Beware of Bogus Satellite Warranty Companies
Bogus companies can try and sell to you either face-to-face at your doorstep, by mail, over the internet or by telephone. There are however many things you can do to protect yourself against bogus companies and there are useful government organisations and charities that offer advice via their websites, over the phone or by way of leaflets to help you take steps in checking out any company that you are not sure of before you agree to purchase from them. For example the Office of Fair Trading provides leaflets titled -ò€˜Shopping from homeò€™- which outlines your rights as a consumer when shopping by mail order, telephone, and fax or from the internet or digital television. Call 0800 3893158 or visit the website www.oft.go.uk.Focusing on companies who sell extended Sky warranty cover for Sky satellite systems (to include digital box, cables, disc and cables) there are many legitimate companies offering to sell their services. Most of these companies do their selling over the phone and here are some tips to help you when considering buying an extended Sky warranty package:
When they call you it is a legal requirement that the person tells you who they are, the name of their company and their reason for calling you. If you have a Sky digital service and you are interested in considering their offering, ask questions about the product. If you want to shop around to compare prices, then take the callers details, tell them you would like some time to think about it and ask them to send you some details either by email or by post. Check if they have a website and ask for their postal and registered address for peace of mind.
Remember even if you do the transaction over the phone and give the company your details you have the right to cancel this agreement in what is known as the ò€˜cooling offò€™ period which is normally 7 working days after the day of purchase. It is best to notify the company by phone in the first instance and then put it in writing to them also. Record the date of your call and take the name of the person you spoke to. Keep copies of all correspondence for future reference and if you have signed up to a Direct Debit also notify your bank that you do not wish for this to go through.
It is important to remember that telephone sales are a legitimate form of selling and has become a very cost effective way for companies to do business. Just because someone calls you on the phone this does not mean it is a ò€˜scamò€™ or a bogus company. Like in any transaction you make either face to face or by another means, donò€™t feel pressurised into a sale, check your facts and make sure you are comfortable about the supplier or retailer of the product or service you are interested in.
When making a decision to purchase an extended Sky warranty for your Sky Satellite equipment think about the following:
*Do I really want or need this product?
*Is it suitable for me?
*How does the price compare with other companies?
*Can I afford it?
*What are the benefits of this product to me?
*Is it a fully inclusive guarantee with no hidden extras?
*Can I get cheaper elsewhere?
*Do I trust the person?
*Is the offer too good to be true?
*What is the call out response time if I have problems with my Sky satellite system?
*How qualified are the engineers?
*How many call outs can you have within your warranty period?
*Do they guarantee a service in your area?
*How secure is your personal details with them?
*Is this company ltd and registered with Companies House?
Using a credit card to pay for your extended Satellite warranty gives you extra protection against the fraudulent use of your credit card. If there is a problem, the credit card company will be responsible as well as the company who you have the contract with.
If in any doubt, check with the Office of Fair Trading. The OFT investigates complaints and unfair trading practises, misleading advertising, breaches in consumer credit provisions and unfair competition www.oft.gov.uk.Other organisations include Trading Standards and Citizens Advice Bureau.