when he he said " i... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 18/04/2013
I would not worry about that too much, its when you cross customer care do you really feel their teeth in your rear end
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Whichreviews's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
Funny how people think someone telling them how they can help them for free save them money is a Bad We have to learn to help each other if we are ever going to get out this hard time
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
Nobody does anything for free, your a sales person, you don't have an honest bone in your body, even your last statement was misleading
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★☆☆☆☆
“Useless, so, useless!”
Written on: 16/04/2013
I 'inherited' Utility Warehouse when moving into my property LESS than a month ago and I've had trouble with them from the off. Lack of communication between the company, demands for money I don't owe, bailiff letters etc, and countless phonecalls to get it sorted with a more than average hold time! Only saving grace is that the last couple of call handlers I spoke to were extremely apologetic and mananged to finally put me on to the correct people, and thankfully so far this week I haven't... (read more)
Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 16/04/2013
Did you contact the company as soon as you moved in, told them you were the new occupier and provide an opening meter reading? I'm suspecting the demands for money were for the previous occupiers?
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Efelbee's Comment
Written on: 16/04/2013
Yes absolutely. The day I move in in fact.
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 24/04/2013
Sorry, I'm not getting this. Are the demands for money in your name or someone else's? You didn't say in your response.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 16/04/2013
This was the trap I fell for with UW, and they were persistent in trying to recover the last tenants money through me..
I suggest if you have not done so already is only communicate with them via email, secondly keep a track of everything.. and complain to them, ( its pointless) but as part of the process to get the attention of the ombudsman you need to go through due process..
1. complain to customer care they are highly likely to ignore your protest
2. complain to the ceo office, again they will try and ignore your protest or issues
(however) through out the process remain reasonable and amenable
3. if all has failed you can approach the ombudsman.
I finally had a judgement from the ombudsman, where i was found to have acted more than reasonable, and UW were unreasonable, it may take some time.. you will also find that the account is still in the previous tenants name, and until you get it in your name to cancel they will delay and blame you for lack of communication..
my advice is make sure you have something in writing from them, in that the account is closed
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Havingamoan's Comment
Written on: 21/04/2013
My terminally ill mum having gone through the way dad died also with cancer and with lack of care, moved to a place near me and got pestered and threatened to pay previous tenants debt by this company. she has never owed a single penny in all her life. it frightened her incase they came to her flat. I finally got them to give over. Thought I had changed her to another company but it never happened and not sure why and she was stuck with UW, but guess what, she has now had to go to dementia home and I continued the direct debit on her account to cover any electric used whist emptying her place. they have had 3 months money that they should refund as nothing was used by me during that time other then maybe the lightbulb one evening. I asked for refund to be sent to her at my address when telling them she had to move and they also got the final reading too, but now our good credit rating along side mums is being threatened with debt heavies at my address because the direct debit has now been cancelled. I have had so much stress for several years all caused by useless companies adding to everything that should have been simple to deal with and it has affected my health, the fear of yet more paper work causes me to fight for my breath now on top of all the other threats to my life if i get too stressed. I told them what i thought of them but it seems it is ok for them to treat us in an appalling manner but try standing up for yourself and they soon put the boot in. I want that money back for my mum, she is so poor and all her money is taken in care fees now and is left with pocket money to buy her few bits needed like soap, clothing and pay for her feet care and hair done out of that set amount allowed by the state which does not cover these costs without it being saved up. This company has no shame it is a bully and I suspect run by those unsavory characters who used to sell glazing, 2nd hand cars and disable scooters and know how to rob the old and poor with no conscience at all. They are not even fit for a slug to crawl over. I will have to keep trying to get her money back as i am sure they hope we all get so fed up and give up in the end. The only feel good to come out of this is I am making up a list of rotten companies and adding them to the signature section of my email page, so each time I send an email this list gets sent too. If i helps to prevent one more person being ripped off, then good. Why not do this too, it will reach a lot more people. After all if they can destroy our character without any good reason then we have a right to sling the mud too. The British people are being more and more down trodden and we need to learn to stand up for ourselves again.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 23/04/2013
i suggest you try the following options (academic sadly) but to get resolution you will need to follow them.
dont phone use email
1. complain to customer care in writing (email)
they will refute this
2. complain to the ceo office (email)
they will refute this
3. complain to the ombudsman
make sure you have as much documentation as possible and that you have been reasonable, and dont be afraid to claim for costs and interests, many people forget they can do this..
good luck either way
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★☆☆☆☆
“The worse company ever”
Written on: 15/04/2013
The reviews on this website about the Utility Warehouse are absolutely spot on. They are one of the worse gas and electricity company ever! They have been one big massive headache and nightmare needless to say I've instructed legal aid to help me with them as they have charged me and my family an absolute fortune in gas and electricity. I sincerely hope the people that are with this company to move before they rack charges upon charges on your account, don't ring rather write to them via... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 16/04/2013
If i can offer my advice based on my own experience, and I have assumed you have followed most if not all already (also helps some people who look at the thread.
1. as you say write (ideally) email customer care, state the obvious try and be reasonable with the issue at hand.
2. show all evidence you have to them that there is a mistake and that you both need to work together to fix the issue
3. failing this, complain to customer care, (however) I would expect they will ignore this and try and use company mantra ( contract or terms and conditions) to make you pay before they try and resolve
4. you can then complain again to the ceo office, again they will ignore this and blame you as been at fault
5. you now can complain to the ombudsman, he or she will review the case and let you know either way what they think (they are truly impartial) but as long as you have a chain of documented evidence, ideally emails or diary, and that you have been reasonable, they should be able to resolve your issue fairly.
6. dont be afraid to ask for compensation for time, effort, costs or expenses related to your claim as well, UW will be doing the exact same.
however check your house insurance as well, you may have legal cover, to help deal with this issue.
I hope this helps a little
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 24/04/2013
Could we possibly have some more details here? Do the bills reflect your usage, for instance? Have you not paid the bills? Have you given regular meter readings?
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Princess_Tt's Comment
Written on: 04/05/2013
Smirnoffice do you work for the Utility Warehouse because upon every single comment that has been put on the website of how bad they are, you seem to be very patronizing in your response and very defensive regarding them. I suspect you maybe a distributor or some insider from the company.
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Princess_Tt's Comment
Written on: 18/05/2013
I take that you must be working for them you must be a little snitch hiding on forums waiting around to source out the wrong doing's of this nasty company.
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Whichreviews's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
Cheapest gas and electricity in uk.... Guaranteed.... Or am I missing something here? Submit meter readings guys... Times have changed and power isn't cheap anymore.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
I think you really need to check your company propaganda they only claim to be cheaper than British gas, and what Guarantees to they actually offer, many people have challenged this so called Guarantee and have failed to benefit..
hey but crack on with your patronizing bullying, it sums up the callous disregard the company has for its so called ill informed and uneducated sales people
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★☆☆☆☆
“Keep it moving”
Written on: 12/04/2013
After recent leaving the company as a customer and as a distributor. I think it is important that people are made aware of the realities of UTDC. I would not recommend joining either as a customer or as a distributor, unless you really do want to spend every waking moment of your time selling a product that may lose you some friends. I went all in and got signed up as a customer and distributor, the Broadband was fine until I realized I either had to pay for a router or hire one from them... (read more)
Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
You failed then, basically. And SURELY you looked into what the business entailed BEFORE you joined?
Try cancelling BT/taltalk etc broadband/phone after 6 weeks and see how much you get charged. It could run into hundreds of pounds!
PS the deluxe router (the standard one was always free) is free now with no monthly charges (£5.99 P&P IIRC) and unlimited download allowance,
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
I rest my cast Smirnoffice, you are a UW reseller or employee thug... and therefore are unable to offer any constructive advice.!
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
What constructive advice would the reviewer be after exactly? Unlike your posts, everything I have said there is verifiable and true. Do YOU know how much you would have to pay BT, for instance, if you decided you just didn't want their phone/BB after just 6 weeks? Here's a clue: you will have signed an 18 month legally binding contract. An 18 month commitment at way over £20/mth or no minimum commitment and £10 admin fee to leave anytime plus return of router (probably cost £3 P&P). Not exactly a difficult one isit?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
sadly I really dont give a hoot about the other suppliers, I am happy with mine. Like i have said time and time before, people fall foul of UW in that they get punished because they take a chance at trying to rip their customers off. Remember I mentioned before they tried to rip me off, got caught and lost time effort and lots of potential money.. They even paid me money as compensation..
They are cowards, and need to be brought to account, if i can help people get what is rightly theirs back, I will help them with the process...
If you feel so strongly jump to the other supplier threads and bang on their drum....
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Mdc1234's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
I was with the company 2 years using that service.
I got a disconnection/cancellation fee and a fee for the 'free' modem, or I could return it. Plus the reoccurring membership fee.
Yes I failed. Like most people I am guessing. Unless you can prove otherwise. E.g
Number of distributors with a mini
Number of distributors making 5000+ a month
Number of distributors
Number of inactive distributors
Ratio of £ spent on services and materials to income generated
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 14/04/2013
I wouldn't have the slightest idea so couldn't answer any of those questions. I suppose UW is just like every career - some succeed massively but the majority don't. I would also imagine the very low start-up costs attract people who just aren't cut out to make a success of it - plus it's not like they have put their life savings into the business so they don't actually HAVE to succeed. Lots of variables but it obviously works for some. But when failed distributors blame everyone/everything but themselves for their failure I do find that a little sad.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 15/04/2013
maybe someone just had a moral compass and found it did point the same way as UW and its sales teams, thats why they left..
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Whichreviews's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
Yeah sure there's a 50year plan at McDonald's.... Or Asda on minimum wage.
How about even buying a McDonald's franchise... 96% of their customers recommend a friend I guess I have found the 4%! Haha
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
you have lost me completely with your irrelevant nonsense, its quite clear as you have only just joined today (22/05/2013) you have tasked to be the company troll, crayoning over threads where some people have genuine issues and concerns about the bad practice UW operate with
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★☆☆☆☆
“Avoid”
Written on: 10/04/2013
Sharp practice and money grabbing. I will never use again. (read more)
Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
Any chance of fleshing this out with a bit of detail?
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Fallah's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
Best thing since slight bread. Highly recommend it. Don't make a decision until you talk to someone who's been a customer for a while. 10 out of 10.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
Sadly like other companies UW is not immune from trying to chance it with some of its customers..
However a bit more meat on the bone would be nice to understand the issues the originator has had
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★☆☆☆☆
“Scam artists thiefs ”
Written on: 10/04/2013
I had 8oo pound bill for 2 months electric and gas , there rude and arrogant do not use them I would not recomend to anyone now there saying I have to pay late fees as well as I can't find that much money with four kids . (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
Sadly this is the case with this company, however you need to make sure you have the following information
can you confirm the meter readings you had before you joined
do you have any documentation to indicate what your tarrif was or is
Did you follow their processes for recording meter readings
complain in writing via email to customer care
try and reason with them, dont get angry just explain to them the bill does not make sense and get them to break it down (estimate or other)
if you get no joy with customer care complain to the ceo office
they should look into it
failing that complain to the ombudsman
but make sure you have all the documents from begging to end and communicate with them only via email, as this is accountable rather than ringing them up..
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★☆☆☆☆
“Bill Charges Unclear - Avoid!”
Written on: 07/04/2013
Their customer services department are only open traditional business times, which ddoes not help if you have a 9-5 yourself. They have not responded to my emails (yet). The bill totals don't always match up with usage + VAT. The bill does not state where the rest of the total came from, and the customer service agents that I spoke to did not give me a clear answer either. Whilst waiting for responce to emails they didn't forget to send reminders! (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
keep track of all your emails, it will be vital later on when you go through a complaints process with them
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
You are of course assuming there will be a complaints process, which speaks volumes when you can come to this conclusion on the short, lacking in any real detail review above. A tad biased regarding this company, Areviewer2012?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
like many people who get ripped off by UW, they will need to follow a process (complaints) to get their money back which was taken from them.
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
You are of course assuming there will be a complaints process, which speaks volumes when you can come to this conclusion on the short, lacking in any real detail review above. A tad biased regarding this company, Areviewer2012?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
i notice you only crayon over comments you feel confident you can answer with sarcasm, bullying, patronizing comments. you never answer the difficult threads which proved UW are not real or true
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
Don't forget if you have telecoms and energy on the same bill (UW are i think the only company that do this) the rates of VAT charged on each will be different - 20% on telecoms and 5% on energy. Just a thought.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
What is also missed, UW try and confuse you to pay more where more is not due.
its painful but you need to check everything you use and do with UW literately on a daily basis.
and again as your a company stooge, your never going to help people your just going to patronize, bully and intimidate, and when your dolly is out of the pram you will crayon over the thread with irrelevance
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
There's those crayon/bulling/intimidating remarks AGAIN. The only explanation as to why you get this ridiculous notion is because your lies are now being highlighted for all to see. Talking of lies, there's another one up there. What exactly do you mean by this new allegation? Please give verifiable details of how this has happened or apologise. If no proof is forthcoming (is it ever forthcoming??) then I can only come to the conclusion that it's just the ranting of an individual with a massively unhealthy obsession with denigrating this £800 million, FTSE-250 company.
PS My suspicion is neither you or the reviewer actually thought about the differing VAT amounts and now you in particular are kicking ourself for not being smarter. Hence the bulling/crayon/intimidation nonsense. Correct?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
I shall offer support and advice to people who have been wronged.
You can like the immature child bully, harass and intimidate your customers.. You have lied all the way through these threads claiming your not a reseller or uw employee, and yet no such much about how the company works (as a reseller or employee)
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Erev1's Comment
Written on: 13/04/2013
Actually I was using the total VAT that was stated on the bill. So I assume UW know which VAT rate to charge. It was 5% of the total usage. But still, VAT + usage did not come to the same amount that they came to in the total due.
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 15/04/2013
Perhaps you could post up the figures here so we could have a look at what you are getting at? For instance, did you take services from them that attracted differing VAT elements?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 15/04/2013
How many services do you have, not teaching anyone to suck eggs but vat is 5% on gas and elec and any other service is 20%.
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 15/04/2013
HaHa....as mentioned by me 4 days ago! And you accuse ME of not being helpful.
No need to post personal details, just the figures as they are shown on your bill and I will have a look see.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 16/04/2013
well done Smirnoffices :-)
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Whichreviews's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
Half a million people use UW, no company is perfect.... Generally the problem is people being brain dead and shouldn't belong in a house. But they are there to help if u listen and let them.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
ah glad to see the UW patronizing and insulting bullying trolls are back with their sympathetic support for people with concerns and issues
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★★★★☆
“Good customer service and reasonable cost”
Written on: 06/04/2013
I switched to UW 6 years ago for gas and electric. I have never had any problems making contact with them (albeit there is usually 3-4 minutes wait). By giving the meter readings every month, I have never had a large fluctuation in my bills which helps my monthly budget. I moved 2 years ago and had no problems with cancelling the old account and starting a new one at the new address. Their prices have risen, but not as quickly and as much as most larger utility suppliers. (read more)
Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
AT LAST! Someone who actually takes responsibility for their utility bills!! Many of the people wingeing on here about being hit with a big bill would be complaining no matter what supplier they use. This is because they never even look at their energy meters let alone think to read them and tell their energy supplier the figure. UW are, I believe, the only gas and electricity supplier that bill monthly. Give them a meter reading every month and big catch up bills will be a thing of the past, as will big credit balances. This is common sense but unfortunately it seems common sense isn't actually very common!
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
People whinge with good reason when it comes to UW, maybe people like yourself are lucky with UW, but then again looking back at some of the comments, many people just appear to be ripped off.
The person above mentions no problems (as they were going back to them) many people who did not go back had a plethora of issues.
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
Interesting perspective. Here are the average reviewcentre review ratings by customers of the various energy companies in the UK:
Atlantic 3.1/5
Utility Warehouse 2.6/5
Ebico 2.3/5
Ovo 1.5/5
Eon 1.4/5
first:utility 1.4/5
British Gas 1.3/5
EDF 1.3/5
npower 1.1/5
SSE 1/5
Scottish Power 0.9/5
Methinks you are getting obsessed with UW and its detractors on here. It's basic human nature that the people who are unhappy with a provider will be the ones who are motivated to post a review - and advertise their annoyance. IIRC I believe the energy supplier you now use and are perfectly happy with is nowhere near the top of the list above. Surely that tells you something? If you actually loosened up a bit and, perhaps. actually thought this through rationally?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
you really do miss the point, and i shall say this the last time I try help and advise people where I can who have been ripped off by UW. You can crayon all you want over other utility threads, fill your shoes, does not bother me.. But I have experienced UW first hand, and just to remind you the OMBUDSMAN backed my case, which means I won, in other words UW were very wrong and proven to be dishonest in their actions...
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
Funny, it's OK for you to say i have been lucky with UW but it's not OK for me to suggest you are lucky with your current supplier which has a rating on here much much worse than UW? I'm assuming you don't see the irony here? Thought not.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
Crayon over the SSE thread, you notice I wont even read it or bother about it..
I never said you had bad luck with UW, you obviously had a good deal, but I believe this is down to one of two reasons your a reseller or employed by them
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
LOL. Your reply makes absolutely no sense at all. Where to start? I suggested you said I had GOOD LUCK with UW, not BAD. And I'm neither reseller nor employee but if I was would I get a better deal? I wasn't aware there was a reseller/employee discount? Is there?
My point was your current supplier has an average score of 1 out of 5 stars on here (and incidentally has just been fined TEN AND A HALF MILLION POUNDS by the regulator for a misselling scandal) but you seem to think that customers of UW (average score on here 2.6/5 and NEVER REPRIMANDED FOR MISSELLING) have an almost 100% chance of being treated badly. Where's the sense in that sort of thinking?
I know you find this a very difficult thing to answer so you keep changing the subject and resort to childish name calling but for once, please, just TRY and give a PROPER answer this time.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 13/04/2013
I have this before and i will say it again, if you feel so bad about SSE crayon over their thread. I have had a problem with UW, trying to take money from when when it was not due or theirs to take. the ombudsman was presented with two stories, one full of documented evidence, and another full of hearsay (yes thats right UW did not have any evidence to present at the investigation other than their word) and the ombudsman had to accept it... this was an exhaustive process took nearly 6 months, but at the end it was worth it.. the facts again
1. previious tenant owed many hundreds of pounds in unpaid bills
2. it took me a bit longer to find out who supplied the property with the supply
3. UW decided to take its time accepting the property had changed hands
4. UW kept sending bills to this address to the previous tenant with huge charges
5. UW accepted i was the new tenant and therefore they said i responsible for the previous tenants debt
6. I complained to UW which they rejected every argument not even considering any evidence (started to fabric their own evidence)
7. enough was enough i went to the ombudsman and 3 months later after a huge file of evidence was presented by myself
8. UW presented hearsay of what had happened, and the ombudsman MUST accept there version of the event
9. I won...!!!
I have had no problem with SSE so far, what ever they did in the past is the past, and they have paid for it.. UW continue to try their luck and chance an opportunity to take more than they are due from its customers and then penalize them.
I have answered your questions now
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 13/04/2013
you slated some one in another thread for been a failure who was a uw reseller or employee, stating many details about how he or she was a failure.... as much as i think I know what practices UW have or had I do not know as much as you do.....
Your misleading everyone with your so called innocents, why are you so vocal and supportive about UW, if your not a UW employee or reseller you must be a TROLL..
I have already stated my reasons why I do what I do, you can go on about my supplier all you want, I DONT CARE.. I neither hate them or love them, they give me what I need and the price is OK.. we have no problems... YOU DO..!
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See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 612 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Worst company EVER!”
Written on: 04/04/2013
I have just moved into a property that used this provider, and thought I would stay with them as it's easier, NOT!! (Don't ever do that)My partner lucky enough reviewed comments on them beforehand and found allot of VERY unhappy customers.Although we are not using them we had a transitional period b4 we switched.can't ever get through on the phone (your call is 19th in the queue)if you are not getting a cut of signal, you have to hoop jump through around 5 or 6 "PRESS THIS FOR THIS, AND THAT... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 04/04/2013
make sure you document everything, STOP calling them... email customer services, from that point everything is accountable..
if you have no joy with customer services "complain to customer care", if you are unable to resolve the issue sensibly, complain to the CEO office....
if you are still unsatisfied, and the account is unresolved go to the ombudsman.
UW will try and add additional charges to you, because they will claim you did not communicate with them. keep a diary and try and always remain calm and reasonable.. they will push you as far as they think they can get away with.. they will also claim to send you correspondence, tell them you don't except mail but EMAIL only..
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Whichreviews's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
Oh new house panic panic! Calm down. Try calling any other supplier... 6minute wait. Lol I was on hold to eon for an hour and half!
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★☆☆☆☆
“RUBBISSSHHHHHH”
Written on: 29/03/2013
its a disgrace useless service useless everything dont change people (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 29/03/2013
can you expand on your experience or lack of with Utility warehouse
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 01/04/2013
Lol. Good luck with that request.
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
14 days since your request, Areviewer2012, and like I suggested above, these reviewers never come back to supply any actual details. I wonder why. Any ideas?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
back out with the crayons again!
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
It must be so annoying for you having someone taking you on who is basically right all the time/challenging you to answer questions you simply can't. Hence the childish name calling. You've had it far too easy for too long. Your rantings/lies are just so easy to pick apart. At least try and make me work a little harder...
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 13/04/2013
what are you right about, like i tell you time and again, yes i dont like UW, they are liars and cheats...
I want to help people (from my own experience of dealing with these cheats and winning)
I dont have to explain myself, UW have to explain how they can charge some one nearly a months utility service or use in one month, and then add additional charges to them if they dont pay...
you try and pick your fights carefully that's your choice, but remember people will see what you choose and dont, and see how you attack people who are upset after been ripped off.
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Whichreviews's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
Smirnoffices is right. What's your problem areviewer?
Which? Who I'm a in PR for award this company every signal month for all the services. Let people have the chance to save money even if one out of 100,000 cannot....
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2013
clever name? But what are you burbling on about. you clearly lack any idea what is or has happened, and have jumped in the middle of something rambling with what i can only assume is suffering from some memory illness..
I have justified my actions many times which sadly has been ignored by people like yourself and smirnoffices.. UW dont save people money, THEY MAKE MONEY FOR THEMSELVES!
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★☆☆☆☆
“HELP PLEASE VERY HIGH ELECTRIC BILL”
Written on: 26/03/2013 by austin32
this company is terrible, we live in a 8 bedroom house which i know is a lot of rooms but the first bill we got through was 1600 a MONTH!!! and everyone i have spoke to is saying this is an out rage, we paid the first month off straight away because we all had a panic attack, then cut down last month and got a bill through for 1700?!?!?!?!?! PLEASE someone help we are been ripped off. (read more)
Smirnoffice's Response to austin32's Review
Written on: 26/03/2013
Did you give UW an opening meter reading when you switched? And if so, was icorrect or have you (or they) misread the reading? Have you checked your meter reading since? Unless you give UW (or any other energy supplier for that matter) an actual meter reading they will simply estimate the usage. Very easy to resolve this 'problem' by simply reading your meter and ringing UW and giving it them so they can amend the bill. Hope this helps.
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 26/03/2013
I actually agree with the above persons post, however dont ring them (unless you follow up with an email) when communicating with this company. Make sure all communications are accountable, hearsay is not enough
I would also check and verify what they provisionally agreed with you by either the company and the rep in relation to your tariff .
also check all historical bills against your use at this property, present this to UW (in an email)
check list
1. Check historical bills (from previous supplier)
2. check contract or agreement with UW or agent
3. check start of meter reading when you joined UW (as well as now) calculate the rates yourself and try and find out what or where its gone wrong
4. whenever you speak with UW follow up with an email about the conversation (get the call handlers name)
5. if you are taking the full (gold member package) look at the contract to find out if you are fully entitled to discounts etc
6.. what ever has happened by calm with these people
7. go to price comparison web sites and do more research
8. Be prepared to pay up full, and then look at civil recovery if need be for over payment, (if you have over paid).
9. Its not going to be as easy as its been made out to sort out, your a big fish for this company and they will not want to let you go too quickly, expect a struggle with them
10. complain to customer care, when they reject your claim, complain to the CEO office, its highly likely they will reject your claim, you then have no other option but to go to the ombudsman, they do and have the final say, so make sure you have all your information accountable and factual, its a pain but worth it.
4.
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 26/03/2013
Jeez, do you honestly believe all that nonsense is entirely necessary? I think you need to try and calm down a little. Anyway, it's not like the reviewer is going to return and update us anyway, is it?
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 26/03/2013
Yes I do, because UW are a bunch of blaggers who try it on with anything and anyone.
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 26/03/2013
Okkkaaayyy...and i'm assuming the utility company you are currently with (which you have pointedly refused to name) have fantastic reviews on this site? It's clear you've had what you would deem a bad experience with UW (from reading your story I'm still not really clear where the fault lies as it all seems a bit vague on actual facts) but do you genuinely believe that UW try to hurt all their customers? You know the ones that, unlike the vast majority of customers with other suppliers, aren't tied in to a minimum term contract so are free to be on their way without penalty?
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 27/03/2013
stop crayoning over this thread like a puerile infant, if your not going to help you are part of the problem
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
When you haven't got a proper response you just resort to name calling. Way to go. Perhaps you hadn't noticed 2 very important happenings - firstly, I was the first to respond to the reviewer with actual practical advice and, secondly, as per usual, the reviewer hasn't been back here since. Are you beginning to sense a sort of pattern emerging here?
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
I offer where possible advice and help, you offer bullying, intimidation and patronizing comments, and then crayon over the thread with irrelevant groundless facts
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Whichreviews's Response to austin32's Review
Written on: 22/05/2013
Submit meter readings then you will receive the money back
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★☆☆☆☆
“Warning AVOID this company !! ”
Written on: 20/03/2013 by leahg78 (1 review written)
Using Utility Warehouse was the worst mistake i have ever made! After the company charged me the wrong amount for over a year(even though i sent meter reads) i recieved just under £500 dept, I understand we had used the electricity so i was fine to set up a payment plan to pay, however they cancelled my payment plan through fault of there own and will not let me set it back up, i now have two options 1. a prepayment meter ( i have a baby in my home!) or 2. pay pull amount or go to court and... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Response to leahg78's Review
Written on: 20/03/2013
I suggest if you have not done so already DO NOT SPEAK with these people anymore... USE EMAIL where possible... document and track and trace everything from the day you joined, correspondence, meter readings the whole shebang!
if you have a plan in place (or had) and have written evidence, and its now no longer in place they have to give you a written reason...
if they are pursuing you for monies, tell them in writing your circumstances however make every effort to work with them..
be pleasant do not let them make you angry, as they want that...
this is what you need to do
in steps
1. complain in writing to the customer care team (email or recorded letter)
they will refute this and still say your liable
2. complain to the ceo office (next room to the complaints dept)
they will also refute or reject your complaint (they will also say they wont listen to the findings of the ombudsman) dont let this fool you, they do have to adhere to the recommendations
3. go to the ombudsman, state your case, be factual, realistic and show evidence of your efforts to give accurate meter readings, state how you gave it to them, (whether its telephone, online, email etc) show telephone logs if you have to say when you did this (if your bills are itemized)
you need to be clear that you have followed the below procedure
1. you have communicated with the company as per there terms and conditions (meter readings etc)
2 you have explained to them you do not deny you have used the supply they have given
3. you have agreed a plan for you to pay back what is outstanding as a balance and any interest or charges
4. if they have cancelled this agreement they need to give you a reason as well as notice (letters to say you have failed to adhere to the agreement etc)
5. if they are adding charges or costs they need to prove they are valid and related
they will state they have given you letters and will try and back date some of their correspondence to say it went out on the date they claimed..
if you have not already make a diary and send it to the ombudsman (in an email or scanned format)
UW are very poor at administration and house keeping, they think because they are bigger than you there word is more important than yours.
if you need anything else just let me know
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Mulleyman's Response to leahg78's Review
Written on: 23/03/2013
I would suggest making contact with the person who signed you up to be a customer so they can pick things up for you.
I have been a customer for nearly 5 years and have rescheduled my payments with the company on a number of occasions - firstly when I had accrued over £600 worth of credit in my gas... I then paid £18 a month for gas for about 15 months and noticed I was starting to build a debit on my gas account (about £300) and again this year after I had a new boiler installed and insulation put in my loft.
Each time I called and they reviewed it and amended my monthly payments. The bills are quite transparent and show you your current balance, whether its estimated and when a reading has been taken.
I am not too sure how they cancelled your payment plan as in my experience, my monthly payment just went up or down and this was taken as one payment alongwith all of my other services with them? Did you have a failed direct debit with them?
When i did have a problem with my broadband router, the lady who signed me up came and assisted me and got the problem resolved with receipt of a replacement router.
The BBC Xray you mentioned dated from 2010 and they investigated 2 specific cases where errors had been made by both parties (customer and company).
All i know is, since moving over my bills became a lot cheaper and were a lot more managable (one direct debit rather than 4). I have subsequently taken additional services from them.
Also, it is my understanding that any utility company, if there is an outstanding debt, they will install pre-payment meters.
I hope you are able to resolve the above matter quickly for your sanity, but my advice going forward, keep a close eye on your bills, readings and that what youre paying matches what you are using. I think more people will have these problems with any of their suppliers the more they rely on online services and billing as it becomes easy to "trust the bill and pay it" rather than a copy in your hand that you can properly look at.
One of the things I particularly like about the utility warehouse is the fact that the person who signed me up is available to help if there is a problem that I cant resolve.
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Areviewer2012's reply to Mulleyman's Comment
Written on: 24/03/2013
I would follow 99% of the advice this person has offered with one exception calling them.. DO NOT call them, email them so everything is accountable.
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Crimpit's Response to leahg78's Review
Written on: 25/03/2013
I have just had almost exactly the same situation.
I signed up in Jan 2012, moved house in January 2013, and it turns out that I have apparently 'underpaid' by over £600 in 12 months. This based on UW's own estimated payment plan and bills.
Net result, I have been billed more than 60% of my yearly consumption in 2 months, and the total is approx 20% more than I was paying with a previous provider. Avoid them!
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Areviewer2012's reply to Crimpit's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
Sadly if you really drill down into the terms and conditions they offer, a flexible (in their favor) tariff which is based on your property type, which means the smaller the property the more you pay. Have they sent you any correspondence at all in relation to you about your property as well as well as bills that indicate they are estimated. (Not teaching you suck eggs) but did you confirm that your bill was normal..(or did you assume things were ok).. It happens, however they will use this against you (ignorance is not defense etc). Check all correspondence (for the last 12months) and confirm if any changes have happened, and if they have (there is not much you can do but try and arrange a plan to fix it) where as if they have not, you may have a claim to get the money back with costs.
good luck
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 26/03/2013
'Sadly if you really drill down into the terms and conditions they offer, a flexible (in their favor) tariff which is based on your property type, which means the smaller the property the more you pay.'
I'm not understanding this claim at all. Can you please explain it in more detail. Are you suggesting that someone in a 2 bed bungalow would pay a higher rate tariff than someone in a 5 bed detached house? I think, as per usual, you are getting yourself all confused now. And that's me being charitable.
PS Could you possibly quote the T&Cs word for word here?
Thank you.
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 26/03/2013
I have just checked with my supplier SSE and they never asked me for my property type, they quoted me their price for use in the postcode area, and have stuck to that tariff (thankfully in my favour) since prices have gone up in recent months..
But if you feel you need further confirmation about this, read the threads where peoples bills have jumped for no reason at all.. and if you feel the need to dig further and trash things, ask the people who have bills larger by 50-70% compared to their previous supplier...
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 26/03/2013
Not good enough, I'm afraid. This is what you claimed:
'Sadly if you really drill down into the terms and conditions they offer, a flexible (in their favor) tariff which is based on your property type, which means the smaller the property the more you pay.'
I then asked you for where this is actually IN the T&Cs, as you claim. You ignored this request. It's becoming something of a trend.
PS SSE have a review rating of 1 star out of 5 on this site. Does that mean that every SSE customer will experience such a dire service as those reviewing them on here?
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Areviewer2012's Response to leahg78's Review
Written on: 27/03/2013
SSE are not in question on this thread, but UW is! (however if you want to trash SSE) Crack on I wont loose any sleep over it (should not effect me)
yes your correct the tariff is based on your property type.. why would some one want to know this, is this because if your a smaller property you are likely to use less..
You also seem to avoid the threads where people have had a tariff, (people with one or two bed property) have found the review center with these types of property have found their bills rise anywhere from 30-70% in a month... Now tats flexible pricing.. (for UW).. No other supplier does this that I am aware of (ask for property type)
second point UW should give a minimum of 14 days notice on any price changes, this normally comes to the customer as a bill (with the price rise incorporated), this means NO NOTICE was given...
so the request was not ignored as you so claim, but you must continue with this sort of bullying, harassing, puerile intimating and condescending approach, it really shows and reflects lack of customer care and compassion, and the uneducated thugs like yourself just love ridiculing customers who have problems (whether its of there doing or not!)
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 27/03/2013
In what way is asking you to back up what i consider to be wild claims with a bit of evidence 'bullying'? Let's look at what you claimed again:
'Sadly if you really drill down into the terms and conditions they offer, a flexible (in their favor) tariff which is based on your property type, which means the smaller the property the more you pay.'
All I asked was the exact wording in UWs T&Cs to this effect as i can't find it. You obviously can't find them either hence the red herring of the emotive 'bullying' accusation. Just provide the link/wording asked for, please. And please stop with the 'bullying' nonsense. It was YOU who stated these can be seen 'if you really drill down in the terms and conditions' after all. Where?
PS Any price change notification is given on the monthly bill and in my experience has always been at least 14 days before the price change takes effect. Not sure you are getting this TBH.
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 27/03/2013
Lets get back on topic, the person who initiated this thread, had a problem with UW, in that they gave meter readings, and did not deny that they did use the supply.
But should be a BIG BUT, UW have threatened (or a reseller or call center member) has threatened this customer with a arrestable warrant????? what on earth is that all about...
The originator of this thread has also gone to CAB for help and advice, that is an independent body, so now you have gone way of point on this one, and will twist and turn to avoid the fact that UW are a bunch of cowards bulling customers, something you seem very practiced in...
Stop crayoning over peoples thread like a puerile infant, because someone has a problem which YOU don't like.. (the failed UW employee or reseller)
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2013
There's that crayoning comment again. In other words, you can't back up your wild, nonsense claim with evidence and because I had the audacity to ask you to do so I have now been called a puerile infant AND a bully. Blimey. I'm assuming embarrassment isn't your forte.
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
you never answered the questions or comments, you just crayoned over the thread
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
You really could be talking to yourself with that post. It would certainly make more sense.
PS You found those T&Cs yet? You know, the ones I asked you for well over 2 weeks ago?
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 13/04/2013
the T & Cs were found presented (many times on this and other threads) and were selectively ignored, again you deviate from the threads purpose and meaning. distracting the fact UW are cheats and liars.
50% of the people here have complained about the ripped of service and pricing from UW, the other 40 plus % are resellers or employees who live in a sales driven world... which does not reflect the real world
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Leahg78's Response to leahg78's Review
Written on: 20/04/2013
Just an update, I have been receiving many threatening letters to take me to court etc even though I have sent two payments via cheque to start paying off the dept.
Its now April 2013 I have received yet another big bill of £311! Yet another mistake on their behalf by under charging me for my GAS this time! Is there anything else they can get wrong?? I now have nearly £700 worth of dept and non of it my fault!
Im currently on hold to the company now, going to ask for someone to fit pre payment meters, I don't trust this company at all now I need to clear this dept and change my supplier as soon as possible.
GRRRRR after 11minutes on hold the CUT MY CALL OFF!!!! this company is seriously run by delinquents!!!
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Areviewer2012's reply to Leahg78's Comment
Written on: 25/04/2013
I am not sure if you have spoken with these, but do give them a try CAB
they will point you in the right direction for support
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★☆☆☆☆
“NEVER WORST COMPANY EVER, BEST THING STAY AWAY”
Written on: 20/03/2013
to sum it up utility warehouse has the worst customer service EVER, bills are INCORRECT, have phoned numerous times to question issues and since october 2012 got NOWHERE. each time i phone WEEKLY, always a promise manager will phone back within 24 HOURS, now february still waiting got to the point I'M so stressed and this company DON'T CARE, poor poor poor customer SERVICE. i totally agree with previous COMMENTS, the staff are arrogant and DON'T LISTEN. the basics of customer service is... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 20/03/2013
i suggest you stop calling them, email them, make all communication accountable they will deny all telephone calls where possible unless your bills are itemized
complain to the company customer care, they will reject your claim, then complain to the ceo office, they will also reject your claim, you can then complain to the ombudsman, they will listen to you and look at all the facts, but be clear put all the facts together
show that you have been reasonable and communicated at every level with UW, show the response from UW to you when you have queried some issue or concern, or show no response from the company.
date relate every correspondence you have had with UW, and time line everything, and always be civil to UW even in your emails, show your human and that your trying to resolve the outstanding issues reasonably..
and never given..
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★☆☆☆☆
“Can't wait to get back to NPower, UW are the WORST ever”
Written on: 19/03/2013
Even though UW's gas and electric are sourced from NPower, I believed what a UW rep said about incentives, customer service, and all the 'savings' of collating my land line, BB, mobile, gas and electric to one company. In May 2012 the Advertising Standards Authority upheld a complaint that UW mislead customers with the slogan "The UK's cheapest Home Phone The UK's cheapest Home Phone and Broadband bundle The UK's cheapest Mobile tariffs The UK's cheapest standard Gas and Electricity" which... (read more)
Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 20/03/2013
Can't wait to get back to npower? Good luck with that!
Quote: 'Npower has been rated the worst power supplier in Britain for the second year in a row.
In Which?’s annual energy satisfaction survey, the German-owned giant was given an overall score of 39 out of 100.
Npower, which has three million customers but has been continually criticised for poor customer service in surveys over recent years, scored two out of five stars in every category................................
The big suppliers were outclassed by the industry’s minnows in the survey. Good Energy and Ecotricity came top, scoring 85 and 80 out of 100 respectively. Other high performers were Ebico (76), Utility Warehouse (76), Ovo Energy (74) and Co-operative Energy (69).'
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 21/03/2013
I am struggling to see your point "Smirnoffices", the above review indicates the issue they have had (some what detailed and specific) and yet you elude to any of their observations and comments...
Infact you use vague statistics without any reference to a publication, so as far as we know you have made them up...
Sadly your missing the point, and that the customer above would rather go back to Npower, than be with UW... Now that is a statement (even if your information was correct)..
and for the record I have gone through UW's Terms and Conditions with a fine tooth comb and its very hard to pin down any relevant facts, as the vagueness over powers the detail..
I believe the person writing the above review makes a validate statement about how the companie works, and yet again the street vendors peddling the UW propaganda show again they dont know enough about what they are trying to promote or defend.. You are an employee or reseller, and therefore as per UW policy you attack a person who has a valid observation or complaint
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 21/03/2013
I am neither reseller nor employee, although as a satisfied customer I have recommended the service to a few others who have had the same positive experiences. I find myself temporarily incapacitated at the moment which has given me the time to not let you have the final (incredibly jaundiced and frankly worryingly obsessed) word on how bad this company is. The fact that you clearly don't like no longer having your own way on here anymore is of no concern to me. You will just need to up your game as you won't be getting away with the nonsense you've been peddling on here unopposed for a while.
My earlier reply was merely explaining (with supporting evidence, something which I know is an alien concept to you) that in a survey conducted by a very respected consumer interests organisation, npower have yet again found themselves at the bottom of the league table for customer satisfaction. So if the reviewer can get supposedly bad service from a company that got a score of 76% in the Which survey then what's the chances of them getting bad service with a company that got a score of 39%?
This wouldn't seem to be a difficult concept to grasp but then again I'm not you....
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 21/03/2013
Oh dear you have mentioned those words " the which survey" again i must bring your attention to an artical which was written by a well established broad sheet, which question the results of the survey carried out by "which" as highly dubious and potentially compromised, that is to say which had no way to validate any results which it took as genuine from UW customers, that is resellers of UW are customers, and therefore the results would not be true.. additionally UW has been brought to account on a number of occasions about misleading adverts etc
However, getting back on point. because of my rather bit of bad luck with UW and the fact I took them to the ombudsman for poor sportsmanship (that is they tried ever so hard to cheat me out of money they were not owed or due) I felt I should help some people with their issues and grievances, rather than kick them when they are down (something you appear to be comfortable and at home with) as i have seen from your recent posts, you have never offered any supportive advice, you just criticize and condemn them.
and just so you truly understand the picture when a company wants nearly £1000 from you, because the previous tenant ran off and did not pay their bill. you have to admit their is rabbit loose somewhere..
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 22/03/2013
My point was npower came bottom with a pathetic 39% satisfaction rating so I was suggesting the reviewer might be lucky to get a better service with them. I note that, true to form, you made no comment on this part of my reply. Fact is the vast majority of UW services require no min contract commitment and certainly in the case of energy no exit fees whatsoever and their number of services provided are still growing at a rate of 18% per annum - the vast majority of these people are free to leave penalty free at any time (unlike with most other suppliers). So why don't they? Might they be happy so don't feel compelled to moan on here? You've clearly had a bad experience with UW . I don't know the facts so I have no way of determining who was at fault (although from some of your ill-informed comments on here I have an idea) but you clearly believe every customer should be unhappy and the evidence points to that not being the case at all. Move on with your life and get another more rewarding hobby is my advice.
PS I'm glad you mentioned misleading advertising. Please proceed to the ASA website and input the names of all the big energy/telecoms companies in the search box and see what comes up. I think you may be surprised.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/03/2013
Lets look at some simple facts,
1. Price comparison web sites do not show UW as the cheapest or best value (customer care not relevant yet) on many of the products or services they offer
2. the actual pricing of gas or electric used in a tariff can vary depending on the type of property you occupy..
i, what does it matter where you live as long as you have a gas or electric service and you use it, that is ts measured and its paid for.. So if you live in a 1 bed flat you could get charged a higher tariff which is greater than a 4 bed house (because you have less to use potentially) READ THIS ONE FOLKS
3. it also states that UW will give 30 days notice of any price changes, where as if you read some of the reviews in this thread, many customers have had their tarrif changed with NO NOTICE, and yet the parasitical UW resellers jump down the throats of these people (reveiwers saying they must have done something wrong like not read the meter or handed over incorrect meter readings.?
4. i like this one, (phone message service) quote "please note that confidentially of messages cannot be guaranteed " (when using the voice retrieval system on the home service)
Now this tells me your been spied on by UW staff, and any information you leave on this service is already compromised
5. Variation of charges and Terms, again its stated that 14 days will be given, but many people (who have contributed to this site) never seem to get notice of changes other than their Bills be larger, immediate and without notice.
6. Smirnoffice's claimed there were no other companies or suppliers who gave pre paid cards cash back (this was proven) that there were at least 10 if not more companies doing this (in some cases better than UW) as the cash went back to their card, rather than UW who get the money back to their discount club, where they can save on Bills only?
7. Smirnoffice's claims that anyone can leave UW penalty free at anytime , this is not true really (is it), as UW will and can penalize anyone/way they want or feel necessary to recover any costs (I have been a victim of this), an example of this, if you go for the super duper broadband, and its found that if you cannot get the service (agreed) the only thing you get back is the installation costs, you appear to still pay for the service (although not receiving it), also anytime you want to leave you have to adhere to the terms and conditions or pay back parts thereof.
8. The internet UW provide claimed as "ours" really depends on some one else, and that if something happens to this service which is perceived as beyond UW, they are not liable (reasonable control) this means you will pay for a service which you will not get or be compensated for!
I will leave it for now, again its evident that the UW resellers course you attended (you did not pay enough attention too) and did not read up on the terms and conditions.
on a final note (or PS) you claim to get 5% discount on some services when you get people signed up, but UW's literature indicates 2.5% and this again can vary depending on what is signed up as its 0.5% per item (gas, elect, phone, broadband and mobile)
sorry (PPS) I am only interested in helping people who have fallen fowl of UW, and no other company really interests me as I have no problems with my other suppliers (i dont speak to them, I dont get letters from them) I pay my bills for services used, and neither attack or defend them.. UW are different, they are bounders and Cads
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 22/03/2013
Crikey, I thought I had plenty of time on my hands at the moment!! You clearly love to have the final word but this is no longer going to happen so YOU'RE going to have to suck it up my friend.
Responses:
1. In the majority of UW customers' experiences comparison sites only tell part of the facts. According to the company's latest accounts well over half of new customers take at least 4 of the core services; Gas, Electric, Home Phone, Broadband, Mobile. Thus they get many other extras that are not shown on the comparison site, namely
a. 10% annual discount on Gas and Electric (not included in the figure shown on the comparison site)
b. Free calls 24/7 to landlines, 0870, 10 international destinations (not shown on the comparison site)
c. Free 24/7 calls from UW land line to a UW mobile (not shown on comparison site)
d. Unlimited broadband for £3.49/mth for the first 6 months (not shown on comparison site)
e. Up to £200 to buy you out of your existing utility/telecoms service with another company (not shown on comparison site)
f. New line installation from just £24 (not shown on comparison site)
g. A free mobile phone protection scheme phone replacement scheme if your mobile handset is lost damaged or stolen (not shown on comparison site)
2. I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about here and I suspect neither do you. If you wish to switch to UW you simply get the actual annual consumption for the last 12 months from your existing supplier and enter it into the UW calculation page, which automatically calculates the cheapest UW deal for your usage and that's what you get charged on. This seems to be the sort of nonsensical lies you have been getting away with for a while on here but it's now over.
3. You haven't really thought this one through, have you? Unlike any other UK energy supplier that I'm aware of, UW bill EVERY MONTH so inform their customers of price changes/changes in T&Cs on the bill. If people don't read this who's fault is it?
4. Again, I have no idea what you are talking about here but should you believe UW are breaking any laws do get in touch with the relevant authorities.
5. See point 3 above. Already answered.
6. Please name them then. I have asked for proof of this many times now.
7. There are no exit fees on Gas and Electric. Switch away, give them a final reading and don't forget to pay your final bill and you will be fine. And, very unusually, there are no min. term commitments on the home phone or broadband (non fibre) services (IIRC there is a £10 admin fee if you leave the broadband service within the first year). Beat that with your current supplier (who you haven't named yet, I see)
8. Unless you are going the cable route, EVERY broadband service ultimately relies on the co-operation/services of British Telecom. Perhaps you don't know this (add it the ever growing list).
PS To clarify, I get a 5% discount relating to the people I have introduced to UW and the (10) services they have taken in total. And why would I have attended a UW reseller course when I'm not a reseller? Bizarre accusation but you are clearly rattled. Tough.
PPS I know i shouldn't but I had to laugh at the 'fallen fowl' bit. Have UW started selling chickens now? And while we are at it, who are your other suppliers for utilities/telecoms? Unless I've missed it you haven't ever named them...
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/03/2013
I am glad you have put more detail on the benefits of UW, and I am sure they do initially give you some of the deals you indicate (note indicate not claim)..
However I do suggest you read the UW terms and conditions properly, I really suggest you do!! I stress Do please, because some of your observations dont add up, and are very misleading..
1 to Help you and others, the comparison websites focus on Price, rather than service or customer care.. Price that is the cheapest. But if you go to the individual website of these supplies they show you in detail what benefits you get or dont (a bit like how you have described UW). UW's website brands its own products or services and does not compare itself like for like against any other service provider..
2. I am not allowed to quote other publications (rules of reviewcentre.com) but if you go into the terms and conditions which are on the UW website and look, however if you look at section 5. payment and charges section A.. why does it matter the type of property you live in. if it takes electricity (job done).
3. you dont get this one do you, before you issue a bill, you need to notify 14 or 30 days in advance of the bill, you dont do it during the bill (that is add charges to the bill and then say oh they are going up)
4. terms and conditions again section A, read it ... dont guess the terms and conditions
5. you have lost me completely, see 3
6. please see thread (which you claimed i did not answer) but look at my last entry :----- http://www.reviewcentre.com/Electricity-Suppliers/The-Utility-Warehouse-review_1927243
it is also mentioned on another thread but this is the last one you made reference too and i answered
7. if you leave any part of the minimum term of the contract on the phone or internet you will pay £3 pounds per month for the remainder of contract period (this is one example)... you said there were no charges...
8. Mobile phone replacement service actually stopped last week, its fairly obvious again you have not read the UW terms and conditions in the last month or two.. 13 of March 2013 the phone replacement service ceased..
9. there are more than one service provider in the UK who offer cabled routes hubs and services, in fact cable and wireless, virgin media, talk talk, mobile phone operators, kingston telecom are only but a few that I can think of (from the top of my head) as well as BT.. Just so you understand I am an Internet and Telecoms engineer
10 as a reseller you have already indicated you are by getting a discount if you refer someone to UW, therefore you are a reseller (yes you may not have attended one of their training courses as you have to spend approx 250-300 pounds for this benefit)
thanks for the last bit glad you laughed, I made a mistake, big enough to shrug it off, and try and learn.
But have you learned anything from this, so far you have shown your a bullying , condescending, patronizing ignorant UW reseller who believes in their own world, that is if your right about everything, anyone who is not is an idiot and should be treat like one, people are different and make mistakes, some people need assistance, some people are their to play the game.. but most believe the deal they have been sold by UW reps is just too good.. but it takes them too long to figure it out..
Now your making this thread personal and others I have commented on, because your attacking my grammar or spelling or incorrect pronunciation, but have avoided my responses..aka facts and observations
and finally I am not rattled as you would put it, again I draw your attention to the facts that people who recommend services to other customers get 0.5% for each service, read the terms and conditions in the UW website, its clear you are not doing this
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/03/2013
I feel that if anyone or body wants to find the facts, they read the terms and conditions UW provide on their website.
Smirnoffices has not read them recently and many of the claims made are either incorrect or out of date..
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 22/03/2013
LOL. Are you getting weary? I was expecting A War and Peace-length response but, no, nothing at all really. Lame. Perhaps you would like to show proof of my claims being incorrect or out of date? Or are you just making it up as you go along again?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 23/03/2013
your claim for mobile phone replacement service, is not true they stopped doing this in March 2013
please the thread UW absolutely great! you failed to see I answered many of your questions about cash back cards
please read the terms and conditions and pay particular attention to chapter 5, a chapter 4 a,
sadly I am not tired or weary, for some reason my review (like you say was lengthy) but was not posted..
But really folks, I suggest you read the detail, you need to achieve many aspects within the terms and conditions to benefit from any of the services offered
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 23/03/2013
Yet again, you are so WRONG. For Gold Status customers, a free mobile phone protection scheme/phone replacement scheme if your mobile handset is lost, damaged or stolen was introduced on 17th March 2013. It's a very decent offer (I know CPWs Geek Squad charge £14.99/mth for a similar scheme although with the addition of tech support). This is not difficult to find, it's shown clearly on the UW website under Member Benefits, Extra Savings With Gold Status. Have a look and shudder at your lack of research skills.
You really need to sharpen up on your research before posting or you will continue to appear like a person with an irrational hatred for a company who spouts off and can never back up his/her accusations/claims with actual proof.
Talking of unanswered cash back card questions, you still haven't named these 'at least 10' rival pre paid NON CREDIT cash back cards you've mentioned more than once. I need the names of these cards, please, otherwise I would be justified in arriving at the conclusion that this claim was yet more lies.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 23/03/2013
please note on your initial claim about phone replacement, you did not mention gold status
however as the thread (UW absolutely great!) you have missed my observations again, however i have copied them for you to deny again
topcashback (website) not a card but you do get cash back on the following utility companies and more Npower, scottish power, SSE, first utility confused dot com British gas
the list is fairly extensive.
Cashplus Gold Activeplus
Pockit Prepaid Mastercard pay as you go
kalixa prepaid master card
tuxedo pay as you go master card
clear cash pay as you go mastercard
orange cash
pockit prepaid mastercard pay monthly
virgin prepaid card pay as you go
cashplus gold premier
secure trust bank
Clearcash card
Bread Card
Orange cash card
freedom card
mycash plus
all of the above have different types of benefits, some good some not so good..
this does not include debit or credit cards which their are many
But lets look back again, to benefit from any real scheme presented by UW, you have to take a minimum of four services and use them consequently for 75 days or more)
and you are limited to I believe 200 pounds or some other similar value
I noticed you silence with regards the chapters i brought to the attention of you and others...
But sadly as a UW reseller or customer care rep, you are clearly an angry bitter and twisted employee of sorts, who sadly feels they will loose their bonus if they dont fight, rather than help or assist.
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 23/03/2013
Lol. You clearly read as well as you write. So now you are saying i didn't make it clear that the free phone replacement deal was for Gold status customers. I quote from my very first paragraph:
'1. In the majority of UW customers' experiences comparison sites only tell part of the facts. According to the company's latest accounts well over half of new customers take at least 4 of the core services; Gas, Electric, Home Phone, Broadband, Mobile. Thus they get many other extras that are not shown on the comparison site, namely
g. A free mobile phone protection scheme phone replacement scheme if your mobile handset is lost damaged or stolen (not shown on comparison site)''
How much clearer am i supposed to make it??
In that list of cash back cards, please highlight the ones which, like the UW card, give you cash back on card transactions online and in store and don't rely on discount vouchers/going through an affiliate link on their web site. Thank you.
PS Like I have stated several times before, i am neither reseller nor employee. And as for being 'bitter and twisted' it's clear there IS one bitter and twisted one involved in this 'conversation' but it sure isn't me.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 23/03/2013
I think your beginning (sorry are) to drift of topic
1. I have provided you with at least 10 other pre paid card providers who give cash back.. You can investigate and trash them if you want.
2. Now we have come down to why me must join UW, and its discount club or as many services as possible, this is so you can have access to the phone replacement service..
so folks dont worry about your phone messages been intercepted, we have a phone replacement service
Hey dont worry about the 20% admin charge every time you top up your mobile phone account, we have phone replacement service
Hey dont worry about the fact your property maybe a one bed flat and we charge you a huge fortune, we have a phone replacement service
Hey dont worry if your broadband doesn't work, we only sold it to you we don't operate it , but we have a phone replacement service
Hey dont worry if you dont give us meter readings, we will guess your useage, hit you with a big bill, then rack up additional charges, but we have a phone replacement service
Hey you can save 2.85 a month on your broadband but dont worry we also have a phone replacement service
hey the cash back card, you pay money and get the cash back (well not really) but only on your discount club benefits account, but hey we have a phone replacement service
small print, the phone replacement service is only applicable to those who have 4 or more services and are a gold member of the discount club
small print, we only give the phone replacement if you are a gold member for more than 75 days if you have used consistently at least four of the services offered, so you now dont need house insurance now.
so dont worry, our customer careless team will make every effort to bully, intimidate, condescend, and patronize you and if we fail, our pet resellers trolls will publicly humiliate you further because we don't care about you we just care about ripping you off
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 24/03/2013
Oh dear. I'll leave you to it for a while, I can see this scrutiny is not doing you much good.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 24/03/2013
Sadly, you kept hanging onto tiny irrelevant facts, and avoided many of key issues when hand brought to account.
I apologize to you an others if I have offended as at the end of the day, my aim is to help victims of UW man handling and bullying.
But finally read the contract before you sign up
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Gandesalesman's Comment
Written on: 12/04/2013
someone clearly works for the company here!
and there rubbish, haveing worked for many energy companys and even signing up to work for UW there focus is on signing people up, anyone and everyone "hey are you busy tonight, ive got something really exciting to show you" "what time is best?" sound familiar classic sales pyramid american trash company. specialise in nothing and everything
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★☆☆☆☆
“Can't wait to get back to NPower, UW are the WORST ever”
Written on: 19/03/2013
Even though UW's gas and electric are sourced from NPower, I believed what a UW rep said about incentives, customer service, and all the 'savings' of collating my land line, BB, mobile, gas and electric to one company. In May 2012 the Advertising Standards Authority upheld a complaint that UW mislead customers with the slogan "The UK's cheapest Home Phone The UK's cheapest Home Phone and Broadband bundle The UK's cheapest Mobile tariffs The UK's cheapest standard Gas and Electricity" which... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“awful!!!!”
Written on: 16/03/2013 by pat45 (1 review written)
left the company 2 years ago with no debt left on my gas pre-payment meter now have received a letter from a debt collecting agency demanding £110 no-one at utility warehouse can explain why i've got this debt and most of the time you can even get to speak to the relevant department - don't have anything to do with this company (read more)
Areviewer2012's Response to pat45's Review
Written on: 18/03/2013
I suggest you keep all correspondence, traceable and accountable, speaking them them they will deny you called them or to that person..
this company makes its profits from mistakes (normally made by there own poor house keeping) and they chance it back on you as your fault and problem. (and they add back dated charges) where ever possible..
if they persist they will try, just log it and then complain to the following
customer care
CEO office
and then the ombudsman
if you prove you have been reasonable and there is no evidence that you owe any money, you can be award some good will costs..
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Pat45's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 19/03/2013
thanks for the advice
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★★★★★
“UW absolutely great!”
Written on: 15/03/2013
Services - good. Bill - super clear - down to the penny - every month - you know how much you are consuming, how much you are paying, if you are in credit or debit you can re-adjust it straight away. Savings - massive - on shopping as well. I am very happy with them but then again I am a good customer: I pay my bills on time, I give my readings every month and I recommended the company to 4 friends and 2 members of my family. For this the company has is rewarding me every month with a... (read more)
Aura's Comment
Written on: 17/03/2013
Are they better then TalkTalk please?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 18/03/2013
a company that supplies me a service, without question query or complaint and sticks to its tarriff is a good company in my eyes, however this Sycophancy flag waving propaganda is possibly the worst I have ever seen.
I save on my shopping these days by shopping wisely looking at the deals and where possible haggle.. and i dont need a loyalty (which needs paying or topping up with an admin fee) card to achieve this.
I also pay my bills on time with direct debit or standing order (hence i am not late).
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 20/03/2013
Haggling + paying by UW card = better deal all round. There's no reason to be paying any more than £1.35/mth in fees on the UW cash back card but when you can get 5% at places like B&Q, Argos, Boots, Homebase and 3% at Sainsburys on groceries and petrol etc etc it doesn't take a genius to realise the cash back can really add up. Just because you have the UW card doesn't stop you from haggling, you know. You just pay for the item (after haggling) with the cash back card instead of your usual debit card and voila - an extra 3%- 7% discount! What's the problem?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 21/03/2013
I fail to see your point, the review was and is a pointless stunt, additionally the reviewer indicates massive savings, where as you only show pennies that can be saved, if not tens of pennies..
also you fail to show or indicate clearly and that is the main point, that all cash back rewards GO to YOUR clubhouse account (or utility warehouse account), YOU DON'T BENEFIT in the pocket directly. secondly any of the preferred partners of the card can and do change the terms and conditions when and where ever they like... in fact half of those listed dont even allow cash back on half the items they sell... so again you are misleading the facts....
i think the problem is with yourself not understanding the card scheme you have (suggest you look up the terms yourself) just to make sure your not been swizzled out of money yourself, as you have to trust UW that you are getting the benefit into your discount clubhouse account..
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 21/03/2013
I get a discount off my utility bill by using the cash back card which means I have MORE CASH in my pocket. I know you have a seemingly irrational hatred of this company but don't let that cloud your judgment to the extent that you look foolish.
I check my online account regularly and I have received ALL the cash back I have been entitled to so please don't try and make me out to be the naive one here - I think you will f ind that is you.
If you wish to have a reasonable debate about any points concerning UW then please do so in a reasonable manner and we will get on just fine. But i suspect from previous replies to me which ignore most of the questions I have asked/points I have raised you know you would lose that particular contest before the bell went for the end of the first round hence the hyperbole. Never mind.
PS Please gen up on THERE and THEIR and YOUR and YOU'RE and at least the grammar in your posts won't grate as much as the content. YOU'RE causing my OCD to kick in big time.
PS An average of £20 cash back on my UW bill each month is not what i would consider pennies. But I will call it TWO THOUSAND PENNIES if you wish. TWENTY FOUR THOUSAND PENNIES per annum.
PS This is in addition to the current 5% monthly ongoing discount I get for recommending friends to the club. It all adds up, my friend. But you keep spending hours and hours looking to save a few pence on carrots and haggling on your daily newspaper. Whatever floats your boat.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 21/03/2013
I thank you for pulling me up for my grammar or spelling, as I have had problem since school this is not new to me, it does have a name (but like many issues i do my best to work around it)
Getting back on topic, you want reasonable dialogue, and yet you chastise, bully and try to intimidate other posters who may not be as clever or as elegant as your good self, but have genuine issues (of there own making or not)
you also point out i have not answered or avoided most of your questions, there I shall disagree, I feel your not really understanding many of the key issues fully, and are trying to some how turn this around.. i would suggest you try and be helpful to the other people who have issues, you a ledge to be wise and educated, so help them out, guide them back to what benefits them and UW.
You have also commented on posts, not answering the question or complaint in hand with any relevance, other than some spurious statistic claims otherwise.. if UW were so good they would have every customer in the land.. they dont, and this is because they are a poor communicator at reselling, they are a reseller of services (other third party services) when and if you read the small print, they have very little influence over (should an issue arise).. so i suggest people read the small print .
So many of this so called new and wondrous ground breaking thinking UW does is actually common sense, I guarantee you that I could find like for like products the so called cash back card claims to save, by using the internet and other sources like for like if not better the claimed savings.
and if you want to save your so called money back scheme, you can swap suppliers as and when you want getting better deals and saving you much more, there are so many price comparison websites out in cyber space that can assist. so the summary is
1. phone and broadband, is supplied by a national well known carrier or whoever is local in that area which does not mean they are any better
2. Gas Not any cheaper (does not show well for UW on other comparison websites)
3. electricity (as per 2) but if you dont follow the specific rules of UW you will be punished, fined and possibly put on an extortionate meter
4. the cash back card is not , that is its only unique to UW the discount club scheme, and some of the so called agreed service suppliers dont give cash back on certain if not half of its items.
5. You yourself have not really entered into the spirit by asking me for fair debate, when you attack and insult other users of the UW service, try listening first, ask some valid questions to get to the facts
6. you are so blinded by UW, that you do not or cannot acknowledge that there could be other savings to be had by other suppliers, this is a typical case of UW reseller syndrome, trying to gain brownie points... what did everyone do before all of this I wonder in life, how did they survive..
and finally whats with all the PS's do you mean
PS
PPS
and finally
PPPS
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 21/03/2013
You make the mistake of assuming everyone has as much time on their hands as you clearly have. They haven't, they work and have hobbies, families, friends etc. I have no doubt you love the thrill of spending hours trying to save a few pennies here and there but most people value their time much more preciously than you.
And whilst we are talking about avoiding questions I don't recall you answering my question regarding the other cards you say are similar to UWs being CREDIT CARDS not pre-payment cards. A big difference. And perhaps you could share with us the particular cash back card you would recommend? I mean, you do use one, right?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 21/03/2013
I am fairly confidnet I answered your questions about the cash back debit cards, but i can answer it again
topcashback (website) not a card but you do get cash back on the following utility companies and more Npower, scottish power, SSE, first utility confused dot com British gas
the list is fairly extensive.
Cashplus Gold Activeplus
Pockit Prepaid Mastercard pay as you go
kalixa prepaid master card
tuxedo pay as you go master card
clear cash pay as you go mastercard
orange cash
pockit prepaid mastercard pay monthly
virgin prepaid card pay as you go
cashplus gold premier
secure trust bank
Clearcash card
Bread Card
Orange cash card
freedom card
mycash plus
all of the above have different types of benefits, some good some not so good..
because you can shop-on-line topcashback covers all if not more of what the UW cash back card offers, BUT wait as unlike the UW cash back card, you or your card gets the cash with the others i have mentioned, where as UW puts the money into your club discount account for you to use only on UW products or services..Hmmm?
I actually use nectar rather than cash back cards, (so its an incentive card) but same thing..
Now that i have addressed your query, I hope i did not over whelm you with other companies and services that do the same if not better than UW.. But dont feel guilty about it we all have good days and bad days, let me know if you need any other saving ideas or tips which are equal if not better than UW, I would be happy to assist.
and finally, instead of been destructive with peoples issues or concerns, try the human touch, try and keep them as a customer with UW, reach out to them, show caring and compassion, help them when they are down (dont kick them)i appreciate its not going to be easy initially for you as you appear to loyal to UW and wont have a wrong word said about them, but try nobody else seems to care, you may even get promoted at work ;-)
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
'I actually use nectar rather than cash back cards, (so its an incentive card) but same thing..'
This line sums up your lack of knowledge to me! I have news for you - as well as a 3-7% discount I also get nectar points at places like Sainsburys, Homebase and Debenhams.
PS I also use topcashback almost exclusively but at the retailers who give UW cash back I simply use them both in combination! Were you not aware you can do this? I'm sure I've previously mentioned this with my B&Q deal?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
Many of the cards mentioned above have the same plan and deal as UW. with their partner companies and suppliers
UW offer upto 18% cashback for online shopping
other cards as mentioned above offer up to 27%
additionally the other companies offer protection if your online products are lost or damaged, and have no minimum spend.. with UW and many of its partner companies you need to have a £50 minimum spend to qualify for the cashback offer, the other cards also allow you to draw cash from your card.*UW is a payment only card*.
Any disputes about purchases or other related card issues will be managed and regulated by UW, and they have the final and only say...! (I wonder who they will favour).
UW offer some benefits, and they are no different in some cases with other cash back schemes. the only difference with UW is the cashback goes back onto the payment card only.. again read the terms and conditions before you sign up as may be disappointed when you dont get all the benefits as expected as all purchases by this card may not be covered by the scheme
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
'Many of the cards mentioned above have the same plan and deal as UW. with their partner companies and suppliers'
Which ones offer in store cash back by spending on the card and not by going through an affiliate link on their website (i.e. just like topcashback) or offering discount shopping vouchers? I genuinely would love to know.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
to answer your last question again, they all offer cash back on instore purchases as well on as online, the Online payment gives you more cash back than at the till...
Ok which cash machines accept UW payment card only, I will helpy ou on this one.... ZERO
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
'to answer your last question again, they all offer cash back on instore purchases as well on as online, the Online payment gives you more cash back than at the till...'
Are you absolutely sure? You can use all those company's cash back card in-store and get cash back on purchases can you? No first having to click on an online affiliate link? No requirement to buy discount shopping vouchers?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 26/03/2013
why dont you investigate these card suppliers, trash them for some irrelevant fact and feel good about yourself. Its clear you hate any other company or service offering similar if not better services (individually).
you really need to get over the fact, their are bigger, better and cheaper services than UW. out their!
and finally like I have already said, many if not all the card schemes have similar if not the exact same agreement with suppliers (shops/retailers) that UW has..
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 26/03/2013
Give me the name of just TWO of the cards you mention that do what the UW card does and I will have a good look. Surely that's a reasonable request? I mean, you clearly have researched all these cards to be able to make the claims you have made. Right?
PS I've looked at 4 so far and not one gives cash back on card purchases in store....
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 26/03/2013
which four please and explain to all of us, not just me please
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 27/03/2013
just wanted to add that now you have like a puerile infant hijacked and crayoned over other threads I have written or supported on, seem to be unable to answer this thread.. I therefore assume its closed as you have nothing factual or relevant to add, other than you're a spiteful and bitter person who cannot accept your beloved employer gets it wrong more often than not..
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★☆☆☆☆
“rubbish”
Written on: 14/03/2013 by utilitywarehouseisnaff
been with them 3 days and they have capped my internet. im on unlimited data plan. dont waste your time or money (read more)
Smirnoffice's Response to utilitywarehouseisnaff's Review
Written on: 15/03/2013
You must be using a shedload of data to be capped after 3 days lol! We are on their unlimited usage broadband and extensively use both Netflix (including watching 5 whole seasons, approx 50 episodes, of Breaking Bad in one month!!) and Sky Go and no sign of a cap here. I did ring them a couple of months ago to ask if we would be OK using all this streaming data and the word was anything up to 200gb/mth data would be fine. Have you rung them to ask the reason for this?
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Areviewer2012's Response to utilitywarehouseisnaff's Review
Written on: 19/03/2013
if a customer has unlimited its unlimited, even in three days based on the technical limits of the internet you would be hard pushed even with streaming videos to download 1gb a day, so your wild claim of 200Gb a month would be 6Gb a day, (this is based on the average download speeds) use by the likes of BT and Virgin so something is not right with your statement as UW never commit to anything verbally, they dont even commit to their own contractual Terms and conditions
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Smirnoffice's Response to utilitywarehouseisnaff's Review
Written on: 20/03/2013
One hour of streaming netflix at best quality (not even HD btw!) uses on average 700mb of data. We once watched 7 episodes of Breaking Bad in one day (was raining!), in addition to the usual surfing/emailing etc. Similarly, how much data would you reckon watching a 90 minute game of football at high quality on Sky Go uses? I'll tell you - 990mb so with the post match analysis thrown in well over 1GB! Which is the reason why UW have now (from 1st April as stated on my latest bill) decided to offer unlimited downloads to every broadband customer (the previous standard bb was limited to 40GB/mth). Good news for me - my bill for BB/phone line rental from UW will decrease by £2.85 per month from April . Seriously, how many telecoms suppliers do you know who are reducing their prices at the moment?
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 21/03/2013
You appear to contradict your own numbers or statistics, you also dont take into account traffic shaping, that is as the internet is share by others you may on some days get more than others or less (in other cases)
current guidelines or reference documents and newpapers support the average daily or monthly use of the internet is 17Gb, now depending on your connection speed and the traffic shaping policies you may get upto 100Gb a month, some get a little more some get a little less..
But lets get back to your last couple of statements, you indicated what appears to be a recent conversation with UW that if you call them up, its a no problem mate, you fill your shoes with what ever you want when it comes to data use (I assume you had a data meter on your router or switch which blocked off or slowed down your use... when you peaked at 40Gb.. and on your last comment you talk about a bill you had in april and then decided to change to an unlimited download (through a telephone conversation..)
This does not add up, if your limited and want more you pay hence your statement indicates 40Gb.. Then you say well you can go 400% more or extra for free, but then pay 2.85 extra for unlimited..
Now UW are a reseller rather than a service provider, so although there are regulations in place for resellers to get so much service, i really am not comfortable with your statement.. additionally depending on how you watch your internet viewings you can reduce the resolution if need be (for example you can change settings or watch videos and movies on iphones and similar products which gives you different data rates.. we at home have at the best 4 or 5 data items running at once and i run and manage websites, as well as watch TV or audio visual programs on my wireless devices portable or other and still don't use halve as much as you claim. so as a UW reseller your not really upto speed as all of UW's claims about the internet are all related to another well known National service provider, it also states in the Terms and conditions if they cannot provide you the agreed minimum service they will not charge you the installation fee (but it does not say they wont change or revert you back to the previous or lower tarrif).. I suggest you read the terms and conditions again, you really need to read your own companies propaganda
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 23/03/2013
I can see I'm not dealing with the sharpest tool in the box here lol. As an EXISTING UW UNLIMITED BB/HOME PHONE CUSTOMER I am currently paying £24.74/mth combined but from April I will be paying £21.89/mth for the exact same package. Now I'm no mathematical genius but I reckon that represents a £2.85/mth saving. Would you agree? And has your current telecoms provider (you STILL haven't said who it is!) ever actually reduced your bill in the time you have been with them, I wonder?
The data rates I provided are very easy to verify by simply going to the relevant companies' web sites and searching. Unlike yourself, I'm not in the habit of spouting untruths in order to get my point across.
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
That 17GB average data download monthly figure info is almost 18 months old! And the article refers to monthly data use increasing SEVEN FOLD in the 5 years prior to the date of the article (Nov. 2011). As a country, our data use is rising massively month by month and it is to UWs credit that they have decided to give every one of their customers unlimited data so there is no worry about going over the previous standard BB download allowance of 40GG/mth and incurring extra, unplanned for charges.
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
please tell me (and everyone else) why and how the data is growing! I am interested, and how UW is the only company to notice this (as a reseller) not a supplier who monitors how data actually works.
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Areviewer2012's Response to utilitywarehouseisnaff's Review
Written on: 23/03/2013
Smirnoffices, you have this ability to spout bile about your level of service you get from UW, yet very few people agree with you (with this review thread) and other similar threads..
and when facts are presented you attack the individual personally instead of explaining rationally.
again you attack people, just like all other UW reseller staff, you quote constant UW rhetoric which UW resellers are fed during their reseller sign up.. You know so much about the benefits of what you get or receive when you sign people up, you bang on about the % you get..
you also mention another thread, that BT are the only supplier of cable communications, sorry but you missed of cable and wireless, colt telecom, virgin media, kingston telecom and BT.
who i use is irrelevant, much as it is, they own the network rather than have a third party resell it. therefore I speak to them and not a third party who will deny any responsibility when it goes wrong.
now to continue please read the other threads you appear not to have acknowledged, where you are proven otherwise incorrect, but again you miss the point, and it looks like you will not actually get promoted at UW after all, and stay at the bottom of the sluice dwelling pit with the other cat fish..
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 23/03/2013
I'm assuming you have accepted the FACT that with effect from 1/4/13 I will be paying £2.85/month less than I currently pay for my UW unlimited broadband/home phone? Don't you think that's pretty good in this day and age of telecoms prices increasing all the time?
If it is as i suspect BT you use then you need to check out the reviews of that organisation on here (just a shade over 1 star currently and the most recent review is entitled “ABSOLUTE RUBBISH” !) to realise that it's generally only people who have had a bad experience with a company who can be bothered to post a review. Which sort of negates your theory about very few people agreeing with me about UW giving a good service (which i suspect is the real reason you won't divulge the name of your supplier). If they were so great surely you would be only too happy to tell us all who they are.
PS Here you go again mis-reading my posts (you do seem to have a problem with the written word). Re-read what i said again about BT and cable because it is the exact opposite of what you seem to have 'read'. Try and focus more on the actual wording of my posts before making yourself look silly.
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 23/03/2013
I have decided to agree with you and leave this victory as yours, you can have it as nobody can argue that you are better off a month by £2.85
This is really worth standing on a soap box and telling everyone they should join because you can save £2.85..
You are the winner (You have beaten me fair and square on this one) I shall for a short moment remain in your shadow as a humble UW potential reseller, and think I wish i could be a great UW reseller just like you, Smirnoffice
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
HaHa...nice one. But I'm not a reseller (maybe I should be). One thing you should have noticed by now - the people leaving these ultra negative reviews so rarely return to expand on their review when challenged. Any ideas as to why that is?
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
I believe, the hostile and negative responses they get from people like yourself make them feel further depressed. they have enough issues to deal with (money loss) potential legals costs and other personal issues, some feel they can get it off there chest by giving a small rant, explanation etc.
I have said a few times this is an opportunity for UW to put a customer care rep on here to help them, but as they have unqualified resellers like yourself, trained only to attack, destroy, humiliate and bully, these people move on, as they understand reasonable dialogue is pointless.
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See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 612 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Useless”
Written on: 13/03/2013
I moved into a rented house in November 2012, and immediately contacted them to let them know that I was living there and to provide initial meter reads, and that's where the problems started. The house used to be part of a factory, where the owners decided to split it. However, I spent 40 minutes on the phone trying to explain this to them. The account was registered as a business account and apparently they can't change it without council tax banding information which wasn't done until... (read more)
★★★★★
“Very happy customer”
Written on: 13/03/2013
I have been with The utilities Warehouse for one year. In this time I have had to telephone Technical support on 3 occasions. On every occasion, I have been listened to,offered advice & help & had a follow up call, to see if I have any problems & to see if I have been satisfied with the service. I have my Gas, Electric, Internet & home phone with Utility's Warehouse . I like the clear easy to understand monthly bills. I also like the cash back card . It really helps keep me in budget & I... (read more)
Aura's Comment
Written on: 17/03/2013
Are they better then TalkTalk?
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Alexis14711's Comment
Written on: 19/03/2013
I personally believe that every company is capable of giving its customers service ,ranging from the excellent to the atrocious .
We were happy with Talk Talk, while we used their service, however we had horrendous problems when we wanted to leave ,they refused to accept the date we notified them & received an email from them denying that we had contacted them , yet we had numerous emails that my husband & this person , had sent. They threatened us with the balifi & 18months later aknowledge, that they actually owe us money.
When we went with utilities warehouse, our agent guaranteed to resolve any problems, that we had , I havnt neede her help as Utility's warehouse customer service have been so good.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 18/03/2013
I can only assume because you have all services you are either a rare and lucky customer or because your on gold service you get some TLC from UW, however everyone else who does not appear to have all services seems to get a rough deal... but then again some people who do have all the services dont seem to get all the benefits.. This cash back card is sadly a false benefit as your tied into certain shops or retailers and secondly you need also to pay an admin fee for it.
there are several cash back cards on the market (even with supermarkets) as well as good deals, shopping wisely and haggling.
anyone with common sense would look at all options before they through themselves into the "dont carry all your eggs into one basket" scenario...
and finally its somewhat clear your a UW reseller, why, I also like my service providers but dont seem to want to defend them, thats what there customer care and sales team are for.... oh hang on you are customer care and the sales team, AKA a reseller
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Kingan's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
Is nice to see positive reviews :) am a UW distributor and am very happy to be part of this company.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
Glad you like the positive reviews, do you think you can help the ones who have problems or issues, if you like good news maybe you can help people..
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★☆☆☆☆
“Diabolical, I've been had!!!!!”
Written on: 13/03/2013
Having been with these rip off merchants a year now and after THEY have reduced my direct debit 3 times, the last time being early December, they wrote to me to on 31st December 2012 to say that I owed them £1109.00 on my electricity account!!!!! And that my direct debit would be going from £101.40 a month to £271.00 a month!!!!! It seems they can reduce your monthly direct debit to lull you into a false sense of security then slap you with this. PLEASE don't use this company you'll end... (read more)
Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 13/03/2013
Hi,
Have you been giving regular meter readings to UW? What was your opening reading (i.e the one you gave them on the day your switch to UW was completed?) And what is it now?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 17/03/2013
Sadly this company are incompetent, and use this too there advantage and penalize you for their mistakes. They try and use clever words, or its your responsibility to check and confirm all types of readings, information as well..
I suggest you complain in the following order, and if your issues and concerns are genuine in the sense that you can prove with written evidence as hear say sadly has little or no value.
1. complain to customer care
2. complain to the CEO office
3. Complain to the ombudsman
the first two they will reject out right as just standard, however make sure when you complain, communicate via email only, dont speak to them at all, as they will try and twist and turn the situation.. stick to the facts and dont give in to them... they will threaten you with debt collectors, say it will effect your credit rating etc..
remember email everything from meter readings to general communication, this is the only way to beat them at there own game. and always be compliant
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 18/03/2013
Interesting that you make no mention of the Guest's apparent lack of personal meter readings but immediately blame the supplier. If you are the type of person who wouldn't even know where the meter is let alone think to actually read it and give the findings to your supplier, this sort of customer will be in exactly the same situation with their 'new' supplier in 12 months time. And it absolutely IS the householders responsibility to make sure they are paying the right amount. It's not like any supplier is going to send an official meter reading every month, is it? This seems to me like a catch up bill that EVERY supplier will eventually issue to those who don't take responsibility for their usage and how much it is costing. Unlike every other energy supplier Utility Warehouse give ALL its energy customers the opportunity to pay MONTHLY for their EXACT usage - it's simply a matter of giving a meter reading at the end of each month and that exact usage will be charged for in the proceeding month. No chance of running up either a big debit balance or a big credit balance. Perfect. Discuss.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 19/03/2013
I like many have a direct debit scheme in place and we pay for what we think we are likely to use and settle up at an agreed time. (sometimes i pay more sometimes i get a refund)
now this person as per UW's own website say they do this, however if you dont THEY estimate what they THINK, and not YOU, so therefore its possible that they will over estimate and send you whopping huge bill, they wont even advise you of the difference (where as other companies, not all, but some do advise you of this) however because you now in arrears UW will add costs.
now because of this over estimate or under payment, UW will demand the full amount on the estimate (not the actual bill) and then promise to offset or refund you ) sorry I could not help myself I am still laughing at the last statement :-o
PLEASE NOTE READERS if you don't pay this over estimate in the first instant you will be penalized FURTHER before they attempt to try and fix the over estimation..
AND ON A FINAL NOTE UW claim to be exact, but even if you give your meter readings to them, they do claim they were not sent or received and will estimate your bill (not on your useage) but on what they think they can get away with..
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Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 20/03/2013
It's entirely clear that your apparent hatred for this company is clouding your judgment here. It's very simple really; if you wish to do so, you simply provide a meter reading at the end of each month and UW charge you on that reading the month after (so effectively you pay for exactly what you are using). In all the time I have done this not once have UW ignored it or charged me on an estimated reading. And even if they DID ignore it and the bill was incorrect/undercharged i would immediately see that was the case and get them to amend it, in the meantime I would put the undercharge amount to one side so I didn't spend it on something else. Common sense really.
I know you clearly hate the company but please stop making stuff up in order to try and discredit them. Like I have said previously, it is the CUSTOMER'S responsibility to make sure they are being charged correctly. The OP clearly hasn't taken up this responsibility for the last 12 months, gets a big catch up bill then blames the company.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 21/03/2013
I do not disagree with you that UW are not getting a xmas card of me this year... They tried and failed to rip me off, let me educate you...
I inherited a property where UW were supplying a utility service, it became clear that the previous tenant of the property did not inform either the landlord or the agent they had changed service providers..
I had gone through the normal channels, informed my last supplier I had moved into this property and they should take over all utilities whilst i was a resident.. They did this but had trouble with one part of the supply.. I had spoken with the landlord and estate agent who new only the old suppliers, however after some small time had passed, a UW rep came to the door, and were informed that the property had since changed hands..
I then received a letter from UW indicating that I owed the balance (from the previous tenant) as well as a fine or charges equaling if not greater than the outstanding.. infact after been threatening with debt collectors and court, Note: i had said i would pay for the supply to the house during my stay, (no more or less) which they said I had not informed them of the meter readings (which when i finally found out who supplied the property they were aware of the readings but choose to ignore) again they had been informed of this but they choose not to enter it into there records, because i did not have an account with them.. so the Bills or debt was getting larger because they refused to accept i was a new tenant even though they were informed by email, and by there own door step staff (who had seen the contracts) of new tenancy.
anyway (i shall cut the dull bit out). after complaining to them they refused to accept anything other than i was liable for the previous tenant and the debt that was growing daily..
eventually after complaining to the customer complaints dept (who rejected the complaint), then the CEO office (who also rejected the claim), I went to the ombudsman, who looked at all the facts presented and found that UW were not only wrong but unreasonable (that is their hearsay) was not evidence enough against all the printed emails and correspondence date time lined.
This went on for nearly a year, and they persisted, only once offering me a discount on the fines etc if I joined them...
so the summary is, they are incompetent, untruthful, manipulative, misleading and very dishonest.
and finally Customers do have a responsibility, if they understand what they are getting themselves into, UW don't even honor or respect there own terms and conditions, and take full advantage of this when they know there customer is vulnerable
and finally finally, UW also say in there own terms and conditions if you dont choose to use the meter reading scheme they will assume your useage and bill you accordingly, they dont actually balance anything up until you have paid.. and £1100 pounds owed in one year although they have paid money towards the bill, these people must be running a cannabis farm, or have a faulty meter (or had a faulty meter reading).. I have used 3 electric heaters additional to the gas in this property over winter since November till March roughly and we are only paying £70 a month... something is seriously wrong with that persons bill or account
I hope you feel better now
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Longlostpoet's Comment
Written on: 18/03/2013
your electric depends on you supplying the correct meter reading every month, if you have not done this, or supplied the wrong data then your electric bill would have reflected this.
have you checked the the meter readings with your online bill ?
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
I believe if you read the company terms and conditions the property type you live in also determines the price of the electricity they will bill you, amongst other things.
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★★☆☆☆
“Topping up meter”
Written on: 13/03/2013
Can anyone help I have tried all the shops suggested by utility warehouse and none are working, I have been given 3 different numbers now to top up and it keeps failing, has anyone had this problem with their prepaid meters. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“ripoff gas prices”
Written on: 12/03/2013
we had a gas and electric meter fitted and the gas seems to be going round really fast even when we dont use it we only have heating on for two hours in the morning but electric all lights are on and the meter seems to be normal. The gas just dont seem to last even when we dont use it customer service is very poor and they give different info depending on who you speak to (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Never use”
Written on: 12/03/2013 by Rachelaedwar (1 review written)
They are ok until you come to leave them. They pay you money to join them,and ask you to stay for a year on broadband and phone,when you leave after14 months they demand the money back. There not happy to pay money that was promised to you on electric and gas. You must always check you policy before agreeing to it.You are told one thing then they put down another. It takes them at least 10 minutes to answer the phone,then your on the phone for ages sorting out a simple problem. The customer... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“WORST COMPANY EVER!”
Written on: 12/03/2013 by Chui (1 review written)
Utility Warehouse are without a doubt the biggest rip-off there is! Do not under any circumstances join their wretched little club. They will deliberately manipulate the figures to make it look as if you are making a saving on your utilities, and then after 3 or 4 months, you suddenly realise that actually you've got a huge debit balance with them and now you can't change providers because you have to pay off the outstanding balance first. Argue with them, and all they do is offer you... (read more)
Smirnoffice's Response to Chui's Review
Written on: 14/03/2013
Hi,
Did you take any meter readings at all? It seems from reading negative reviews of all energy suppliers on here a worrying majority are from people who don't ever bother reading their own meters and providing up to date consumption figures. Energy suppliers aren't magical and can't possibly know how much you are using if you don't actually tell them (they are only legally obliged to read your meter every 2 years I believe). The fault in this situation is almost undoubtedly yours, I'm afraid.
One of the real advantages of this particular company is their standard monthly billing, something I don't think any other company do. If you wish to avoid running up a debt then the onus is most definitely on you to make sure this doesn't happen and it's so easy that it makes me shake my head when people don't do it then write reviews on here slagging their energy supplier (whoever that may be). Give a meter reading at the end of each month and your bill will reflect that exact usage and the correct DD will be taken approx 14 days after the bill is produced. Seriously, what could be simpler? Time to take control of your utility bill and stop blaming others.
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 15/03/2013
I have found with my own experience that if you dont take what they sell to you, they start to squeeze and become uncooperative. even when i left them meter readings, they would loose them or deny receiving them. so really if they try and sell you a 3rd party owned product (as they are only a reseller) they dont actually own anything.. they do try and blame 3rd party services when they are called into account...
I did not take up there offer, and they made my life miserable, but if in doubt ombudsman them
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Chui's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 18/03/2013
I agree with what you've said. I didn't have 3 utilities to include as we don't have mains gas, so in order to get their "cheap" phone rates I had to add a pay-as-you-go mobile to the pot, which cost me £10 a month and which I never used. But, because they told me I would be saving £60 a month, it was worth paying £10!! As it turned out, I wasn't saving anything. And now that I've done a bit more checking, their so-called "cheap" phone rates are no better than any one of a dozen other providers, and they charge the same rate per unit for electricity as most of the other suppliers. As soon as I can pay off the debit balance on my account I will be switching providers, and will then go to the press about them - its time someone exposed them for the sham that they are.
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Chui's Response to Chui's Review
Written on: 14/03/2013
It is one of the "conditions" of belonging to Utility Warehouse's little "club" that you HAVE to give a meter reading every month, which I do, without fail, on the 2nd last day of each month. What UW does in order to get your business is ask how much you are currently spending on your various services, adds them up, then knocks off a chunk and gives you that figure, telling you that's what you will pay for the equivalent services from them. In my case, I was paying £180 a month for telephone and electricity. They told me it would cost £120, so a saving of £60 per month. Great! Except that I wasn't saving £60 a month - I was still using the same amount of electricity and making the same number of phone calls - they were just debiting me with £60 less and running up a debit balance on my account. When I queried this with them, I was told not to worry, the debit balance would be adjusted at the end of the year. Six months later I had a debit of over £400 and they told me I had to increase my monthly payments. In short, they are a c0n! They deliberately "adjust" the figures so you will switch to them, and then once you're in debt to them, there's nothing you can do - you have to pay. One of the other "perks" of joining UW is that there is no contract - you can leave whenever you want, except that can't, because once you are in debt to them you have to pay off what you owe before you can switch to another company! I repeat what I said before - stay away from Utility Warehouse at all costs - you will not save with them, you will just end up in debt.
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Smirnoffice's reply to Chui's Comment
Written on: 16/03/2013
Not sure I understand this reply. There is absolutely NO stipulation to give a meter reading every month with UW unless you opt for accurate monthly billing? If you are talking about qualifying for the 10% energy discount after 12 months there is a stipulation to give IIRC 4 or 5 meter readings throughout the year at strategic points not 12. But, anyway, if you were giving monthly meter readings and the bills that were arriving were based erroneously on a lesser reading surely you realised this and put aside money for when the catch up bill arrived? Sorry, I really don't understand what you are claiming here.
You gave the exact meter reading each month and each month UW ignored it and undercharged you? If so, wouldn't you be aware that you would have to pay more to keep you up to date?
PS Just giving them the monthly figure you are currently paying is never the best solution when switching energy supplier as there's absolutely no guarantee what you are paying your existing supplier each month is the correct amount to cover your exact usage. You should always obtain your last 12 months usage figures from your existing supplier as this makes for a much more accurate quote from your potential new supplier. I fear with your current approach you will have similar problems with any supplier you go with.
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Chui's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 18/03/2013
I not only supplied them with my payments at the time, I also gave them a copy of the letter from my previous supplier which showed what my monthly bills would be for the following 12 months. This was just short of £100 a month - that was the reason I started looking for alternative suppliers in the first place. UW deliberately ignored this and apparently use some other source to calculate how much their charges will be. I have had several arguments with them about this, and can prove without a shadow of doubt that they do manipulate the figures in order to get your business. The problem is that once you are in debt to them you can't move to another supplier until the debt is cleared.
As far as giving UW figures relating to my previous usage, I not only gave them the letter from my supplier showing what my next 12 months payments would be, but when I because concerned about them undercharging me, I sent them details of all my payments and charges for the last TEN years!! And they STILL said it wasn't a problem, everything would even out at the end of the year!
With regard to giving them monthly readings, as I have solar pv, this most definitely is a condition of being paid the feed-in tariff from UW. And because I give the readings every month, the bills should be absolutely accurate, so there should be no need for a catch-up bill at the end of the year.
Do you perhaps work for UW . . . .??? If so, maybe you should read the comments from other disgruntled UW customers and pass them on to the relevant people!!
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Smirnoffice's reply to Chui's Comment
Written on: 18/03/2013
Still not getting you here. You were giving exact meter readings each month but the bill never reflected that reading so surely you knew you were under paying each month and kept money back to pay the shortfall? If you check out many reviews of all energy suppliers on this site a very common 'criticism' is catch up bills like this. It's very common when you don't take ownership of your usage/bills.
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 21/03/2013
I think if you look back over several comments from various reviewers, they indicate a pattern or trend, in that they give meter readings to UW but some how they fail to enter it onto they system they use, therefore they penalize the customer by estimating the bill and potentially putting them into areas, this seems more the norm rather than the exception..
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Smirnoffice's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/03/2013
My point (which you have once again completely ignored) is that should you be that interested in your gas and electric consumption to give an actual meter reading each month then surely you would be interested in making sure the subsequent bill reflected that reading and if it didn't immediately contact the company so that they can amend it. Similarly, if it was clear that the company had under estimated the usage any under charge should be put to one side by the customer in order not to face a large bill which they cannot pay at a later date. Common sense, really, and it's called taking ownership of your utility charges. The only problem is common sense isn't actually that common.
PS As far as I'm aware UW customers receiving FIT payments are actually only obligated to input quarterly readings and not monthly reading as the reviewer claimed.
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Areviewer2012's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2013
I will not disagree with your last statement (well most), the key issue is, UW can and have mislaid and misled people about the meter readings and its type of supply, they also change the bills without notice on some customers (maybe because the customer is using a lot less) than UW would have liked..
I have made you aware that the charges vary on what sort of property you occupy (no other company I am aware of or used/has done this before).
The reason I know UW dont send out documents or letters of price increases or anything similar, the ombudsman as UW for evidence they had done this during my claim, UW could only offer their word it had been done..!!! QED
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Isitimportant's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 24/04/2013
YES you still are not getting it they were told they would SAVE £60 a month BUT instead they were JUST charged £60 a month less with the the £60's HAVING to be paid at a later date THERE IS NO ACTUAL SAVING and now they are in DEBT to the company the fact that they are not tied into a contract does not matter they would not be free to change providers
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Chui's reply to Isitimportant's Comment
Written on: 24/04/2013
I totally agree with the last 2 posts - UW are all smoke and mirrors - there is no actual saving, and THAT is what they sell their products on! Its not about how much each utility costs or what the bill is at the end of the month, nor is it about keeping track of your bills - which I've never had to do with previous suppliers. The bottom line is, they told me that based on my previous bills, if I switched to UW I would be saving £60 per month, and that hasn't happened.
And by the way Smirnoffice - customers receiving the FIT from UW ARE obligated to input monthly readings in order to benefit from this, not quarterly. And I repeat my earlier question: do you work for UW - perhaps you are one of their agents - because you seem very determined to defend them, despite all the negatives comments from other people, who all seem to have had similar experiences to mine.
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Isitimportant's reply to Chui's Comment
Written on: 24/04/2013
indeed and the way he/she defends them should show the level of customer service you can expect
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★☆☆☆☆
“Pretty Damn Bad”
Written on: 11/03/2013
My services were mobile phone/broadband/home phone So it started off that my connection date was set and i was excited by all the low prices and all bills in one idea. 7 days after the connection date i was finally "connected" and by connected i mean download speeds of up to 800kbps which is beyond stupid so spent 45 minutes trying to get through to customer service but to no avail so i waited a further 7 days to see if it improved but in fact its gotten worse, constantly being... (read more)
Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 14/03/2013
'and gotten through once which was to an indian speaking person who could not understand me and barely spoke english so i requested a call back from an english speaking person'.
Sceptical about this review mostly due to the line quoted above. Utility Warehouse's call centre is located in London, they make a great play on the fact it is exclusively UK-based unlike many other company's and they employ someone who can't understand English? Hmmm...seems a strange one.
PS Weq4u is a great smartfone app in such instances. You simply input the relevant premium rate number and it assigns a geographical one so it's just 'normal' mins coming out of your mobile allowance. But here's the really clever bit - should you hit a queue it suspends the call and rings you back as soon as the call is answered so no dent in your mobile allowance whilst queuing.
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Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 21/03/2013
I think we have many naturalized people from overseas who are now UK citizens who work in or for many uk companies. its also possible true their first language is not English, but then again maybe UW is making savings themselves and subcontracting out some of their customer call taking services to other third parties.
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★★★★★
“No problems here”
Written on: 11/03/2013
I decided to go with this company originally for phone and internet but after spending a bit of time speaking to a nice customer service adviser I ended up taking my gas and electric also with them. I never have any issues with my Internet, I get good speeds also 13Mbps, I also get free calls to 10 international country's for free and free calls 24/7. The gas and electric is a little more than Eon but then again I don't get charged for any standing charges( I am on a key meter on both... (read more)
Rachelaedwar's Comment
Written on: 12/03/2013
They are ok until you come to leave. Just watch out they take away everything they promised.
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★★★★★
“Great savings and brilliant customer service”
Written on: 06/03/2013
`i have been a customer now for over 4 years and have all the services from the utility warehouse.Gas,electricity,phone,broadband,mobile phone and their cashback card.Love thats it all on one bill and the cost of all my services.i constantly get stopped when shopping in Marks and Spencer asking me to change to their gas and electricity and every time i tell them i am with The Utility Warehouse the sales person will say we can't help you.Very happy to recommend for anyone who is thinking of... (read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 612 Reviews
★★★★★
“Been with utility warehouse about 7 months ”
Written on: 28/02/2013
I have been with utility warehouse about 7 months now and I can honestly say that having worked out my bills over that time I recon I have saved about £60 a month plus the cash back card another £20-£30 a month. The cash back card is a bit of a hassle at first but once you start using it as much as possible then you can see the savings every month. (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Any one who is not affilaited with TUW got any feedback”
Written on: 26/02/2013 by Luke_y2k (1 review written)
Any one who is not affiliated with TUW got any feedback Ever company has issues , 2 hour waits on BT , 40 mins wait and usless staff at BG , Talk Talk was like talking to a brick wall any ways I was looking at becoming a distributor with TUW , a friend of mine has been involved with them for several years , I have spoken to various people , some say good things some say they have had problems others say they have had too many I would like to build up an un-biased views and opinions... (read more)
Twakeling's Response to Luke_y2k's Review
Written on: 06/03/2013
I left a 1 star and I'm not a competitor. We have 4 services with them Gas, Electric, Phone & Broadband and until the phone incident we've been happy with them. I won't dispute you save money with them. However; when technical issues arise and it's still going on 6 weeks later I'm not happy.
We started getting static on our phone line and then every time the phone would ring it would knock us off line. We phoned they were good about getting BT out the same day to check our line. BT found the fault in the street, a cable had to be replaced. 6 weeks later still not fixed and ok BT have to fix it, but our contract is with Utility Warehouse. They need to be putting the pressure on BT to get it sorted not leave their customer hanging for 6 weeks without a service.
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★☆☆☆☆
“1 month and still no phone”
Written on: 25/02/2013 by TWakeling (1 review written)
There has been a major fault with our phone line and despite them telling us it's being worked on we still have no phone. We have to continually call up asking for updates and keep getting told different dates it will be fixed. You may save money using their products, but beware if there's ever a fault with one because you'll be screwed. They are useless about fixing things or keeping customers informed. (read more)
Richardpe's Response to TWakeling's Review
Written on: 06/03/2013
British Telecom owns the network in Britain so BT engineers fix phone lines. I'm very surprised that BT has taken so long. Indeed 96% of customers would recommend Utility Warehouse and they have always been voted no.1 or no.2 in Which surveys, so it curious that these 1 star reviews find there way to this site.
hmmmm, it's almost like a conspiracy.
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Twakeling's reply to Richardpe's Comment
Written on: 06/03/2013
It is now the 6th of March and we're still without a phone. All calls are being directed through my mobile.
Someone from Utility Warehouse phoned 2 days ago to confirm the line had been fixed. I held up the phone on speaker so he could hear the static and got the reply "guess not".
I understand it's down to BT fixing it. But my contract is with Utility Warehouse not BT. UT should be trying until it's fixed. It is the 6th of March, and we still don't have a phone. Yes, I have my mobile, but calling outside the UK for my business is becoming very costly with my mobile. So I'm sorry but 1 star after all of this which is still NOT resolved is being generous.
Conspiracy? - Everyone giving 5 stars and high ratings when no company or business is perfect. And perhaps you questioning my honest 1 star opinion.
Review sites like this are meant to be people's opinions for the benefit of others to get a true reflection of a business or product.
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Smirnoffice's reply to Twakeling's Comment
Written on: 20/03/2013
The problem would have been the same whichever company you had been with (except cable but don't get me started on them) because BT are the sole arbiters of when/how this problem gets fixed. No amount of pressure from any supplier is going to make a difference here, I'm afraid. But I think you know this deep down but are understandably angry and need to vent. It's just UWs bad luck that you were with them when this BT problem occurred.
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Isitimportant's reply to Smirnoffice's Comment
Written on: 24/04/2013
It's just UWs bad luck that you were with them when this BT problem occurred. not really its the customers bad luck that they are paying UW for a service THEY are not providing
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Twakeling's reply to Isitimportant's Comment
Written on: 24/04/2013
We ended up going with Orange who had the problem fixed within 2 days.
We still got billed for the 3 months by UW we didn't have service and they even charged for every phone call that came through that was transferred to my mobile while we were waiting for it to be fixed.
My husband continually called UW about the bill and we were given a "good will gesture" of £20 off of a £100 plus bill for services we didn't have. So husband kept phoning asking for a supervisor only to be told they'd get back to us and never did. Finally this Monday we received a Final Demand notice and after going through 6 people managed to get a supervisor.
The supervisor at UW said he could see all the calls and notes on our account. He also said our fault was never made a priority nor were any of the messages ever passed through the proper channels. He also picked up on charges we hadn't from the bill that we shouldn't have been charged for.
So while the supervisor was very helpful it's clear the line fault wasn't the only problem with UW.
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★★★★★
“Wish I'd joined years ago”
Written on: 20/02/2013 by PoppyAva (1 review written)
A friend of mine suggested Utility Warehouse more than 5 years ago & at several points in between reminded me of that. Last year I said OK but if there's one iota of problem then I'll punch you on the nose! Frankly, I'm still kicking myself - I love the utility bills being so clear & online so easily filed. I can keep a check on my meter readings to be in full control. Never had any bother with the change over & the staff have been fantastic when I've called with a query. My bills are lower... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Response to PoppyAva's Review
Written on: 22/02/2013
Hi Maggie
i appreciate you appear to be saving some money which is good, but to help some of the other people benefit from your experience and convince them you are getting a good deal could you please expand on the following
who were your previous suppliers
approx how much do you save per month or year
how long have you been with UW
what services do you have from them
are your bills estimated or do you give weekly or monthly readings
you mention you can keep a check of your meter readings (does this mean your the only person in gateshead with a meter to measure your utility usage)
I think any company who takes on a new customer will be very accommodating
the reason i ask is, its possibly people are not using UW properly, that is not following their strict guidelines of use and consumption, then again these people assume because all looks convenient in one bill everything is fine and dont need to check or follow up that the bills have gone up..
However since i have seen your profile on Yfrog and twitter you appear to be advertizing UW, the link you have is for mobile or broadband data???? are you a reseller
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★★★★★
“Fantastic savings on bills”
Written on: 19/02/2013
I have been a customer for 4 years now. We have phone, broadband, gas, electricity and a mobile with the company. We halved our phone on broadband compared to BT, saved about £10.00 a month on energy compared to British gas and we earn about £25 a month in Cashback which is knocked off of our ill each month. Brilliant customer service (have only had to ring them twice). Could not recommend them enough (infant I have recommended them to loads of friends and utility warehouse knock a... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 19/02/2013
I am curious because many people on here show very clear facts there are many problems, and its not just a problem that can be dealt with, its a problem that is normally escalated straight to the debt management team or threats similar.
You also mention you save money compared to British Gas, but nobody else (the website states this already).. and the cash back card really is not as good as its states as i have found several equally if not better and more flexible than UW.
so really a none story really
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★☆☆☆☆
“Decide for yourself”
Written on: 18/02/2013 by shaz9
The only reason I have awarded 1 start is because this website won't let me score zero. Decide for yourself whether they are any good - Several months into my contract with them and I haven't yet received a bill so I have no idea what I might owe, I have no account number against which to make payments, and they havent provided any details of their bank to whom I could make a payment, and yet they are threatening to cut off my services for not paying. Furthermore, they have lost the form I... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Response to shaz9's Review
Written on: 20/02/2013
I recommend now you communicate with them via email, refer back to any other communication where possible and remind them of the status of the services. if you are a tenant make sure you have the agreement with any information about the services on moving in date.
if they do not comply, complain.. if you are unsuccessful, complain to the ceo office, and finally if no joy go to the ombudsman..
UW will attempt to punish you financially with non payment, as well as non communication as well as anything else they can think of (debt collectors, court applications etc).
Its important that you email them (copy yourself into the address) if they also fail to acknowledge any communication you need to seek advise and find an alternate supplier asap. This company will do all it can to take as much money as possible of you..
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★☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
“I love my bills”
Written on: 03/02/2013 by Happybills
I would just like to say that I became a utilitywarehouse customer over 3 years ago and actually had to phone customer services because I thought they weren't billing me correctly I thought my phone and broadband was too cheap and didn't want to end up with a high bill further down the line, but they assured me it was correct. It has been constant all these years and actually went down not so long ago. Approximately 18 months ago a lady at work told me about the business opportunity with UW,... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Response to Happybills's Review
Written on: 04/02/2013
I must admit, I really enjoyed your presentation about utility warehouse, however i would like to drill down a little into your facts and get a better understanding.
1. you appear to have joined the review centre to support UW (nothing more or less) and this is the same day as the posting of your review.
2. you say you have saved £1600 or 6 months free bills, can you elaborate further (car bills, vets bills, etc)
3. i am surprised after been with the company nearly 18months you did not know already about the reseller scheme.
4. as per three, its taken you 18 months to understand the company and its scheme??
5. I can only assume due diligence is you asked some questions at the business meeting, and were sold their solution
6.and as you mentioned, YOUR a RESELLER so nothing you say is actually relevant as its all SALES related (although you try and claim its of your own experience)
7. finally i like the bit where you "phoned customer services because your bills were soooo cheap" I like it and will remember that one
so summary, every couple of bad reviews, we get a piece of UW propaganda popping up and trying to dilute some ones bitter and painful experience of the services given by UW.
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Happybills's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 04/02/2013
It's fun to have a little banter with a member of the competition's retention team. Hee hee!
I understand the Business Opportunity withUtilitywarehouse is not for everybody but it works for me and my family, well enough to be able to give up a part-time job with a £30,000 salary, so I can focus on building my own dreams and not somebody else's.
Your mind is a bit like a parachute - It works best when it's open !
If you have an open mind have a look at this..
Then I will be happy to answer all your questions with pleasure.
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★☆☆☆☆
“bunch of useless cowboys”
Written on: 02/02/2013 by darklordmick (2 reviews written)
i had the misfortune of inheriting this company in my new house and they have to be by far the worst company i have ever had the misfortune to encounter... bills always wrong, terrible customer services, never reply to your emails, rude and aggressive.. 1 week after moving in got a letter asking for £100 down payment...as i never heard of them i never did it...then nothing till a week before my November bill...a debt collecting letter for £11??? charges on top £100... total £111...i... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Response to darklordmick's Review
Written on: 02/02/2013
you need to do the following
1. complain to customer care
2 if customer care dont solve the problem correctly or timely complain to the CEO office of the company
3. if not resolved again complain to the ombudsman
I had the same issue myself, because of a previous persons account, they tried to hound me for their outstanding debt, and when they said they would wave their debt, I still had to pay the many hundreds of pounds of penalties.
the ombudsman found in my favor, but i did document and produce evidence of my efforts to be pleasant and reasonable
good luck either way
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Fussy247's Response to darklordmick's Review
Written on: 06/02/2013
So you ignore the company that gives you gas/electricity and then you are surprised they asking you for the horrible sum of £11 to pay towards the fees of a late payment.
Ovo customer (but I like UW as well)
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Darklordmick's reply to Fussy247's Comment
Written on: 06/02/2013
So I guess your happy to hand over money to a company you have never heard of... I won't..
It's only gas but as I was told my supplies was from eon...utilitity warehouse I've never heard of...
I still think they are terrible and as yet they still have ignored my emails
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Cherry1954's Response to darklordmick's Review
Written on: 10/02/2013
I to had the same problems as you we had been in our house a week when a baliff turned up looking for the person who lived here before us said I had to prove who I was and why hadnt I told them I had moved in "did I think I was going to get it for free" I EXPLANED i was transferring from british gas from my old address and that they were dealing with it I PHONED utilies to be told I would have to pay 220 legal fees as I hadnt let them know I had moved in they were rude I was passed on to several different people told it was allright set up a account as they said I had to to stop the baliffs etc recived a bill with the legal etc phoned them again had the same conversation at different times when they were still saying I had to pay the legal fees I went to comsumor focus and they sorted it out for me I still had 2 monthes of upset and distress with these people I dont understand how they can do what they do
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Darklordmick's Response to darklordmick's Review
Written on: 11/02/2013
I know how you feel.. It seems to be the same thing with this company... I no longer call them.. I email them instead as this proves you are trying to resolve their mess ups and will help when you contact ofgen.. I also emailed copy of letter from N Power confirming take over date..I'm just waiting for the agro to start inc bailiffs etc but I have the confirmation letter and have copies to hand to them for the bailiffs to scuttle away..
Like you I just understand how they think they can get away with this... It's outrageous
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Princess_Tt's reply to Darklordmick's Comment
Written on: 20/02/2013
I think we are all in the same boat with this nightmare of a company they claimed in one year our gas consumption was £3000 I nearly dropped my cup of tea on the floor. I know this company monitors bad reviewers and starts getting nasty with them, I hate this company so much we were with British Gas and if we ever had a problem with them they would sort it out straight away it this company doesn't, they shoulder the blame on everyone else but themselves and the CEO is useless all his mail gets passed to his PA she is very rude and very very unhelpful and also very contradictive I can't wait to rid of them!
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★★★★★
“BEST COMPANY EVER.”
Written on: 29/01/2013 by DEZ2169 (1 review written)
MY SISTERS BEEN A CUSTOMER FOR OVER 2 YRS, AND I WISH I'D LISTENED TO HER BACK THEN. SAVED ME LOADS OF MONEY ON MY BILLS AND ESP THE CASH BACK CARD. NEVER EVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH CUSTOMER SERVICES,THEIR FRIENDLY AND HAPPY AND LUV CHATTING WITH THEM, ALWAYS READY TO HELP OUT IN ANY WAY THEY CAN. BEEN A CUSTOMER FOR 11 MONTHS AND WAS THINKING ABOUT BEING A DISTRIBUTOR FOR THEM 5 MONTHS AGO. AND FINALLY 3 WEEKS AGO BECAME AN ID, FUNNY HOW SO MANY PEOPLE ARE BLIND AND THINK ITS A CON/SCAM. I'VE... (read more)
Areviewer2012's Response to DEZ2169's Review
Written on: 29/01/2013
I am curious, you have just signed up your best friend and saved her £400 pounds in three weeks, sign me up! OR
1. she has had no service for three weeks for anything and therefore saved money
2. you dont mention anything about her previous suppliers and where she went wrong (was it her gas, electric, phone, ??)
3. you mention this cash card (as does everyone) but this does really eat into your money
so not convinced yet
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Dez2169's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 30/01/2013
NO, HAVE SAVED HER £400 A YEAR. SHE HAS SERVICE FROM HER PREVIOUS SUPPLIER UNTIL EVERYTHING HAS SWITCHED OVER AND UW SORT AND CANCEL HER PREVIOUS SUPPLIER.
SHE DIDN'T GO WRONG, SHE JUST DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT UW AND THE SAVINGS SHE COULD MAKE.
AND THE CBC ( CASH BACK CARD) DOESN'T EAT INTO UR MONEY, ITS THE BEST THING ABOUT UW, IN MY VIEW.
WISH I'D HAVE TAKEN IT 11 MONTHS AGO. HAVE KNOCKED £22 OFF MY UTILITY BILL IN 3 WEEKS FOR PURCHASES I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT ANYWAYS.. AND ITS NOW MY MAIN CARD. HOW MANY BANKS GIVE U MONEY BACK FOR SPENDING UR OWN MONEY???? NON THAT I KNOW OF..
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Dez2169's Response to DEZ2169's Review
Written on: 30/01/2013
NOPE, HAVE SAVED HER £400 A YEAR. ONLY BEEN A DISTRIBUTOR FOR 3 WEEKS.
AND THE CBC IS ONLY WHAT I WOULD SPEND ANYWAYS, BUT THE CASH BACK I GET FROM PURCHASES I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT ANYWAYS HAS KNOCKED £22 OFF MY UTILITY BILL IN MY FIRST MONTH OF ACQUIRING IT. WISH I'D HAVE GOT THE CASH BACK CARD 11 MONTHS AGO WHEN I FIRST BECAME A CUSTOMER.
IF MY FRIEND HAD TAKEN THE CBC I COULD'VE SAVED HER AN EXTRA £228 A YEAR ON WHAT SHE BUYS ON AN EVERYDAY SHOP.
A COUPLE I KNOW ARE BOTH DISTRIBUTORS AND SHE KNOCKED £77 OFF HER UTILITY BILL ON WHAT SHE SPENT ON XMAS PRESENTS....
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Areviewer2012's reply to Dez2169's Comment
Written on: 30/01/2013
you mention that you know of No Banks that give you cash back on your card.. Let me help a little
Barclaycard cashback card
Capital one aspire world
Amex platinum cashback every day
Sainsburys cashback
Amex Paltinum cashback
Capital one Aspire elite
santander 123
Capital One Classic Extra
Nectar amex (nector points only)
now back to the meat, i have checked out some price comaparison websites and said UW supply me my gas and elec (my Bills are £70 each per month) obviously several companies claimed they could better this
However the top saver is £199 a year saving
Telephone and broadband
again i used a price comparison website and they gave me a saving of around £20-£25
Now the cashback card, and reading through the UW terms and conditions they appear very tight, this means you have to spend in certain places at certain times, and then the cashback is limited to anything between 3% for one shop and 10% for another. again the detail of the terms and conditions were very vague and made it difficult for me to make a conscious conclusion. (on the surface it looks okish) but when something looks too good, you need to find the small print (i could not find it)
all the other cashback cards dont have such restrictions, however using Barclycard as an example you can earn £120 back in the first three months of use, plus a couple of % here and their as a thank you bonus as well as loyalty. so lets round it up to lets say £200 pounds ( a nice round figure) so we have saved approximately £400 (maybe a little more maybe a little less)
now as a distributor you are also entitled to having a % knocked off your bills if you sign up a % of people, so i feel your not really telling us the whole story as it should be.
so in summary yes there are 10 card cashback options (and many more) in addition to UW and other companies, there are approx 10 other companies who are cheaper than UW who are reseller suppliers than UW broadband and telephone.
and UW use open office as a standard company product for communication and general usage. (I can understand they are trying to save money) but to assume everyone uses open office (I had to download it to understand communication with them) which was inconvenient and unnecessary.
and finally you still dont get the point, how can you save some one £400 within 3 weeks? do you mean she has the potential to save £400 based on her current usage with other suppliers
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Dez2169's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 30/01/2013
Yep. GOT IT IN ONE..
BUT I DON'T KNOW OF ANY OTHER ENERGY COMPANY WHO ARE REGULATED BY OFGEM AND OFCOM, HAVE NUMEROUS WHICH MAGAZINE AWARDS, INCLUDING BEING VOTED IN THE TOP 2 FOR THE PAST 5 CONSECUTIVE YEARS ( 3 OF THEM 1st), ARE IN THE FTSE 250. HAVE 460,000+ CUSTOMERS IN THE 15 YRS THEY HAVE BEEN TRADING.
OR ANY OTHER ENERGY COMPANIES THATS SUPPLY GAS, ELECTRIC, HOME PHONE, BROADBAND, MOBILE PHONE AND CBC+ ALL TOGETHER ON ONE BILL AND NO FIXED CONTRACT, SO IF U DON'T LIKE U CAN CANCEL WHENEVER..
EVERYONE HAS A BRAIN AND HAVE A CHOICE TO DECIDE WHAT THEY WANT AND WHAT THEY LIKE...
AND I LIKE IT... NEVER HAD ANY PROBS, WELL MAYBE THE ODD LITTLE ONE WHEN I MOVED HOME AND COULDN'T GET ON THE NET, WHICH CUSTOMER SERVICES ( ANOTHER AWARD AS THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICES) HELPED ME AS MUCH AS THEY COULD, BUT IT TURNED OUT IT WAS MY FAULT ON MY ROUTER, SO I RANG THE MANUFACTURER OF MY ROUTER AND HE TALKED ME THRO IT, AND NEVER HAD A PROB SINCE... :)
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Princess_Tt's reply to Dez2169's Comment
Written on: 01/02/2013
I don't think it's the fact that the bad reviews are because of people complaining I honestly believe that UW are just a bad company. They've estimated that in a 4 bed-roomed home we use £3000 worth of gas how?? nobody is here during the day and the gas is only turned on during the evening after 7pm!
Within a conversation by 1 of their "friendly call centre agents" they clearly reiterated that in order for me to save money "I need to take out more products with them" I don't wish to have any of their services the estimated readings that were produced on bills and the actual fact that they've lied and made a lot of clerical errors clearly shows that they are a farce! I never ever want the pleasure of doing business with this awful company again.
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Dez2169's reply to Princess_Tt's Comment
Written on: 01/02/2013
VERY STRANGE :/ I WENT TO RETURN A FILE TO ONE OF MY EX GIRLFRIENDS MUM AND DAD YESTERDAY. THEY ASKED WHAT I WAS DOING, I TOLD THEM AND HE WANTED TO KNOW ALL ABOUT IT. HE GAVE ME HIS GAS AND ELECTRIC BILL AND I WENT HOME TO GIVE HIM A QUOTE, CAUSE HE DOESN'T HAVE INTERNET, AND I DIDN'T HAVE MY LAPTOP AS I WASN'T INTENDING DOING ANY WORK YESTERDAY.
I RANG HIM AT TEATIME GAVE HIM THE QUOTE AND SAVED HIM £176 FOR HIS GAS AND ELECTRIC. HIS ESTIMATED ANNUAL CONSUMPTION OF HIS BILL FOR GAS CAME TO £1279 AND ELECTRIC £579 WITH HIS CURRENT SUPPLIER. AND HE LIVES IN A 3 BEDROOM DETACHED AND AS THEY ARE BOTH RETIRED, THEY SPEND MOST OF THEIR DAY AT HOME.
SO I'M PUZZLED HOW U GET £3000 FOR A 4 BED HOME AND NO-ONE IN DURING THE DAY????
IF THEY HAD BECOME A GOLD STATUS MEMBER TAKING 4 UTILITIES, I COULD HAVE SAVED THEM AN ESTIMATED £400 A YEAR...
I HAVE ALL THE UTILITIES, GAS, ELECTRIC, HOME PHONE, BROADBAND, MOBILE AND CASH BACK CARD AND MY PREVIOUS 5 MONTHS BILLS AVERAGE £83 A MONTH FOR ALL.. I'M VERY HAPPY WITH THEM AND SO IS MY SISTER WHO'S BEEN WITH THEM OVER 2 YEARS......
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Princess_Tt's reply to Dez2169's Comment
Written on: 20/02/2013
Will I have no idea about the savings you've saved but I can only go by what they have told me, I don't understand how a 4 bed roomed house where all 4 occupants are not living here can use so much gas in a year. Absolute madness needless to say I am taking them to the Energy Compensation. They have caused myself and my family so much grief, the Energy Ombudsman are useless and all the amounts that we have paid to this company is just a good riddance to bad rubbish.
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Areviewer2012's reply to Princess_Tt's Comment
Written on: 21/02/2013
I appreciate things have been a bit rough and bumpy, and its only when you have gone through a process do you understand how and what is expected.
However UW have a policy of ignorance which suit's there needs. They believe because they are a large company they can dispense justice because they can.
always where possible document communication, where possible try to call them initially but follow up with emails referring back to the telecon..if you feel you are getting no where.. complain to customer services...note UW will always reject your claim...you can then complain to the CEO office... they will also find away to reject your claim.. once you have done the following (in that order) can you go to the ombudsman...
always try and reason with UW and any other supplier, some of them may help, some of them just want blood!!
if you feel you get no where talking, dont talk, email them this is accountable, be reasonable and fair, because if it goes wrong and you need lawful help, the law will help YOU...
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Princess_Tt's reply to Areviewer2012's Comment
Written on: 22/02/2013
I've gone through the appropiate channels of complaining to them, they dont listen. I've gone through it with the ceo consumer focus and the energy ombudsman they contradict everything i say. I really really hate this company and wish I was never ever told about them. My next step is to gain some advice from legal person's who can help with this matter, but thank you very much for taking the time to write back.
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Areviewer2012's reply to Princess_Tt's Comment
Written on: 22/02/2013
I am sorry to hear things have not gone well, however just to understand one thing did the ombudsman rule (that is indicate that they have made a final decision)
My experience with them, I suppose was clear because I had compiled evidence (approx 80%) proving I had made all best efforts to communicate and solve the problem.
UW wanted to communicate via the telephone all the time and i refused because its their word against yours (and they will win because they will just say customer care team (various) spoke with you, and will also say they sent letters to you (although no evidence of this was provided other than hearsay) additionally.
as long as you can prove the meter readings when you swapped (from the previous supplier) and any documentation from UW claiming the meter readings, tariffs about the services, and anytime lines.. as they should have to provide this to the ombudsman as well as to you..
basically you need to go back to basics (review all your previous utility statements for the time of the year (winter summer etc) show use, check your meter every day at home or weekly, and try and put a picture together.. look at there website, look at what they offer now, try and build a picture of what they are doing and if they are trying to deceive you.. however to make it clearer (and this is for all who look at this)
1. look at your previous history for 12-18months if you have the statements (build a time line and usage)
2. speak to your customer care rep who sold you the service
3. if you have a diary or telephone log when you spoke to them use it as evidence
4. collate any letters or communication you may have (ones you have sent them if possible)
5. always email where possible or record the letter (proof of postage)
6. always remain reasonable, even if they are shouting and screaming at you, always get there name.
7. they will state regulation acts at you and other clever business lawful acts (dont be ignorant) but ask them where I should find it (you will find there website does not even show your rights) only theirs
8. read the small print, dig dig and dig, if its too good and there is no small print AVOID!!!
9. stay calm, let them get excited, let them get upset, they will do, they are human also.
10. look at the process and procedures for redress or complaints, follow it but also inform the supplier you will complain, they will try and compromise in some cases, but in others they will just continue to pursue. (dont give up)
the ombudsman should also send you the counter claim of the company so you can redress and defend the points presented.
however if all avenues still dont help, and finally look at your house insurance you may have legal cover, this may help..
I hope this helps (what little it can) for you and anyone else
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Areviewer2012's Response to Whichreviews's Review
Written on: 22/05/2013
Please expand on how UW are voted number 1, please tell me when where and how.
on a second point (which i part agree with) communicate with UW, however do not phone them, USE EMAIL, EVEN IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION which requires a phone call, always follow up with an email (and copy yourself in on the email)
always remember UW are a reseller and not a provider, its in the teeny tiny small print on many of its services. what does this mean, help takes time, and where possible UW will use the wriggle out of it clause, to avoid penalties or compensation etc.
and one finally point the cash back card is not cash back its credit back on your card which you can only use in the UW club scheme, and you have to pay for its maintenance