Not a happy customer of 2degree due to their bad customer service. I'd probably send it back to them eventually.
But I want to make some noise to protest. Also, I would like to know what they can do if I'm not sending it back. Can they still charge me from my bank account even if I already removed the payment method?
This is the first time the broadband provider has asked for something back from me. I want some suggestions. Thanks!
Ehm, They sent me a return bag already. Not sure what they'll do next.
How long ago was this? I don't think Contact ask for modems back anymore. I don't remember seeing anywhere that it was a loan. When I signed up a year ago I got the mesh modem, just had to pay postage, and sold it off as I didn't need it.
From yesterday, I C&P here:
Hi there,
Shortly, we’ll be sending out a pre-paid courier bag for you to return your rented modem to us. Please note that a $100 fee applies if your modem is not returned.
If you’ve moved address, let us know ASAP by calling us on 0800 022 022 and we can send your return bag to the right place.
Thanks,
The team at 2degrees
I was replying to dealhunter about his Contact Energy modem.
In you case, I guess what would happen is they'd charge the $100 to your account. If they can't take the money they'd send you reminders to pay the outstanding balance on your account. If you keep ignoring it could impact your credit history and they might send it off to a debt collector.
Just return it and move on.
@Stoic: 12 months ago, the longer story is they sent the courier bag, i put it in the bag, but never put it in the post, so it's still in the bag. I highly doubt they follow up on their unreturned modems.
@dealhunter: I'm sure someone will follow up, besides the ISPs now contracting out these jobs to 3rd parties.
I too have one from 'stuff fibre' that contact never asked for back
The current TP link mesh routers are required to be returned because they are more expensive than the older modem routers.
To be honest your best form of protest is just to leave and go to another provider.
When you signed up part of the terms & conditions are that you agree to return the modem - can't remember where it is now but I know it's there somewhere.
Even if you have removed the authority to debit your account that doesn't mean you will not get chased for the value of the modem.
Personally I would just return it, move on and not go back.
Up to you as to how far you want to take the protest and whether you think it will achieve anything.
What do you mean by you 'removed the payment method'?
You mention the possibility of them charging your bank account, but I can't see how you can remove your bank account, except in the extreme case of closing that account - is that what you mean?
Ultimately, what they could do would depend on what agreement you made with them when you 'shook hands' on a deal in the past. Might be unlikely (never happened to me at least), but I could imagine them sending you an invoice for the modem, and demanding payment thereof.
just write a review on google or trustpilot or something, why risk it?
I imagine they will charge you and then debt collect you.
Honestly, the worst company I have dealt with in a while. I have just shifted providers - not retention attempted, just a threat that I will be charged a full month, in addition to the 30 days notice unless I line up the move date perfectly with the billing date.
I'd also add that if you ignore the being charged part of this, there are far to many old modems and other technology floating around and getting thrown in the landfill.
If you've got the option to return it back at no cost to you then do it, let them deal with refurbing or recycling or whatever they do with them.
They will pass it onto a debt collector and not think twice about it. iirc its in your contract its not free unless you have had service for 3+ years or something.
I finished a contract with them and asked to keep the Google wifi units. They said $150, I said ok. Then they billed me for $450 ($150 apiece, not for all 3 as they had told even though I had checked to make sure). I changed my mind then, but while I was waiting for the courier bags they bombarded me with overdue reminders, notice to suspend service (service had been terminated), further penalty fees added to the overdue bill etc. Didn't get to the debt collection stage yet, but I think that would have been next.
Holy shit, I'll return it and never think about 2degree again
Why keep another piece of junk?
Frankly it's not worth it, if you can return it for free do it.
They state on their website that it's a $499 fee if you don't return the Orbi, if you keep it they will just chase you for the money until the end of time
It's not worth it, and they will not see this as a protest and they will not be interested to ask why you are protesting. Big companies has lots of customers owning them money they have their ways of dealing with that. Just return it and write a compliant on google.
Close all your bank accounts. Move house, town, or country. Change your name. Stop contact with all friends and family. Shave all your hair off and wear an eye patch. That might keep those pesky debt collectors away. Then you can spend each morning laughing at 2degrees and the free modem you now have. Go on, I'm sure it's worth it :)
I need a dust filter for a Hoover Max extract pressure pro model 60. Can you help me with that?
They add it to your account and if you don't pay they just refer/sell/write off all their outstanding account to a debt collector. It'll then depend on your luck whether the debt collector bothers to follow up.
Some debt collector don't bother with low amounts. Others will follow up on each debt and that's when it might affect you.
At some stage you may/may not need a good credit history. You’ll then find that 2 Degrees have registered you as a bad payer and it is attached to your credit history. Theoretically, but unlikely, if you go to a bank for a mortgage they could use your credit history to decline a mortgage application.
I never returned a modem to Contact, waiting for them to ask for it again, they never got back…