Apologies if this subject has come up before, but today I had to call the Post Office HomePhone customer care line, described as a Freephone number, which it appears to be - it begins 0800.

However, having dialled the number, one is given three options, and the only one for existing customers involves redialling an 0845 number, or waiting to be transferred automatically.  So, it's only free while they're trying to sell you their product.  Once you're signed up, you're treated with contempt, seemingly.

I've looked carefully through all the documents and terms & conditions stuff, but can't see any reference to this matter at all.  I've written to them, and await their reply.

If you refer to the Pricing Table on the first page you will see a note to say that the "Customer Careline" which is given as 0845 600 3210 is charged at the same rate as all other 0845 calls. During the daytime (6am-6pm) Monday to Friday it is the same rate as geographical calls with POHP. At all other times it is chargeable even though geographical calls are at no extra cost.

alecgallagher wrote on Jun 15^th, 2008 at 3:03pm:

Apologies if this subject has come up before, but today I had to call the Post Office HomePhone customer care line, described as a Freephone number, which it appears to be - it begins 0800. However, having dialled the number, one is given three options, and the only one for existing customers involves redialling an 0845 number, or waiting to be transferred automatically. So, it's only free while they're trying to sell you their product.  Once you're signed up, you're treated with contempt, seemingly. I've looked carefully through all the documents and terms & conditions stuff, but can't see any reference to this matter at all.  I've written to them, and await their reply.

?


Couldn't you just "wait to be transferred automatically."?

derrick wrote on Jun 16^th, 2008 at 12:42pm:

alecgallagher wrote on Jun 15th, 2008 at 3:03pm: Apologies if this subject has come up before, but today I had to call the Post Office HomePhone customer care line, described as a Freephone number, which it appears to be - it begins 0800. However, having dialled the number, one is given three options, and the only one for existing customers involves redialling an 0845 number, or waiting to be transferred automatically. So, it's only free while they're trying to sell you their product.  Once you're signed up, you're treated with contempt, seemingly. I've looked carefully through all the documents and terms & conditions stuff, but can't see any reference to this matter at all.  I've written to them, and await their reply. ? Couldn't you just "wait to be transferred automatically."?

I've waited to be transfered, thinking that that i'm on a frecall number and i wont get charged, only to be charged for it on my account!! Seems like companies are using all they can to slime your money out of you. Thinking about how they can do this, It's easy!
They ahve your phone number on record, they can trace your telephone number, as they own your account and charge it to you for the duration of the call. Just be warned, if you are a customer of POHP, call from skype or from another landline if you can as they will charge you if they transfer you automatically.

Tidyboy

I can't understand this. If you ring an 0800 number it will be free from a land line. How can they trace and charge you for that call as you have rang only 0800 number. Please correct me if I am wrong.
gudman

I would guess if you put 141 before an 084 or 087 number you will still get charged somehow.

It is not possible to change the price of a call in mid-flight. If a call originates as a Freephone Call from a landline then it will remain free throughout its duration irrespective of where its routed.