southern cross mobile, be careful

[Ext User(John Savage)]

In Nov Telstra finally expired the credits on my pre-paid CDMA phone,
so not wanting to lose the number in mid-Jan I ported over to Southern
Cross following recommendations I'd seen on this ng.

The deal I was given seemed better than what's on their website--I was
quoted 18c flagfall + 20c per half-min. Only as their final statement
while going through the formality of recording the call to seal the
deal did they mention for the first time, "You do understand that in any
month when you make less than $20 of calls we will charge a $5
administrative fee?" Actually, no, that had not previously been disclosed
and I couldn't find any mention on their web site. Maybe it's in the small
print. I continued on with the sign up, anyway, as Telstra's min monthly
would probably be similar.

But feeling peeved, next day I rang back to give Southern Cross a ticking
off only to be told (for the first time) that the $5 administrative charge
can be avoided if I either (a) maintain at least $20 credit in my a/c by
making payment of the first bill + $20 (actually, I think they meant + $20
+ the expected amount of the second bill), or (b) by electing to have my
monthly a/c sent by email AND allowing them direct debit.

Funny that. When I had mentioned preferring direct debit to the sales girl
back during the initial sign up she seemed disinterested, saying I could
pay by cheque, pay at the post office, or other ways. So it sounds like
they have been told to channel new signups into a $5 min monthly charge
unless the signee baulks at it.
--
John Savage (my news address is not valid for email)

[Ext User(Linda)]

> Funny that. When I had mentioned preferring direct debit to the sales girl
> back during the initial sign up she seemed disinterested, saying I could
> pay by cheque, pay at the post office, or other ways. So it sounds like
> they have been told to channel new signups into a $5 min monthly charge
> unless the signee baulks at it.
> --

I think you're right - had a similar thing happen, I said I wasn't impressed
and was happy to be emailed and direct debited and they swapped me over and
refunded the admin charge as well. Since that time (2.5 years ago) I've
been very happy with them and have no complaints.

[Ext User(Rod Speed)]

John Savage <rookswood@suburbian.com.au> wrote:
> In Nov Telstra finally expired the credits on my pre-paid CDMA phone,
> so not wanting to lose the number in mid-Jan I ported over to Southern
> Cross following recommendations I'd seen on this ng.
>
> The deal I was given seemed better than what's on their website--I was
> quoted 18c flagfall + 20c per half-min. Only as their final statement
> while going through the formality of recording the call to seal the
> deal did they mention for the first time, "You do understand that in
> any month when you make less than $20 of calls we will charge a $5
> administrative fee?" Actually, no, that had not previously been
> disclosed and I couldn't find any mention on their web site. Maybe
> it's in the small print. I continued on with the sign up, anyway, as
> Telstra's min monthly would probably be similar.
>
> But feeling peeved, next day I rang back to give Southern Cross a
> ticking off only to be told (for the first time) that the $5
> administrative charge can be avoided if I either (a) maintain at
> least $20 credit in my a/c by making payment of the first bill + $20
> (actually, I think they meant + $20 + the expected amount of the
> second bill), or (b) by electing to have my monthly a/c sent by email
> AND allowing them direct debit.

> Funny that. When I had mentioned preferring direct debit to the sales
> girl back during the initial sign up she seemed disinterested, saying
> I could pay by cheque, pay at the post office, or other ways. So it
> sounds like they have been told to channel new signups into a $5 min
> monthly charge unless the signee baulks at it.

Or she was just stupid enough to not point out the advantage
of paying by direct debit when you asked about the alternatives.

I got one sales ape ring me when a mate of mine was interested
in getting the signup credit for signing up someone else. He did
point out that I could avoid the $5/month minimum by signing up
for email billing and direct debit, up front without me asking.

Their web set has always left a bit to be desired detail wise.

I havent bothered to check their T&C.

[Ext User(alx)]

Get it changed otherwise....avail yourself of cooling off period until you
can review a written contract.


"John Savage" <rookswood@suburbian.com.au> wrote in message
news:060131000114502.31Jan06$rookswood@suburbian.c om...
> In Nov Telstra finally expired the credits on my pre-paid CDMA phone,
> so not wanting to lose the number in mid-Jan I ported over to Southern
> Cross following recommendations I'd seen on this ng.

etc.

>
> Funny that. When I had mentioned preferring direct debit to the sales girl
> back during the initial sign up she seemed disinterested, saying I could
> pay by cheque, pay at the post office, or other ways. So it sounds like
> they have been told to channel new signups into a $5 min monthly charge
> unless the signee baulks at it.
> --
> John Savage (my news address is not valid for email)
>

[Ext User(Joel)]

They are still the best deal for CDMA customers, it's all a matter of
asking if there are any ways of avoiding the admin fee. I have happerly
referred friends who want to "park" a favourite number until they
decide what they want to do with it.

Plus you get a $30 referral credit each time a friend signs up, even if
they don't use the service. Abide by their rules and it's an excellent
service and value for low tolling numbers.

[Ext User(Michael)]

"alx" <alxnews@NONE.com.au> wrote in message
news:drml6e$241f$1@otis.netspace.net.au...
> Get it changed otherwise....avail yourself of cooling off period until you
> can review a written contract.

There probably isnt a cooling off period

[Ext User(Michael)]

"Joel" <joelgrealy@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1138702642.939911.23620@g43g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> They are still the best deal for CDMA customers, it's all a matter of
> asking if there are any ways of avoiding the admin fee. I have happerly
> referred friends who want to "park" a favourite number until they
> decide what they want to do with it.

You just put it on Telstra prepaid with a $0 balance, lasts for 6 months

[Ext User(alx)]

Yep, they do...10 days. :-)

"Michael" <michael@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:o2JDf.232293$V7.117429@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>
> "alx" <alxnews@NONE.com.au> wrote in message
> news:drml6e$241f$1@otis.netspace.net.au...
>> Get it changed otherwise....avail yourself of cooling off period until
>> you
>> can review a written contract.
>
> There probably isnt a cooling off period
>
>

[Ext User(Rod Speed)]

Michael <michael@yahoo.com> wrote
> Joel <joelgrealy@gmail.com> wrote

>> They are still the best deal for CDMA customers, it's all a matter of
>> asking if there are any ways of avoiding the admin fee. I have
>> happerly referred friends who want to "park" a favourite number
>> until they decide what they want to do with it.

> You just put it on Telstra prepaid with a $0 balance, lasts for 6
> months

Southern Cross lasts forever, or until SC goes bust, anyway.

[Ext User(budgie)]

On Tue, 31 Jan 2006 01:04:57 GMT, John Savage <rookswood@suburbian.com.au>
wrote:

>In Nov Telstra finally expired the credits on my pre-paid CDMA phone,
>so not wanting to lose the number in mid-Jan I ported over to Southern
>Cross following recommendations I'd seen on this ng.
>
>The deal I was given seemed better than what's on their website--I was
>quoted 18c flagfall + 20c per half-min. Only as their final statement
>while going through the formality of recording the call to seal the
>deal did they mention for the first time, "You do understand that in any
>month when you make less than $20 of calls we will charge a $5
>administrative fee?" Actually, no, that had not previously been disclosed
>and I couldn't find any mention on their web site. Maybe it's in the small
>print. I continued on with the sign up, anyway, as Telstra's min monthly
>would probably be similar.
>
>But feeling peeved, next day I rang back to give Southern Cross a ticking
>off only to be told (for the first time) that the $5 administrative charge
>can be avoided if I either (a) maintain at least $20 credit in my a/c by
>making payment of the first bill + $20 (actually, I think they meant + $20
>+ the expected amount of the second bill), or (b) by electing to have my
>monthly a/c sent by email AND allowing them direct debit.
>
>Funny that. When I had mentioned preferring direct debit to the sales girl
>back during the initial sign up she seemed disinterested, saying I could
>pay by cheque, pay at the post office, or other ways. So it sounds like
>they have been told to channel new signups into a $5 min monthly charge
>unless the signee baulks at it.


Even better/worse than that experience, I recently enquired via email and was
sent a short message and an attached document which made no reference to the
"admin fee".

So i emailed and asked specifically about it. I received the following:

"Hello XXXXX,
we don't actually have any information on the $5 admin fee, suffice to say you
will only be charged that when you don't spend over $20 a month.However, if you
nominate to have your bills emailed and direct debited you will advoid paying
this fee, or if you keep your account in credit every month by about $5 you will
also advoid paying the $5 fee. "

[Ext User(Kwyjibo)]

"Michael" <michael@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:o2JDf.232293$V7.117429@news-server.bigpond.net.au
> "alx" <alxnews@NONE.com.au> wrote in message
> news:drml6e$241f$1@otis.netspace.net.au...
>> Get it changed otherwise....avail yourself of cooling off period
>> until you can review a written contract.
>
> There probably isnt a cooling off period

The length varies from state to state and based on how the sale was made,
but AFAIK you will always get a cooling off period.


--
Kwyj

[Ext User(Rod Speed)]

Kwyjibo <kwyjibo_remove@ozdebate.com> wrote
> Michael <michael@yahoo.com> wrote
>> alx <alxnews@NONE.com.au> wrote

>>> Get it changed otherwise....avail yourself of cooling off period until
>>> you can review a written contract.

>> There probably isnt a cooling off period

> The length varies from state to state and based on how the sale was made,
> but AFAIK you will always get a cooling off period.

No you dont.

[Ext User(thegoons)]

"Rod Speed" <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:44ba63F1ap6uU1@individual.net...
> Kwyjibo <kwyjibo_remove@ozdebate.com> wrote
>> Michael <michael@yahoo.com> wrote
>>> alx <alxnews@NONE.com.au> wrote
>
>>>> Get it changed otherwise....avail yourself of cooling off period until
>>>> you can review a written contract.
>
>>> There probably isnt a cooling off period
>
>> The length varies from state to state and based on how the sale was made,
>> but AFAIK you will always get a cooling off period.
>
> No you dont.
>

Pity about basic consumer law; particularly if the goods/service is not "as
desribed"

[Ext User(thegoons)]

"Rod Speed" <rod_speed@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:449oogF1420cU1@individual.net...
> Michael <michael@yahoo.com> wrote
>> Joel <joelgrealy@gmail.com> wrote
>
>>> They are still the best deal for CDMA customers, it's all a matter of
>>> asking if there are any ways of avoiding the admin fee. I have
>>> happerly referred friends who want to "park" a favourite number
>>> until they decide what they want to do with it.
>
>> You just put it on Telstra prepaid with a $0 balance, lasts for 6
>> months
>
> Southern Cross lasts forever, or until SC goes bust, anyway.
>

Mikey's a bot, don;t expect any better

[Ext User(Graeme Willox)]

thegoons wrote:
> "Rod Speed" <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:44ba63F1ap6uU1@individual.net...
>
>>Kwyjibo <kwyjibo_remove@ozdebate.com> wrote
>>
>>>Michael <michael@yahoo.com> wrote
>>>
>>>>alx <alxnews@NONE.com.au> wrote
>>
>>>>>Get it changed otherwise....avail yourself of cooling off period until
>>>>>you can review a written contract.
>>
>>>>There probably isnt a cooling off period
>>
>>>The length varies from state to state and based on how the sale was made,
>>>but AFAIK you will always get a cooling off period.
>>
>>No you dont.
>>
>
>
> Pity about basic consumer law; particularly if the goods/service is not "as
> desribed"
>
>

That's different to a cooling off period. Under a cooling off period,
there doesn't need to be anything wrong with the product.

[Ext User(Rod Speed)]

thegoons <thegoons@bigpond.com> wrote
> Rod Speed <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote
>> Kwyjibo <kwyjibo_remove@ozdebate.com> wrote
>>> Michael <michael@yahoo.com> wrote
>>>> alx <alxnews@NONE.com.au> wrote

>>>>> Get it changed otherwise....avail yourself of cooling off period
>>>>> until you can review a written contract.

>>>> There probably isnt a cooling off period

>>> The length varies from state to state and based on how the sale was
>>> made, but AFAIK you will always get a cooling off period.

>> No you dont.

> Pity about basic consumer law; particularly if the goods/service is not
> "as desribed"

That aint a cooling off period, fuckwit.

[Ext User(MJT)]

John Savage wrote:

> But feeling peeved, next day I rang back to give Southern Cross a ticking
> off only to be told (for the first time) that the $5 administrative
> charge can be avoided if I either (a) maintain at least $20 credit in my
> a/c by making payment of the first bill + $20 (actually, I think they
> meant + $20 + the expected amount of the second bill), or (b) by

If you say, put $100 onto the pre-paid, and only make a few calls a
month, how long would that $100 last for?

And does this mob do CDMA outside of the cities?



--
"The internet is a great way to get on the net." - Bob Dole

[Ext User(Rod Speed)]

MJT <mjpt57@yahoo.com.au> wrote
> John Savage wrote

>> But feeling peeved, next day I rang back to give Southern
>> Cross a ticking off only to be told (for the first time) that
>> the $5 administrative charge can be avoided if I either
>> (a) maintain at least $20 credit in my a/c by making
>> payment of the first bill + $20 (actually, I think they meant
>> + $20 + the expected amount of the second bill), or (b) by

> If you say, put $100 onto the pre-paid,

He isnt talking about prepaid in that sense.

> and only make a few calls a month,
> how long would that $100 last for?

Until you spend it all.

> And does this mob do CDMA outside of the cities?

Yes, the resell telstra cdma everywhere.

[Ext User(Michael)]

"Kwyjibo" <kwyjibo_remove@ozdebate.com> wrote in message
news:43e04c62$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> "Michael" <michael@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:o2JDf.232293$V7.117429@news-server.bigpond.net.au
> > "alx" <alxnews@NONE.com.au> wrote in message
> > news:drml6e$241f$1@otis.netspace.net.au...
> >> Get it changed otherwise....avail yourself of cooling off period
> >> until you can review a written contract.
> >
> > There probably isnt a cooling off period
>
> The length varies from state to state and based on how the sale was made,
> but AFAIK you will always get a cooling off period.
>
>
> --
> Kwyj
>
>

nope, only for handset purchases

[Ext User(Michael)]

"thegoons" <thegoons@bigpond.com> wrote in message
news:43e21e6a$0$357$6d36acad@titian.nntpserver.com ...
>
> "Rod Speed" <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:44ba63F1ap6uU1@individual.net...
> > Kwyjibo <kwyjibo_remove@ozdebate.com> wrote
> >> Michael <michael@yahoo.com> wrote
> >>> alx <alxnews@NONE.com.au> wrote
> >
> >>>> Get it changed otherwise....avail yourself of cooling off period
until
> >>>> you can review a written contract.
> >
> >>> There probably isnt a cooling off period
> >
> >> The length varies from state to state and based on how the sale was
made,
> >> but AFAIK you will always get a cooling off period.
> >
> > No you dont.
> >
>
> Pity about basic consumer law; particularly if the goods/service is not
"as
> desribed"
>
>

thats not related to a "cooling off period"

You dont get a cooling off period for new car sales, but you still have
remedy under the TPA. The two are completely independant