“I am amazed,” says Alexander Vollmar (44). «107 francs for an offer I ordered online? This is a cheek! »
The content manager from Niederrohrdorf AG requested the offer from a company that offers charging stations for electric vehicles, including installation. “Because I bought a Tesla Y in March and there is no charging station in the underground car park,” Vollmar says. In May, he secured approval from the owners’ community that one could be installed at his own expense.
Four bids received
He then submitted requests for proposals from four providers, according to Vollmar. Then the three electronics companies he had ordered “offline” came to his house. At the same time, submit the application online.
After reviewing the offers, Vollmar rejects all companies. “It’s an expensive thing because of the length of the cables,” he says. In addition, he will have to dismantle the charging station at his own expense if the community of owners installs a common terminal. “Until then, I will be charging at a public station.”
“These costs should be more visible.”
But then he got the show bill from the company online: 107.70 francs. “I got smart right away,” he says. Indeed: the terms and conditions draw attention to costs. “But, upon request, the link to it only appears at the end — without the need to tag it,” Vollmar says. He sees: “These costs should be more visible.”
This is how the connection works
Electric vehicles can be charged with a 220-volt household socket, but they must be secured with at least 16 amps. The necessary inverters are usually supplied with a new electric vehicle. It is better to use the so-called fused industrial plug with more than 16 amps. However, this must be installed either via an adapter or what is called a wall box. You have to factor in about 1,000 francs for a good fit. It gradually becomes more expensive as the length of the cable path increases from the charging point to the counter.
Electric vehicles can be charged with a 220-volt household socket, but they must be secured with at least 16 amps. The necessary inverters are usually supplied with a new electric vehicle. It is better to use the so-called fused industrial plug with more than 16 amps. However, this must be installed either via an adapter or what is called a wall box. You have to factor in about 1,000 francs for a good fit. It gradually becomes more expensive as the length of the cable path increases from the charging point to the counter.
Vollmar is also upset by the fact that “nobody came from the company”. The effort is not proportional to the amount for him. I have complained. The result: “I experienced a lack of understanding.”
A legal expert finds the amount “clearly unacceptable”
“If you later find out that the costs are mentioned but you don’t see them, then the following applies: the costs should be reasonable,” says Sine Selman (29), attorney and partner at Peyer Partner Rechtsanwälte in Zurich. To fill out and send an offer, which usually takes five to ten minutes, to charge the sum of 107 francs, “I consider that clearly unacceptable.”
“In order to offer this service, not only must the website and the process behind it be provided, but the offering-related expenses must also be maintained,” a company spokesperson explains online. Names telephone advice, selection of suggestions for appropriate wall boxes, technical explanations, which itinerary for a viewing appointment, any time required for a viewing appointment and associated management costs.
The company rejects Vollmar’s allegations
In addition, a fee-based offer derives from the terms and conditions that are accepted when answering questions related to offers. “It is the user’s responsibility to read the terms and conditions if they agree to them,” the spokesperson says.
However, the spokesperson said the company wants to “review the matter again.” “No one should feel unfairly treated.” Additionally, any improvements will be made to create more transparency. “However, it is legally legitimate to demand a flat fee for the show.”
Vollmar wants to foot the bill: “The 107 francs are not worth me, for a long time arguing. But it’s still very ugly.”
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