New Customer criteria

juniorhamish · 17-05-2011, 19:29

Hi, I am about to move in with my dad and he currently has a Virgin Media subscription for TV, BB and phone. I am not too sure the exact details of the package he has but he tells me he is paying about £125 per month for the whole lot, which I think seems like a lot. As far as I know, he has the XL TV package, with 1 V+ box and 2 standard boxes in other rooms. The phone package is also XL but I think the broadband package is L. He has been with Virgin/NTL for a long long time.

When I move in I want to upgrade the broadband to XXL (if it isn't already there) and also I want to get a new V+ HD box (and therefore upgrade to HD channels) installed in another room. The other 2 boxes that are there can be taken away I think. So essentially we want to have one standard V+ box in one room and one HD V+ box in another.

My question is: when I enter this online as a new customer would it works out at about £100 per month with a one off fee of £50 (or something around that) which is a lot less than what he says he is paying already. If I phone up and explain what I want, what are the chances I get it for this price given he is already paying so much more? And if I can't get it for this price can he close his account and I open a new account as a new customer? Essentially I am a new customer it is just that I am related to an existing customer and moving in to his house. What are the chances they would buy that?

**Kymmy** · 17-05-2011, 19:33

As long as it's two seperate people and one account is closed before the other one opens I don't see there being a problem.. The VM staff though that use the forum will give you though more definitive answers

Peter_ · 17-05-2011, 19:33

You can only have one account per property so you will need to change what is on your dad's account, probably best to ring in on 150 with your dad present and choose the option thinking of leaving us and see what they can offer.

No your dad cannot cancel either as you cannot take out a new account for at least 3 possibly 6 months if in your name.

**Kymmy** · 17-05-2011, 19:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masque

No your dad cannot cancel either as you cannot take out a new account for at least 3 possibly 6 months if in your name.

Is it me or does that sound like double dutch??

If the father cancels then the son should be able to get a new customer deal right away as it is a new customer

juniorhamish · 17-05-2011, 19:37

Is it fair to assume though that as an existing customer my dad should be able to get as good a deal as a new customer at least as far as subscription fees are concerned? I understand that new customers are often offered incentives such as free installation, or free boxes etc. But should the actual subscription charges not at least work out the same?

**Kymmy** · 17-05-2011, 19:41

Depnds on how long they've been a member and also what mood the retentions agent is in.. Simply put though "There's no harm in trying"

juniorhamish · 17-05-2011, 19:43

So basically phone up and tell them what I want and if they say they won't do it just hang up phone back and try and speak to someone else?

**Kymmy** · 17-05-2011, 19:49

No point in ringing back as they'll probably log the call to the account as they'll need the current details before offering you a deal.

Just ring up retentions (your dad will have to be there at the time) tell them what the issue is and ask them if they can do anything about it.. Not sure if retentions is purely UK staff but if they do use the foreign call centre I'd recommend you call in the morning.

jb66 · 17-05-2011, 20:26

Just call up and go vip50

Peter_ · 17-05-2011, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

Is it me or does that sound like double dutch??

If the father cancels then the son should be able to get a new customer deal right away as it is a new customer

If you cancel then you cannot sign up for 3 months and as his dad is still at the property he will come up on the credit check which will disallow him signing up.

Possibly he may be able to do a Transfer of Responsibility and then alter the package but that will cost £20.

It is done this way to prevent customers cancelling in order to get the best deal and did used to happen a lot until it was stopped, ringing Retentions can often get you a god deal especially as he intends on upgrading as well.

This was mentioned in another thread below and Ben said nothing regards the advice given.

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/11...vm-bb-but.html

---------- Post added at 20:30 ---------- Previous post was at 20:29 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

No point in ringing back as they'll probably log the call to the account as they'll need the current details before offering you a deal.

Just ring up retentions (your dad will have to be there at the time) tell them what the issue is and ask them if they can do anything about it.. Not sure if retentions is purely UK staff but if they do use the foreign call centre I'd recommend you call in the morning.

They are UK agents for obvious reasons.