How often does Sky mail you?

[GrumpyGromit]

I'm going to stay in the UK for about six to eight months due to work and I would like to subscribe to Sky. Obviously, after that time I won't have access to the mailbox anymore.

So I was wondering how often does Sky (snail) mail subscribers? Monthly statements? Promotion only?

What's their likely reaction if mail gets returned even if fees are still being paid?

Any inputs would be highly appreciated.

 

[ralphmagno]

all junk mail and prono and tv guides.
if you have a subscription and the payment goes by credit card you should be ok for the next 4 to 5 years.
untill the new card comes out and you need it to watch tv.
since they just went to the new white card the next is due in 2015 or so.
ralph

 

[GrumpyGromit]

Thanks for your answer Ralph.

I was very confused about the minimum contract length being 12 months and the card being suspended if one moves out of the UK again.

I didn't quite understand they end the contract and I wouldn't have to pay after moving again, or just end the subscription after 12 months anyway with a working card till the end.

But thanks to your answer, there's really nothing I have to worry about. Better safe than sorry ;)

 

[ralphmagno]

hello, they mean you can not cancel untill 1 year.
it will renew forever untill you call them and say you don't want it anymore
or you change credit card number and they can not receive a payment.
you can update card information but quote old address and postal code in uk.
when you move to germany with the system you will need a biger dish.
bbc1 and bbc 2 will be harder to receive as well.

ralph

 

[GrumpyGromit]

hello, they mean you can not cancel untill 1 year.

Well, yes, that's what got me worried in the first place. But, if I finally got it right:

(a) No monthly statements/invoices in written form, so unlikely they realise/care I have moved after 8 months.
(b) If I bring it to their attention I have moved abroad, the contract ends even if it has only been for said 8 months and not the initial 12.

I hope I got this right?

My main concern was just once they realised I'm no longer in the UK they still charge me for 12 months and render my card useless.

I'm sure it's somewhere in the smallprint, but that's so tedious for me and a bit hard to understand at times.

 

[PaulR]

My main concern was just once they realised I'm no longer in the UK they still charge me for 12 months and render my card useless.

I think that's EXACTLY what happens. You've signed the contract and then broken the conditions so they charge you anyway!

 

[GrumpyGromit]

I guess I try getting in touch with customer support one last time and hope to find a person who is willing to put up with me.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[GrumpyGromit]

PaulR: You are indeed absolutely correct.

So no Sky subscription for me unfortunately.

 

[ralphmagno]

hello. i was under the impression you wanted to take it with you.
when you leave cancel your credit card and get another number and no more payments.
they have no way of knowing what the new card number is.
ralph

 

[Analoguesat]

Putting a monthly payment on a credit card is insane - you have what is called a continuous credit authority - and YOU cannot cancel it - the payee organisation has to cancel it.

Cancelling a card and leaving a payment open on it is not clever - you get black marks on your credit rating and Sky will just sell the debt to a debt agency sooner or later - so you will get agency letters chasing you..

 

[GrumpyGromit]

I wouldn't try anything funny anyway, and I would have been more than happy with a 12 month contract.

I could also understand they wouldn't renew my subscription, if I indeed chose to keep it, but them being able to effectively cancel the contract one sided for no reason at all (I ignore the small fact of me moving abroad, and copyright laws and licences are their problem, not mine) while I'm obliged to make further payments is a bit harsh and puts them in a very, very strong position.

There's always iTunes, and my employer takes care of accommodation and internet services, an local TV fees, but not pay tv.

So Sky seems no option for me.

But again, thank you all very much for feedback and input!