Electric Ireland chuggers

darkpagandeath · 21-10-2013 05:56PM

Zen65 wrote: »

They work on commission and it's hard to get people to sign up.

I never sign up for anything at the door, and when these 'clipboard engineers' come to my house I politely ask what they're selling and say "no" then close the door without listening to any debate.

Have to be pretty stupid to give bank details to anyone in the street or coming to your door.

TireeTerror · 21-10-2013 06:02PM

darkpagandeath wrote: »

He gave me his number should i post it up somewhere so he can get a taste of his own medicine ? looks like a private mobile

A taste of his own medicine? What medicine is that?

If you were speaking to a representative of your current electricity supplier, then you provided them with your details when you registered. They are not giving out your details, they are using it themselves to possibly offer you a saving on your gas bill. Not a bad idea that, availing of a cheaper price especially as your gas rate was increased on 1st October.

The chances are that he didnt actually use your name, more than likely he just asked you to confirm your address while looking at his handheld device, to make sure he clicked on the correct property to do his job properly. It can be difficult to determine which apartment is which and the database may have you listed in a different format to the one used in the building, or marked on the doors.

He gave you his number and let you know that if you were interested, to give him a call and he would come back and do the transfer for you. So tell me, what part of that is wrong? Someone offering you a discount and hoping to earn themselves a few bob in the process.

Really I dont know what is wrong with this country. All I see are posts about people robbing and stealing and now when someone goes out to offer you a saving on your ever increasing energy bills, going into the winter, you get all worked up.

Seems like youre damned if you dont have a job, and damned if you take what is going and try and make a living legitimately without being a burden on the state.

cerastes · 21-10-2013 06:09PM

darkpagandeath wrote: »

Thought it meant anyone that stops you accosts you calls at your house trying to get you to sign up to there company or charity ?

No chugger is charity mugger, never heard it used to encompass all door to door sellers

kneemos wrote: »

Don't really need your address to knock on your door.

Yes, but how do they get into the block? bit stupid to let just anyone in, presume they just keep ringing numbers till someone lets them in.
If I lived in an apt block Id be suggesting to the neighbours to not let randomers in, could prying open a door two floors up or down tyhe corridor and who'd be any the wiser.

baby and crumble wrote: »

As in details that can be got from a phonebook or register of electors?

You can mark a box to not have your details divulged from the electoral roll, think there are a few boxes, cant see why it should be automatic to not give out details and only check them if you want to have your details out there for purposes unknown by whomever.

darkpagandeath · 21-10-2013 06:10PM

TireeTerror wrote: »

A taste of his own medicine? What medicine is that?

If you were speaking to a representative of your current electricity supplier, then you provided them with your details when you registered. They are not giving out your details, they are using it themselves to possibly offer you a saving on your gas bill. Not a bad idea that, availing of a cheaper price especially as your gas rate was increased on 1st October.

The chances are that he didnt actually use your name, more than likely he just asked you to confirm your address while looking at his handheld device, to make sure he clicked on the correct property to do his job properly. It can be difficult to determine which apartment is which and the database may have you listed in a different format to the one used in the building, or marked on the doors.

He gave you his number and let you know that if you were interested, to give him a call and he would come back and do the transfer for you. So tell me, what part of that is wrong? Someone offering you a discount and hoping to earn themselves a few bob in the process.

Really I dont know what is wrong with this country. All I see are posts about people robbing and stealing and now when someone goes out to offer you a saving on your ever increasing energy bills, going into the winter, you get all worked up.

Seems like youre damned if you dont have a job, and damned if you take what is going and try and make a living legitimately without being a burden on the state.

He used the wife's Name not mine had all the info on his clipboard. Sounds like you work in the industry being so defensive of unsolicited good/services. These are private apartment it says no trespassing outside he has no right to be in the apartments, As he is not a visitor to anyone in here. If i wanted so save money which you don't you get locked into a contract that they put up after 6 months to a year saying rising price of gas externally not our fault. I would call them.

Grandeeod · 21-10-2013 06:11PM

Rented Mule wrote: »

He most likely stole your ESB bill out of the post.

With a bit of luck he'll pay it too.

Cool_CM · 21-10-2013 06:15PM

darkpagandeath wrote: »

He used the wife's Name not mine had all the info on his clipboard. Sounds like you work in the industry being so defensive of unsolicited good/services. These are private apartment it says no trespassing outside he has no right to be in the apartments, As he is not a visitor to anyone in here. If i wanted so save money which you don't you get locked into a contract that they put up after 6 months to a year saying rising price of gas externally not our fault. I would call them.

So why don't you contact your management agency and make a complaint?

TireeTerror · 21-10-2013 06:16PM

darkpagandeath wrote: »

He used the wife's Name not mine had all the info on his clipboard. Sounds like you work in the industry being so defensive of unsolicited good/services. These are private apartment it says no trespassing outside he has no right to be in the apartments as he is not a visitor to anyone in here. If i wanted so save money which you don't you get locked into a contract that they put up after 6 months to a year saying rising price of gas externally not our fault. I would call them.

Very likely that he worked for your current electric provider. They have your details as you are a customer, so there can be NO issue from you there. In fact you shouldve just went and got the wife seeing as she is the boss in your house!

Im not being defensive of any industry, Im suggesting that someone offering you a saving is nothing to get worked up about.

If you want to save money on your energy bill, you should do so. Most suppliers will offer you a fixed price discount for 12 months. That would lock t
he unit prices you are paying. So what if you're in a contract for a year with them, they guarantee the saving for that duration. In fact it would be in your interests if they would offer to lock you into an even longer contract if they offered that same saving for the full duration. They will not increase prices 6 months in, that would be a breach of your contract.

kneemos · 21-10-2013 06:16PM

Just put a no cold callers sign on your door.Sorted.

Pumpkinseeds · 21-10-2013 06:20PM

DeanAustin wrote: »

Yeah I don't answer the door either. I usually know who is calling and when. Ignoring everyone else hasn't backfired on me yet.

I don't answer the phone either unless it's someone who wouldn't ring me unless they need to talk to me. If it's urgent, they'll leave a message and I'll ring em back. Don't want to be talking ****e on the phone to people.

Christ, I'm turning into a grumpy old f**ker.

I know exactly how you feel:(

Birneybau · 21-10-2013 06:22PM

kneemos wrote: »

Just put a no cold callers sign on your door.Sorted.

Yeah, it will work as good as my no junk mail sign, as in, it won't.

cerastes · 21-10-2013 06:23PM

TireeTerror wrote: »

Im not being defensive of any industry, Im suggesting that someone offering you a saving is nothing to get worked up about.

If you want to save money on your energy bill, you should do so. Most suppliers will offer you a fixed price discount for 12 months. That would lock t
he unit prices you are paying. So what if you're in a contract for a year with them, they guarantee the saving for that duration. In fact it would be in your interests if they would offer to lock you into an even longer contract if they offered that same saving for the full duration. They will not increase prices 6 months in, that would be a breach of your contract.

The savings are negligble compared to other things

You do sound like you work in that end of things,
Like the last guy that called to my door

Them,Can I ask who you're with for gas electricity
Me, Im in a contract,more than half a year to go (holding child) so, unfortunately no point
Them, but do you realise you can save money
Me,I just said Im in a contract and Im busy
Them, but you could save money
Me, goodbye closes door edit unfortunately in their face as they wouldnt listen to a polite no

darkpagandeath · 21-10-2013 06:40PM

Cool_CM wrote: »

So why don't you contact your management agency and make a complaint?

People have .. they still get in they can wait for someone's kids to be buzzed in then just walk in behind them.

TireeTerror · 21-10-2013 07:09PM

cerastes wrote: »

The savings are negligble compared to other things

You do sound like you work in that end of things,
Like the last guy that called to my door

Them,Can I ask who you're with for gas electricity
Me, Im in a contract,more than half a year to go (holding child) so, unfortunately no point
Them, but do you realise you can save money
Me,I just said Im in a contract and Im busy
Them, but you could save money
Me, goodbye closes door edit unfortunately in their face as they wouldnt listen to a polite no

Sounds like a nice and polite sales guy. You assumed wrongly that because you were in a contract that you didnt have the option to change to benefit from cheaper rates. There is an opt out clause, usually only €25 per supply. So if the savings being offered are much more than that, then it may well have been worth your while changing and paying the €25 penalty, if it was indeed enforced by your current supplier.

The sales guy will be well used to people shutting the door in their faces, so its no bother to them. I you feel thats the a way that you can remain in control of the situation, then by all means shut the door. Just bear in mind that you may be shutting the door on some savings that you may well really need. There are changes in the market all the time, so even those that think they know everything may just discover that they actually dont.

Mobile phone operators will often offer to buy you out of your current contract if you take them up on certain offers they have, its what happens in a competitive market.

El Weirdo · 21-10-2013 07:19PM

cerastes wrote: »

Me, Im in a contract,more than half a year to go (holding child) so, unfortunately no point

Jesus! Did you not have the money for the €200 deposit?

cerastes · 21-10-2013 08:34PM

TireeTerror wrote: »

Sounds like a nice and polite sales guy. You assumed wrongly that because you were in a contract that you didnt have the option to change to benefit from cheaper rates. There is an opt out clause, usually only €25 per supply. So if the savings being offered are much more than that, then it may well have been worth your while changing and paying the €25 penalty, if it was indeed enforced by your current supplier.

The sales guy will be well used to people shutting the door in their faces, so its no bother to them. I you feel thats the a way that you can remain in control of the situation, then by all means shut the door. Just bear in mind that you may be shutting the door on some savings that you may well really need. There are changes in the market all the time, so even those that think they know everything may just discover that they actually dont.

Mobile phone operators will often offer to buy you out of your current contract if you take them up on certain offers they have, its what happens in a competitive market.

I never said he wasnt polite, you are assuming I said that or thought that, but I just spent my time prior to signing up with my current supplier reviewing the costs of other service providers, Im in control of my billing by looking into it myself, not being conned at my doorstep when Im holding my child when Im busy and my attention is needed. Even if I wasn't busy which I usually am, I've already informed myself.

I didnt assume anything, you assume I wrongly assumed, I just wasnt interested in going back to electric ireland nor changing, as I had just left them previously and my bill had increased with them despite the alleged savings and no different usage, not only that the terrible customer service and more than half way through my time with them, I was still unable to access my billing online, so why would I return. Not to mention, I dont want to pass my details at the door.
As I said, Id just set up with my current supplier a number of months where I get clubcard points when I pay the bill, an upfront amount of clubcard points and so far this has converted into €60 euro free money off one of my bills, and as you say there is a penalty to leave per bill as I am in a contract which would negate any savings or benefits with my current supplier,along with my other previous bad experience and simply not willing to chop and change supplier all the time, as I said, I made comparisons, the savings are negligble unless you are using huge amounts of units, I dont think it applies very well to a domestic customer.
I agree its good to shop around and keep informed, as customer loyalty isnt always rewarded, but an annual change is enough unless someone comes along and is offering a substantial savings and maybe paying for the penalty whether its applied or not, but marginal price differences per kWh, no.

Im sure the sales guy is used to people shutting the door in their face,
It doesnt make me feel I am in control of the situation to do that as you put it, but if they cant accept no, then what option do I have, my hands were literally full.
But I recognise your ploy there, make me feel bad that Im shutting the door, because you're imposing on my good nature and decline to accept my polite refusal and then offer a backhanded insult, suggesting thats all I can do to control the situation, otherwise I might sign the dotted line because of their magical powers of persuasion. Instead of what it actually is, its taking advantage of peoples good nature and most people dont want to be impolite, even if they say no and are ignored.
I dont think they care less if I am or someone else is polite or not or if they are told to fcuk off, but when they are insistent, and repeatedly decline to accept my polite refusal, I can only assume as part of your training they damage your hearing or brainwash you to not accept no for an answer, you might need to seek reprogramming for that. whether I have the time or not and I have repeatedly declined, well, no means no. Its clear they are waiting for someone they can badger into changing and I dont like that approach, I could do the same online without the hassle and more security.

Plus when the door is open, thats Units escaping!:mad:

edit, I should also say, the door to door people are not employees of companies looking for the business, usually other marketing companies, the reality is, the truth and exact facts can be skirted around with them, but as long as electric Ireland or whoever gets their customers tied in, they might stay for donkeys years.
I empathise they are people looking to earn a crust but I dont like the pushy tactics and it puts me off, I think its a numbers game and there is probably a known percentage of customers that can be estimated to sign up in a given number of houses pestered, I mean called upon, in the middle of their evening. I prefer to look into it myself and keep myself informed, a few pence difference on the kWh, negligble.

El Weirdo wrote: »

Jesus! Did you not have the money for the €200 deposit?

Maybe Its the new tactic, well, if they want to change a nappy too, fine.
I could do with a break.

ted1 · 21-10-2013 08:38PM

darkpagandeath wrote: »

One of them gets into the apartments knocks on my door offering gas something or other Today.

1. Annoyed that he got into the apartment complex this is private property.

2. Had all my details as I'm guessing there the ESB ?

But my real problem is how can they give my details to some plebe chugger its breach of data protection is it not ? I did not sign up to anything giving them this right.

They probably got off the live register/ electoral register which are easily available

cerastes · 21-10-2013 08:47PM

ted1 wrote: »

They probably got off the live register/ electoral register which are easily available

I was going to say, unlike the OP, they dont have my details
But you can check a couple of boxes online to not be visible on the electoral roll, dont think the live register is reflected in that stuff, Ive been on and off it and they still dont seem to know who I am.

I also answer the door with a balaclava/hockey mask

and an axe

darkpagandeath · 21-10-2013 08:50PM

ted1 wrote: »

They probably got off the live register/ electoral register which are easily available

Why are these not covered by data protection what right does anyone have to my name and address if i have not committed any crime ? Its no body's business who lives at an address is it

ted1 · 21-10-2013 08:53PM

darkpagandeath wrote: »

Why are these not covered by data protection what right does anyone have to my name and address if i have not committed any crime ? Its no body's business who lives at an address is it

Don't kill the messenger. I'm an engineer, I don't claim to be a data protection dude

cerastes · 21-10-2013 08:53PM

darkpagandeath wrote: »

Why are these not covered by data protection what right does anyone have to my name and address if i have not committed any crime ? Its no body's business who lives at an address is it

You would think it would be defaulted to private, not distributed, but i doesnt seem to be, you seem to need to opt out.

darkpagandeath · 21-10-2013 08:57PM

ted1 wrote: »

Don't kill the messenger. I'm an engineer, I don't claim to be a data protection dude

not having a go just saying :P

cerastes · 21-10-2013 09:01PM

darkpagandeath wrote: »

Why are these not covered by data protection what right does anyone have to my name and address if i have not committed any crime ? Its no body's business who lives at an address is it

Well, you could if you have time, turn the tables
Just say that its not your name and that you never had a tv at this address,
you know, some excuse they never heard of.
Or whatever comes to mind
It makes me feel all in control

nlgbbbblth · 21-10-2013 09:03PM

darkpagandeath wrote: »

Not registered with any at this address and register of electors i assume is a government department that's not allowed to share your personal date with anyone ?

www.checktheregister.ie

rubadub · 22-10-2013 10:44AM

Birneybau wrote: »

Yeah, it will work as good as my no junk mail sign, as in, it won't.

If your "no junk mail" sign made absolutely no difference you should complain to your post office. Postal workers are supposed to officially recognise no junk mail signs and take you off some sort of register they have.

Much of the junk mail people get is actually coming from the postman.

You would think the default option they tick for you is "I do not litter posted into my house".

Hobbes · 22-10-2013 11:31AM

TireeTerror wrote: »

Sounds like a nice and polite sales guy.

Doesn't sound polite to me. Sounds more like he didn't get the hint.

I had one to the door as well.

PSG: Hi, [some automated speel about saving money].
Me: Not interested.
PSG: But you are not interested in lowering your bills?
Me: Not interested.
PSG: But you are paying too much from us. I can lower the bill for you?
Me: Why don't you just lower the bill then instead of charging me so much? Why does it require someone to knock at my door?
PSG: Are you the account holder?
Me: They aren't here.
Me: When is the account holder home?
Me: We are not interested. Goodbye. Closed door.

They came back later again and I said if they continued I'd lodge a complaint.

Here is what should have happened:

PSG: Hi, [some automated speel about saving money].
Me: Not interested.
PSG: Ok, Thanks, bye.

Just bear in mind that you may be shutting the door on some savings that you may well really need.

Then they should just lower it and stop hassling people at the door.

My ISP for example rang me up a few months back and told me that I was paying double the price for my usage, and were lowering the bill while keeping the same service. It was just a courtesy call and no action on my part.

The door chuggers on the other hand are clearly getting paid for sign ups or they wouldn't be such annoying assholes when you say you are not interested.

22-10-2013 11:39AM

Hobbes wrote: »

Here is what should have happened:

PSG: Hi, [some automated speel about saving money].
Me: Not interested.
PSG: Ok, Thanks, bye.

Yep, but what should have happened if this ^ didn't happen:

PSG: Hi, [some automated speel about saving money].
Me: Not interested.
PSG: But you are not interested- *Door closes*

If they continue talking after a "Not Interested", I don't feel any need to listen or be polite

darkpagandeath · 22-10-2013 05:37PM

rubadub wrote: »

If your "no junk mail" sign made absolutely no difference you should complain to your post office. Postal workers are supposed to officially recognise no junk mail signs and take you off some sort of register they have.

Much of the junk mail people get is actually coming from the postman.

You would think the default option they tick for you is "I do not litter posted into my house".

Most of my junk mail comes from random people sticking things in the post boxes here. My post man only delivers Bills. Most of it are takeaway menus gym advertisements. Best one we had must have been some local that printed out this at home “ aroma therapy and massage” contact bla bla and in big letters at the bottom “This is not a sexual service”

Shakespeare's Sister · 22-10-2013 09:17PM

Would they not already have your name/address from you being an ESB customer before? Up to the Bord Gais Big Switch about five years ago there was nobody else supplying electricity.

darkpagandeath · 22-10-2013 09:24PM

Magaggie wrote: »

Would they not already have your name/address from you being an ESB customer before? Up to the Bord Gais Big Switch about five years ago there was nobody else supplying electricity.

He was trying to get us to switch Gas suppliers. Having my details for my Electric does not entitle them to call selling gas does it. What if they start supplying Telephone or internet does that give them the right to turn up because I'm a Electric customer with them ? no it does not

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 22-10-2013 09:38PM

darkpagandeath wrote: »

He was trying to get us to switch Gas suppliers. Having my details for my Electric does not entitle them to call selling gas does it. What if they start supplying Telephone or internet does that give them the right to turn up because I'm a Electric customer with them ? no it does not

Of course it does. You gave them your details with only a proviso that they don't pass it to others for marketing. Jeez, it's no big deal. Just say no thanks. They have done nothing wrong calling to see if you wanted an electricity/gas combo deal.

Electric Ireland chuggers

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