Clear Online Bills From Providers Are a Huge Plus
I made the mistake of checking my online bill from a utilities provider, then deciding to stay with that provider but change the tariff package.
I still remember those heady days when a single sheet bill came through your door once a quarter.
I used to tear it open, check the bottom line figure mentally against expectation and file it, two minutes job tops, job done. Now we have succumbed to the incessant pressure to go online, I struggle to get the online bill opened in that timeframe.
Perhaps some providers make it difficult deliberately.
They just send you a friendly email to say they have taken some of your money under direct debit and hope you cannot be bothered to navigate the online jungle to find out what you paid.
That way, after all, customers are less likely to think about whether they might save money and initiate a move.
Having spotted an opportunity to remove a small slice from future bills, I hacked deeper into the electronics undergrowth in search of the magic button that would make the change.
Finally, I found a page where I could configure the chosen option, clicked ‘Continue’ and was thrown completely.
I got confirmation that I had placed an order and its value was £0.00.
No mention of what I ordered. What did that mean?
Thank goodness for my broadband provider, Plusnet. I have just received their regular advance monthly email saying that in a few days they take payment from my account and specifying the exact sum they will transfer.
Now that is good, helpful, customer friendly practice and other online billing outfits ought to follow suit.
