I am struggling to find the words without bursting a blood vessel this week, how stupid, idiotic; short minded is just some words that come to mind with the networks.  Again the bulletins are distributed late by distributors Avenir is a prime example, the final was not out until day 4. I don’t blame Avenir it’s the networks at fault issuing them late to distributors.  Just when are they going to learn, if we do a deal on the plans sent to us on the 1^st yet the final versions are not issued until 4^th are you going to honour our sales – I doubt it, which means disgruntled dealers and upset customers.  So networks to give an answer as to why they are always late…and please no bleating about commercial secrecy on tariffs, by the time we get them the other networks know anyway, so it does not wash with dealers anymore.

Cashback Fiasco

The IMPDA deplores the use of cash backs where you’re giving away more than you get in commission, it doesn’t make sense, its bad business, and it will cripple you in the end. Cash backs have become the norm and the Bain of customers for years, and with yet another dealer i.e. Mobile Communications going bust leaving approx 90,000 customers owed thousands, the time has come for change. Now this may be controversial but The IMPDA has written to all networks, urging Networks and OFCOM to bar Cash back deals beginning next month.  The dealers and customers would be better off without them.  In place dealers could give perceived value goods, such as TV’s videos, etc at real discounts from suppliers.

Dealers now more than ever before have a bad reputation when it comes to cash back, and for the future of mobile sales, this love with cash backs has to stop or else ruin the industry even further.  As usual the minority are spoiling things for the majority, it’s obvious that the dealers seem reluctant or unwilling to change so now it’s up to the networks to take the lead wait for OFCOM to give a directive and further blot the copybook of dealers as it will be seen that they cannot regulate themselves.

The IMPDA is looking for dealers to join FREE as members in order to bring a level playing field for the dealer industry.  Distributors are already on board as members and we would urge all dealers to join if they want to protect their future industry. To join go to www.impda.co.uk.