On Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:52:46 +0000, Blah wrote:
>MM wrote:
>
>> Therefore, as I have always maintained, BT is ripping off us
>> non-direct debit customers in a very big way. I hope Ofcom will grab
>> them tightly by the short 'n' curlies and squeeze hard.
>>
>
>You miss the point.
>The charge is not just to cover the cost of handling the transaction
>thru the bank - it is to cover the late receipt of the money due and
>the cost of chasing it.
>With DD money due on the 1st month is collected on the first, with bill
>payment by cheque - there is almost almost a reminder, reminder, NOD
>process (which itelf is going to cost well over £2 in paper, postage,
>labour, overheads). Then add on the interest lost on having the money in
>the bank.
>
>Would you be happier if they charged everyone the same and gave a
>DISCOUNT for DD?
I look at my electricity bill, and it says if I pay within a certain
period (usually a few days) I will receive a reduction on my next
bill. This is the "carrot" approach. You obviously prefer "stick". But
also, how can it posibly be fair to charge *me* for someone *else's*
late payment? Penalise the late payer by all means, but not those who,
like me, always pay on time.
MM |