Ok, so I had the usual “YAAVC” BS while on hold today with a bank but then a new one this afternoon. Phone call from local garage:
LG: Hi, as a valued customer we are calling to remind you that you car is due its MOT
Me: Thanks, yes good reminder. How much are you charging?
LG: £54.95
Me: That is v expensive
LG: We price match:
Me: I would prefer that you offered your valued customer an attractive price from the outset
LG: [silence]
So phone another garage much closer to home:
Me: Can you fit me in for an MOT please?
LG2: Yes sure, we can do tomorrow
Me: How much will this be?
LG2: £45
Me: That’s more than 10% higher than last year
LG2: Lets check. Oh yes, it was £38 last year, we will do the same again then..
Me: Great, see you tomorrow…
So lessons – (1) “valued customer” means nothing of the sort (yes thanks BA for the downgrade!) and (2) if your dont ask, you dont get!!