I've heard of photocopier contract scams and tried to avoid
being caught by them :)
We took out a new contract in July 96. Their engineer inspected it
at the start of the period, and so that was their opportunity not
to take on the contract if it was not a repairable proposition.
It has now died, (only four months later) and parts are now
impossible (impossible, or just expensive?) to obtain.
"Oh dear, sir, we can't fix it for you. Here's your full
twelve months maintenance fee back".
Hold on! If it doesn't go wrong in twelve months, we keep your
money, and if it does go wrong we'll give you your money back? Is
that what he's saying?? That's no use to us.
There are no such let out clauses in the contract, I'm surprised to
note. It's twelve months notice from either side, with immediate
cancellation by them only in case of late payment etc. No mention of
how to deal with irrepairable equipment.
"If you're not happy with the offer of a refund, we'll see you in
court, if you want to take us there".
Well it looks like the small claims court will get another customer
soon (and a local firm may get bad publicity).
What could we expect to get out of them if we go to court? Surely we
have a right to expect a repaired copier, or perhaps a contribution
to a replacement. To limit compensation to just the annual premium
seems unfair, as on that basis the company has nothing to lose.
[Thinks, I'll start a photocopier maintenance business. All of you
please send me UKP xxx (whatever you like, say UKP 100 - 200?) and
if your photocopier goes wrong this year I'll give you UKP xxx back,
and if it doesn't I'll keep UKP xxx for myself. I won't even need
to inspect your photocopier, or even be sure that you have one,
I'll still make a good profit].
--
Simon Child
GP
Bury, Lancs
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