Penal Charges, Go Elsewhere (Fasthosts.co.uk)

Member Name: Richard Bence

Product:	Fasthosts.co.uk
Date:	24/11/06 (88 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reasonable service

Disadvantages: Make credit card companies look ethical and technology not the best

In light of the recent ruling by the OFT on the high charges made by credit card companies and banks I thought you may be interested in learning that Fasthosts, a major internet service provider believes it can charge people £23.50 for late payments with apparent impunity.

Their statement says that the charge is due to the account being place in debt collection. However as far as I can see they simply tried to take the charge one week later and succeeded. No debt recovery measures were taken other than sending an email which costs nothing.

In addition Fasthosts should not have been taking the money on 29th of October since the account is paid monthly and was started on 3rd March 2006. Gradually since then, Fasthosts have been moving the date earlier and earlier, e.g. 1st June, 30th August, 29th September. At this rate it appears I will be paying for an extra months hosting every two years.

Finally Fasthosts state that they immediately suspend a facility when payment is not taken yet still seem it is appropriate to initiate debt collection for a service they are evidently not willing to provide even up to the true renewal date of 3rd November.

I have used Fasthosts for many years and have not found issue with them before, nor have I ever had a payment issue with them previously. This however seems irrelevant to their accounts department.

I feel there is no other choice but to find an alternative supplier that does not unnecessarily penalise its customers and treat them will so little respect.

Summary: No scruples, no respect in all they deserve no customers