Nicola

Trapped in contract by fine print.

I have been with FP mailing for 2 1/2 years. I wasn’t aware when I started with them of the hidden costs involved including having to pay for rate changes/updates at a ridiculous amount and the amount they charge for ink. I am not a big business, it’s just me selling handmade items online, therefore these hidden expenses which are just taken from you without prior warning are damaging.
With this in mind I was looking elsewhere for quotes to bring my running costs down, I found a company who offered me more than half what I pay FP mailing as well as a long list of added benefits. With this quote in mind I contacted FP with this quote, to give them the fair opportunity to respond before leaving or so I thought. I was contacted back by the retentions team informing me that I am on a rolling contract which renews every March and they require 3 months notice. But as I am a ‘high valued customer’ they would be willing to offer me a choice of two new contracts 12months or 24months and the price was still double what I was offered elsewhere (not highly valued after all). I was not told I was on a rolling contract which I was unaware of, they seem to hide this important stuff in the fine print which is terribly dishonest. I am sure this is against my consumer rights.

**review** contacted again by retentions team, have agreed a new contract under a much better/fair rate. now aware of the automatic contract renewal I will be making note of this in my diary, I just wish this was made clear at the beginning, this shouldn't be hidden in confusing fine print.