Stay Away From Safe Style (Safestyle UK)

Member Name: Jazzi2008

Product:	Safestyle UK
Date:	01/10/08 (650 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None

Disadvantages: Loads

My 72 year old mother was almost duped by this company into parting with £2000 for 3 flat windows after a cold door to door caller visited.

The sales representative arrived early for his 4.30pm appointment. He waffled on about the company and then said that there was new legislation coming into force shortly whereby home owners with lack of insulation would be penalised via the council tax system. Waffled on about how much could be saved on heating bills etc.

He measured up the windows, did some calculations. He asked how much she expected them to be, she didnt really have a clue but said £3000. He said you are not far out, £3900. There was no way my mum could afford this and she told him so. After waffling on for a bit, he came up with a fantastic deal that couldnt be missed. He told her to pay for 2 of the windows and he would throw the 3rd one in for free. Now these windows are roughly the same size (give or take an inch), his next quote was £1900. Hmmm basic maths tells you something isnt quite right there!

My mum considered all she had been told, council tax charges, saving energy plus the bargain of a lifetime (rolls eyes). She signed up, when she said she wanted to pay cash. The rep told her by paying cash she would forfeit her right to cancel (hmmmmm maybe someone should have taught this rep about the Consumer Protection Act)

This morning I have had great pleasure in notifying (by phone) Safestyle that under the CPA 7 day cooling off period that my mum is cancelling the contract. The person I spoke to had the cheek to ring my mum on her mobile trying to convince her to carry on, offering her further reductions which she didnt entertain. The poor rep wasnt to know I was actually on the other phone to mum at the same time.

I have now also advised them of cancellation via their website enquiry form (which they have confirmed receipt of), but just to ensure things go smoothly a letter of cancellation has been sent via Royal Mail recorded delivery along with a request to refund the deposit and surveyors fees within the next 14 days.

Please everyone consider the following:

Do not entertain door to door selling, if a deal sounds too good to be true - it probably is.

Go on personal recommendation, there are just too many cowboys out there now.

Ask for references from other satisfied customers.

And always remember Google is your best friend, search for reviews on any company you are considering doing business with.

Update 02.10.08 - I have seen the contract now, its disgusting. There are two tick boxes at the top of the contract. One saying something like, I invited this representative into my home and the other I did not invite this representative into my home. My mums contract states that she invited them in, which she did not it was a cold call at the door. On the cancellation form, the rep has obliterated that specific area on all copies with hand-written customer copy, surveyors copy. The good news is Trading Standards in this area have recently clamped down on rogue traders/salespeople. They are going to interview my mum along with a witness with a view of seeking prosecution for breach of the Consumers Protection Act. Mums letter has now gone to Safe Style, will let you know this progresses

Update 20.10.08 - Safe Style received our letter on 4th Oct requesting refund of monies paid and confirmation of cancellation, it gave them 14 days to do so. The 14 days expired on Friday 17th Oct. On the 18th Oct, an envelope containing her 2 uncashed cheques but no confirmation of cancellation. Does it really take 2 weeks to locate and return them - doubt it very much. Probably another opportunity for them to play mind games with the elderly.

Summary: OAPs beware