The doorknockers representing various utilities providers descend on our street once every quarter or so, trying to persuade us to switch loyalties.
They usually begin by claiming that some of the neighbours have called them to complain about rising rates and they "just" want to make sure we're getting the discounts we deserve. (Humph)
Then they annoy you by asking you for your latest utilities bill (so they can see which company you're with and how much you paid I suppose) and present you with info claiming potential savings of x% or $x if you sign up with them today.
If you're agreeable, they fill up the form on your doorstep (I've only once let in a salesman, and only because he claimed he needed to use the loo and I wasn't home alone) and put you on the mobile to the company so their colleague can verify and record your consent to the transfer of provider.
We've gone through this so many times, sometimes saying yes, sometimes saying no thank you. It's such an intrusion, especially as it tends to happen in the evening when you want to sit down to dinner and some undisturbed family time.
The tricks providers use to snatch each other's customers are amazing, but the last one is worthy of an Oscar.
The salesman gave me the impression that he was acting for the provider for our area, not the retailer, and spoke with such confidence and authority that I didn't realize he was simply doing what the other doorknockers do: getting me to switch my account to his company (let's call it C).
The irony was: I'd just very recently switched from Company A to Company B on the internet after using one of those websites that help you make savings comparisons, but before I could start to really enjoy my savings, C came along and I ended up signing with C without knowing it. If I'd known what was going on, I would have stuck with B as a matter of principle.
The ultimate was when C called today (from NSW!) to allege that B was trying to steal my electricity account without my knowledge/consent. They put me on the line to B to confirm that I intended to switch to C so that C could legally block the transfer from happening.
This is the first time I've been called in to take sides. All the previous times, the transfer has taken place smoothly between the providers. I was annoyed - and said so.
All this he-said-she-said stuff that happens because utilities providers compete for business from the same pool is simply unethical, a waste of time and causes inconvenience to customers.
We deserve fair, transparent treatment from individuals and companies we can trust.
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