Rogue Traders, YP?

by **CJM** » 19 Sep 2005 15:23

Now, as we locksmiths that do not use a 25mm hole cutter to open a Union 3L lock (and also know that a detainer doesn't guard a wizards prison) look in the YP, we find ourselves swamped by the multiple adverts of those that do, in prime positions. Having lost the plot with YP on many occasions and been promised that next year will be different/more fair/one advert-one firm on as many occasions, I feel that this company (monopoly) warrants the term 'rogue trader'. They resrict the customer's access to fair competition thus enhancing the chances of a complete fool with big drill bit/plumbers' grips/rusty glass cutter turning up and over-charging for a bad job. Is it worthy of a BBC report? If so, I will contact them, but would like to hear your views first and then maybe we could contact them en masse.

by **pinky** » 19 Sep 2005 15:29

its what is needed a mass voice, but alas locksmiths are not known for sticking or working together.

its a good idea and one i believe is worth pursuing

by **79commando** » 20 Sep 2005 0:35

You will probably find that the Yp etc have a clause in their terms and conditions allowing cowboys and multiple ads to be taken out. If I remember correctly it is paragraph 35999765 just behind the theory of evolution. They definately need a kick up the @@@@.

Has anyone received the new BT phone book. I am gutted that I never advertised in it this year; only four locksmiths have advertised in my area and the book looks good, just like the YP but with domestic numbers in a seperate section. I can see people using it more than the YP as it is handier.

by **Rockford** » 20 Sep 2005 3:11

I didn't advertise in last years BT book, but had the stanard 1 liner inserted. I actually received quite a few calls from this 1 liner, so I've decided to take an ad with them for this year.

I've the YP rep coming this Thursday to see me. Can't wait to see the figure he drops on the table!. I doubt I've had enough work through YP to cover the cost of the ad, so seriously thinking of not going with them. But then - can you afford not to be seen in YP ?. They have us over a barrel.

by **acl** » 20 Sep 2005 3:31

If you hadnt realised by our location im sure you will have sussed by the content of CJMs post that we are colleagues! I agree totally on this one mate but as Martin said us Locksmiths have a habit of not sticking together on these things If Rogue Traders were contacted and we could get someone with the gift of the gab( i think we know who im talking about!) to front this, i beleive this could work. Altough i agree with 79 that yp are a big co and they usually find a way to wiggle out of these things.
Andy
ps, Chris when did you start using smaller hole cutters than 25mm?

by **EvoRed** » 20 Sep 2005 3:54

Reference the BT book, well done Rockford! I have quite a large ad in there and have still not received one call and the book's been out about 6 months now!

Now, I can't wait for renewal time on this one!

by **CJM** » 20 Sep 2005 14:16

As much as know YP will have a get out of jail free card for anything we say, I still feel that trying to get this even a small mention on air time would be good for all. If enough people (anyone we can get Friends/Family/Barmaids) e-mail the media about how hard it is to find good local tradesman and not the same couple of call centres answering every add on the first six pages we may get a break.

by **79commando** » 20 Sep 2005 15:09

I will give it a blast putting a letter into the local rag ref how annoying it is trying to find a local tradesman only to find out that I am dialling a call centre. I also have contacts in the local Small Business Gateway so I will E-mail them.

by **toomush2drink** » 20 Sep 2005 15:21

Well got my new local yp today and its full of multiple ads, in fact it seems everyone is doing it now so where does it all stop ? Yp are having a field day with it all so i cant see it changing. I didnt bother with it this year but was pleased to see im in the lineage and only 4th down the list yet before they said i could only have 1 free lineage and they put that in the other edition near me, so this year i get 2 free lines and im not paying them a thing, work that out ?

by **dean1** » 23 Sep 2005 6:16

I was given an add in the BT book at half the cost of YP ,They made it clear that they will always beat YP on price . I got my BT book the other day & they did get my add slightly wrong ,But I was also told that I don,t have to pay ! :lol:

I get 70% of my jobs from BT

by **cred** » 23 Sep 2005 11:33

hi dean,
do you mean the purple bt phonebook?
ray

Rogue Traders, YP?

Rogue Traders, YP?

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