Petty row with ISP

[stigproducts]

It is only over £5.99, but skanking people on the sly is how these monkeys make their money.
It regards P&P for a modem which I was obliged to take when I signed up for Broadband (even though I already had one).
Hidden on their web site (they claim now....) it says that modem P&P is £5.99.

I could probably live with that, BUT in an email they sent me after I confirmed the contract it says, and I quote.....

"Broadband Starter Pack
----------------------
Your initial payment includes:

- Broadband line activation
- Broadband connection hardware
- 2 telephone line splitters

- Hardware Postage & Packaging Charge: <b>£0.00</b> (inc VAT)
"

They are refusing to budge. My bank would refund it, because effectively they are helping themsleves through the direct debit and they can't, BUT they took it in one hit, including the monthly broadband charge which I am happy to pay.
The direct debit refund scheme can only refund full amount, not partial amounts.

Any advice, other than trading standards (who are sending me round in circles:rolleyes:)?

[UKBob]

Give them a bloody good reason to write the cost off. I usually threaten companies, have had a years worth of free internet from BT, make sure your manner is professional though, and dont get sucked into arguing. Its petty, but on principal you are right to refuse to pay.

[julianhj]

The DD mandate says you can dispute a payment if it's incorrect. The charge amount is wrong so you can bounce it and get the firm to rerequest it for the proper amount. This right cannot be disputed by your bank or the firm in question.

HTH

>> Edited by julianhj on Thursday 4th August 12:52

[rico]

Flog their modem on ebay

[stigproducts]

julianhj said:

The DD mandate says you can dispute a payment if it's incorrect. The charge amount is wrong so you can bounce it and get the firm to rerequest it for the proper amount. This right cannot be disputed by your bank or the firm in question. HTH >> Edited by julianhj on Thursday 4th August 12:52

Thanks Julian, is there a web source for these sort of rules? I am buggered if I can find anything.