I really dont know if this is worth chasing up but I am really annoyed
and angry with the KC regarding applying for an affix.

I applied on line and submitted 6 names - stupidly thought I'd get the
first choice as it is not listed in the KC Affix Directory and my 10
month old pup was allowed it in her KC name.  I ended up with
the 5th choice and am annoyed with myself for not taking more time to
think the names through.  However, what has angered me more is that I
rang the KC and found out which name my preferred choice conflicted with.
The affix I wanted was one letter out.  I may have been able to change the
spelling of my choice before submission if it had actually stated on the
online application that there has to be AT LEAST 3 LETTERS different from names already granted. I had assumed that by buying the affix directory I was minimising my chances of conflicting with another name.  It's
ridiculous though that with the amount of money the KC makes that
they can't have a more recent version than 2002.

I have been left feeling it's all a con and they only want to make money
out of dog owners.  The affix they have granted me will be published in
April's gazette but if I want to change it before it's even been published
I have to pay another £20, as well as the £10 for the directory, the £70
for the affix and purchase of gazettes, time spent checking their website
for KC names recently applied for etc et etc...

I queried how my pup managed to get the affix I wanted in her KC name
and was told that they do not carry out such stringent checks on KC
names - does this not make a mockery of someone then who actually has
paid money for an affix??

Has anyone else come up against this kind of hassle?  I feel they are
misleading us over the selling of their product but don't know how far
I would get if I challenged it?

Any advice or previous experiences would be gratefully received.

Cheers
A

Since blanket computerisation at the KC it's definitely harder to set things up :(   I've had my Affix around 15 years and then it was relatively easy if there were problems about choices etc to just phone and run a few names by them and get a *provisional* ok of what was likely to pass muster (although still had to have it announced in Gazette for objections etc)   Even 10 years ago when I was applying for a change of name (with breeder's permission) they would still try and help over the phone  - I wanted a particular name which it turned out *resembled* an Affix.  The name ended in "ley" and I asked if I could spell it ending in "leigh" or "lee" - NO GO :(   It wasn't even allowed to *sound* remotely like an Affix - bearing in mind this was to be the middle word between the breeder's affix and my own it seemed a bit harsh but I didn't have a choice.  I then ran an alternative name by them and they said they'd be OK with that so again, sorted over the phone.
To be honest, frustrating though it is, I think there's probably little you can do - even if the Affix department can help you, when published in the KC Gazette it's back in the lap of the gods :rolleyes:   This is supposed to be progress!  Good luck, Teri ;)

Hi, thanks for that.  The affix I really want is similiar to another spellingwise bar one letter but as to pronounciation, it's "EE" and mine is "AY". 

I'll ring them on Monday and see how far I get and ask for a name to write a letter of complaint to.  I don't think i will get anywhere either but if no one complains, things will never change.  I don't object to not getting the name, it's all the costs involved that they are NOT telling you about and that is misleading. I'm sure there must be some regulations as  it would also come under the Distance Selling Act.

Cheers
Andrea

I had the same trouble - what a time wasting experience.  You are lucky I submitted in the end about 15 different names ad was rejected for the most ridiculous reasons.  When you read the criteria it sounds OK but it took me ages and like you I am now stuck with an affix that I am not that happy with but I had pups to register at the time and so wanted my affix on them to show the one I was keeping.

I lost patients with them in the end and complained and that is how I got the affix, from my last submission they changed one letter now to my mind it still sounds a bit like the original submission and there is only one letter different why couldn't they have done this with my first choice which was rejected cos it sounded a bit like something else!

I am not a great fan of the KC but if you have pedigree dogs and show them then its a catch 22 situation  but it does feel much of the time as if they are only interested in the money!!