Recently I've been trying to order goods by telephone from two companies I have used many times before, the telephone system has now changed to one where the call is accepted and then an inane piece of music is played for ages while a message states our operators are busy etc./why not use our internet ordering service (which I don't wish to do)  there is no indication of how long the call is likely to take and I can't help thinking, after a number of fruitless calls, that this is a money making practice, after all I'm paying for the call and not getting to place an order.  I've tried the OFT site and the Trading Standards site but can find no specific reference to this activity.  Is this legal?  I am now about to e-mail the companies and complain, I'm not ordering from them again as I believe this is an unfair practice and I won't support it.   Both their catalogues state that phone ordering is available :rolleyes:

More and more companies seem to be doing this now.  A lot are using the 0870 number too, which generates more money for them.

This is my second worse hate after the Indian call centre, now I could really get on my soap box about those. :(

Yup, both companies use the 0870 number too :(

I've just been visiting the one website and they are advertising ordering from your mobile that should break the bank for you :(

Yes, its legal. An 0870 number is not covered by the Premium Rate Regulator ICSTIS... best thing to do is stop giving them your business :D

Easyjet does it also. They want you to do everything by mail.

I was trying to find out  one of the the new terminal building numbers at Charles De Gaul airport I couldn't find it on line so called them £1 per min and I was waiting for ages. 

I think it is terrible, generally we try to justify upgrades but I will be add phone charges to my justifications :-)

If I call BA it is next to nothing and sometimes free depending on the information required.

Ha! just found this website (insert mad evil grin ) it gives geographical alternatives to many 0870 numbers :D :D  haven't tried them out yet but going to today ;)

SAY NO TO 0870

Like a dog with a bone me ;) ;)

CONSUMER POWER!!!!!  :D

You just beat me to it! :-D

Well done you pair.  Was thinking of you at the weekend Kath as had been to see Philly again last week. Felt a bit strange this time as everyone seemed middle age :-D :-D

You trying to make me jealous again Pam. ;-) :-D

I've been meaning to get in touch.... just sent you a PM :-)

Kath. xx

A lot of companies using premium rate numbers have alternative standard rate numbers.  Search here...

http://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php

Kath.

Excellent! :)
I'll deffo be trying these out.

This isn't a scan or is it?  My internet technical helpline is a premium rate 09 number and costs £1/min.  The first couple of times I used them they were absolutely fantastic.  They were very obviously experts in technology and sorted my problems out in superfast time and I was very impressed and quite happy to use them again.  However, now they have off-shored this service and the last couple of times I had to phone them I spent the first part of the conversation explaining the jargon we take for granted here and then they couldn't solve the problem but both times said ring back if the problem persists

I wonder if Mr Branson will improve things?