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1link Network #

Posted by Colin Bunn on January 11, 2011, 4:51 pm
Message modified by board administrator January 13, 2011, 12:18 pm

I dont want to be too cynical,but just been approached to join the 1link network.Seemed like a good idea initially so filled in all the forms and sent them away.Promptly billed for £750 almost by return of post!Also made aware that no payment no further progress with the membership.Fished around a little and found a common theme that garages sign up thinking it will bring in extra work,only to find that no work comes in only a lot of cash lighter.Seems like a good earner for 1link!Has anyone else had a similar experience??

Cheers

Colin

Re: 1link network

Posted by Simon Dean on January 12, 2011, 9:38 am, in reply to "1link network"
Simon Dean

Hello Colin

2 years on 1 link and no vehicles serviced.
Same story---you are placed in their independent
directory where fleet companies can find you.

Truth is they never use you as the bigger fleets have preffered suppliers and how you get there i don't know.

We tried to cancel at the end of year 1 to find in the small print you have to give another years notice,cost was 400 last years so a big leap this year at 750.

Also we have tenders through by fax from fleets looking for garages and you would genuinely be a busy fool due to ridiculous costings that would insult your investment.

Same as many we have looked for different business streams,our experience of this work has shown us look elsewhere.

HTH Simon

Re: 1link network BEWARE!!

Posted by Colin Bunn on January 14, 2011, 5:00 pm, in reply to "Re: 1link network"

Hello Simon

I tried to back out of the application process by sending recorded delivery letter to halt the application and thought that would be the end of the matter.I should know better!!Received a letter today saying that it isnt possible to back out of the agreement once you have applied and that the charges still stand!!What a con!!

Colin

Re: 1link network BEWARE!!

Posted by simon dean on January 14, 2011, 10:20 pm, in reply to "Re: 1link network BEWARE!!"
Simon Dean

Hi Colin

Just cancel the cheque or direct debit and be as bolshy as they are.

Simon

Re: 1link network BEWARE!!

Posted by Steve Nicholas on January 15, 2011, 10:09 am, in reply to "Re: 1link network BEWARE!!"
Stephen Nicholas

Hi Colin

Quote "Distance-selling Regulations" at them.

Regards,

Steve

Re: 1link network BEWARE!!

Posted by Colin Bunn on January 16, 2011, 12:05 am, in reply to "Re: 1link network BEWARE!!"

Hello Steve
I tried the distance selling regs but they must have encountered this before.I was told by their rep that the regulations only apply consumer to business but not business to business, so checked with my solicitor and he agrees that business to business the regulations don't apply.Looks like I have been ripped off!

Colin

Re: 1link network BEWARE!!

Posted by kelly clarke on January 16, 2011, 6:43 pm, in reply to "Re: 1link network BEWARE!!"
Kelly Clarke

I had the same call 9 months ago but price ws only £350 if memory correct 6 months on had chance of 1 job but fleet company would not give go ahead as they didn,t know me from Adam.

When you get signed in they then tell you to contact all the fleet services on their list to intro yourself, found this a waste of time even telling them i was a BCS working to OFT code.

To cut long story short i sent them a letter telling them i was missold thier produsct and i was not going to renew at the end of the year, i had heard about the 12 months notice i just hoped, i would stop the DD regardless. About a month after sending letter i got a reply saying in light of my position they would allow my membership to lapse.

I only went for it because they promised so much work and i thought we have loads of mobility cars in my area i could get a piece of the action, but mobility and a lot of fleets still only use main dealer.

I have since picked up more retail work and am not interested in fleet work anymore.

Kelly

Re: 1link network BEWARE!!

Posted by Andy Mason on January 18, 2011, 3:40 pm, in reply to "Re: 1link network BEWARE!!"
Andy Mason

We have been on 1link for about 5 years, and average 2 jobs a day from probably 5 or 6 leasing companies. 4 in today.
I think a lot depends on location and who else they have in there area.
Most of the leasing companies now seem to prefer independants, it definately pays to get yourself known to the people who have the vehicles on lease, so they can put you down as the preferred servicing agent.
Andy

Re: 1link network BEWARE!!

Posted by Colin Bunn on January 18, 2011, 9:22 pm, in reply to "Re: 1link network BEWARE!!"

Hello Andy

Where are you located?It looks like I might have to join anyway as it may be difficult to back out(clever lawyers,crafty contracts!)!to be honest you are the first person that has said that it works for them.What other hidden costs are there?I am told they insist attendance on training courses etc that they charge for,is this right?

Colin

Re: 1link network BEWARE!!

Posted by Andy Mason on January 19, 2011, 9:47 am, in reply to "Re: 1link network BEWARE!!"
Andy Mason

We are based in Dorset. the training courses are voluntary, if you can use the system, which is easy, you wont need to attend one, I never have.
As i said, we found the key is to get the vehicle or company leasing the vehicle to put you up as the vehicle servicing agent and then wait to be asked to apply.
Theres obviously no guarantee of work, but once on the system hopefully with some people recommending you it will build. Its not an overnight thing.
Do wash and vac as asked, because that helps your score with them, and increases the chance of further work, as all customers are surveyed, I know its a pain but it all helps.
Andy

Re: 1link network oppurtunity?

Posted by Andy Mason on March 25, 2011, 10:11 am, in reply to "Re: 1link network BEWARE!!"
Andy Mason

The AA have started using the 1link platform for vehicles that cannot be repaired on the side of the road, a one off £12.00 fee is charged to your 1link account.
Obviously you dont get charged for your local patrol bringing the car to you as his chosen garage, this is more for patrols who dont know the area.
Not everyones cup of tea, but it shows the network is striving for more business for its members.
Looks more favourable than what bosch and the rac are doing
Andy

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