Why did i go back to them? WHY!!! (Three (3))

Member Name: MissTierney

Product:	Three (3)
Date:	08/07/09 (61 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: After 2 years and 6 months - I am really not sure there are any!!

Disadvantages: Misleading prices. watch out for VAT. Customer services lies. Dodgy refurbs.

I have been on an 18-month plan with three in the past and when i attempted to cancel after this period, was suckered in to another years contract with them last summer! What a fool i am :)

The first time i opened a contract with three, i was a little hasty. I needed a phone so didn't do much shopping around and the prices online seemed reasonable. Unfortunately i didn't note that VAT is charged on top of their advertised price plans - including the extra text/call charges which go over your 'free' limit. :(
I was a bit annoyed that the extra charges were not brought to my attention before, and i was now on an 18 month contract. But to be honest, i put it down to my not looking properly, or in the right places (i rarely look through terms & conditions for anything :-/ !!)

Anyway that meant a £35 contract turned into a good £50+ per month phonebill for 18 months. I got over it and eventually the time came when i was looking forward to the end of my contract and switching back to my trusted o2 network :)

When changing contracts, or switching your number, you need to call the operator (three) customer services to obtain something called a PAC code. You then give this code to your new provider and you can use the same number on the new contract.
On the phone to customer service, they will put you through to the usual team of people who's job it is to try and make you stay - often offering you *amazing* deals to get you to stay with the network.
I was prepared for this, yet i must have lasted about half an hour listening to the person & the offers, declining them all. I wanted an iphone anyway - and the fact is they don't do them.
After enduring all of this, when it came to obtaining my PAC code, the phone went dead!! Suspicious - but plausible. Hmmm.
I duly phoned them back and spoke to a different 'representative' who came out with all the same type of things as in the last call.
I eventually got my PAC code.

It doesn't end there unfortunately - why did i answer the phone!!!
They called me back within a few hours, and tried offering me a £10 contract deal - no. £5 contract deal - ok i'm interested...
"500 minutes & 100 texts for £5 a month."
"including VAT"
"YES" <-------

I accepted this contract and well lets just say;
THEY MUST BE TRAINED TO BE LIARS

The £5 contract did not include VAT so my bill somehow managed to triple.. ??


I'll also add that they sent a refurb phone which i had to keep sending back as it kept freezing.
Sorry Three you've made enough out of stupid me.

Summary: Dodgy sums it up