Energy Saving Commission

[SRE]

Has anyone heard of these guys before? I thought I'd have a punt at some ads with them, as much for a bit of awareness raising as anything else. Needless to say they haven't sorted out my advert, the publication was due to be distributed in the next week or so but can't possibly even have been printed, nevermind distribution organised.

They've just rang now offering me advertising in the same publication that is going to be distributed in 4 - 6 weeks time!

I'm usually pretty savvy with marketing but I think I've been caught out with this ...

 

[JulianC]

Was contacted by them a few times last year. I think it's a scam (I may be wrong). Their name sounds 'all official' like you should have heard of them, but you haven't. Never seem a publication either.

 

[Graeme Harrold]

If Im in the slightest bit of doubt, I always make the excuse that I busy, but can give them a call later. If I get waffle that they will call back and wont give a number , then usually its a scam. If they give you a number, first thing is to google it or use "Whos calling me"

 

[SRE]

Yep did that, looked at the website, they told me who else would be advertising and I checked to see if they existed, rang Energy Saving Commission back etc etc. Paid by visa credit card - just in case.

As I say I'm pretty switched onto marketing, I did it for many years in the energy efficiency field - but I've yet to hear about someone who has actually had anything advertised with them.

 

[Markc]

Only by being caught out before but I never take anything from a cold call regardless of who it is.

I don't think I'm alone but the numbers of calls I get from Google is just stupid. Offering first page etc. If they had one brain cell they could see we have that as I work it myself for a small faction of the cost they offer.

Then there's the national house building mags, green sheets and anything else out there offering national coverage. Not much point for a small local family firm.

Not knowing anything about the Energy Savings Commission so can't say for certain but if they want you to sign something up there and then, then I would think scam. I always ask them to send me information so I can have a look and end by saying "so I can also check your company out" You will be amazed at how many then ring off!

 

[MorganPVI]

118 118 did us over, so we do not advertise any where anymore

 

[SRE]

Fuming - this is still ongoing. The latest saga is at the end of March after I complained and threatened them with the small claims court I suddenly got an advert that I could make amendments to for distribution on the 14th April. The same day I spent a couple of hours, made the changes I wanted and sent it back. The 14th April and the Yellow Pages (which it was supposed to be delivered with) came and went and no advert.

I email last week threatened solicitor and small claims court to be told that it's been printed and I hadn't responded. I've forwarded the email I sent to them at the end of March to prove that I have responded. I'd got a spring offer on that's been completely ignored.

My main worry is that they have me as a member of REAL and we're not. Am I going to have problems with misrepresentation?

 

[Gavin A]

if it's the people I'm thinking of, I believe they only print a tiny print run to send out to the companies involved, then make out they've delivered it as promised, but then engage radio silence at the point when you point out that not a single person you've checked with in the area has received a copy and request evidence of it's distribution.

tis a scam pure and simple if it's who I think it is, but I'd deliberately blanked the ******s from my memory.

can you post up a link to their website so I can check it's the same people?

 

[SRE]

Energy Saving Guide home page

 

[Gavin A]

yes, that's the one. complete scam.

 

[SRE]

Well fingers crossed everyone else will take note and not advertise with them.

What did you do about it?

 

[solarsavings]

My main worry is that they have me as a member of REAL and we're not. Am I going to have problems with misrepresentation?

SRE how are you able to continue to sell/install if not a REAL member?

 

[SRE]

Sorry should have said REA, we are of course members of REAL.

 

[solarsavings]

Damn!! I thought you knew of a wriggle