There is another thread re this running, this does highlight the dangers of approaching packagers, although in fairness it is difficult for the man in the street to tell whether he is dealing with an IP firm or a packager, generally the relief at getting help is the over-riding initial emotion.
For those thinking of looking at an IVA it pays to shop around and it pays to ask the question "Are you an IP firm and what happens to any upfront fees in the event of non acceptance?"
Regards.
Cert DR
23+ years in debt advice
I do not post for anyone other than myself
Size 5 very much agree. The initial relief at knowing there could be an answer or someone that can sort your life out is by far the overiding factor in an individuals choice....it's not until later that some may realise that they possibly could of made a better choice elsewhere.
I recall when we spoke you advised me to speak to at least 2/3 other Companies and directed me to this web-site (although I had already found it)....if only all IP's or those purporting to be such would offer the same advice.
Regards
I came into this world with nothing and still have most of it left!
It is always best to speak to several companies - I wish I had found this site first. To be fair, I have no problems with Payplan, but when we initially wanted to do an IVA we were told we couldn't by another firm and we accepted that.
Had I have found this site then, we would have been three years in instead of almost 18 months!
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Well just received my first call from a creditor...EGG. It's paid up to-date until Oct, but cancelled the Direct Debit and therefore it must of started the alarm bells ringing.
The caller was very pleasant and polite and after taking all the details of my IP, stated that she would remove my number from their "automated dialling system" and await further advice from myself. I explained that I had forwarded my intention to seek an IVA onto them but would keep the Company informed.
I came into this world with nothing and still have most of it left!
Changing the subject slightly, will you be coming along to FF in November Angela? It would be good to meet you.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I definately would not pay them any more money until you have decided whether to stay with this firm or not. And I am really not clear what you are paying for in any case!
Are you throwing your weight, given this thread, behind the "no packagers" debate Mel?
I hope so. There is no place for them, in my opinion. A 60 month IVA has no need to be a 62 or 63 month IVA simply to "have a look at the paperwork and assess the situation before we pass you to an IP"
The packagers keep 2 or 3 months payments for doing, er, nothing. They have no place in this industry and, in my opinion, should be banned.
Incidentally, I also think that IP's who accept cases where packagers are involved should cover all costs, regardless of outcome. That may help to concentrate the mind somewhat.
Regards.
Cert DR
23+ years in debt advice
I do not post for anyone other than myself
Interested to read your comments, and am not sure what is meant here by "packagers", but I have no problem with working with specialist debt management companies - so long as they do the job they tell their clients they are going to, and everything is transparent. If they are going to provide me with a full set of documents, then there is merit in them charging for their services. But they should advise their clients that they could approach an IP directly - and I do trust this is happening in practice.
I work with a mixture of referrers, and handle my own generated work as well - similarly to ClearDebt - and am happy with clients that come to me directly and clients that are referred to me by specialist debt management companies, accountants and solicitors. The main thing is that the client gets good service and understands the nature of the commitment they are making.
What point are you actually making in your final paragraph?
I have no truck for packagers, but I concede the point re genuine DMP cases that are now IVA-able, there are obviously many reasons why this may be so.
Business is business of course and re reading the last paragraph it does come across a little harshly, so apologies for that, but I won't change it now as that would be churlish.
I still have no time though for firms that take 2 or 3 payments up front and are then happy to take a fee from an IP (that much is perfectly legitimate of course) for referring across cases where very little work has been done, save for filing a few documents. I would also point out, for reasons of clarity, that I am aware that you take no fees from clients who are unsuccessful in their pursuit of an IVA, my point was more aimed at those that do, and there are many of them. The poor client has therefore potentially been charged twice for a service that he or she cannot have. I do take great exception to that.
Regards.
Last edited by size5 on Fri Sep 18, 2009 9:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
Cert DR
23+ years in debt advice
I do not post for anyone other than myself
I completely agree with you regarding fees for doing nothing and non return of monies if the case is not-successful. Thankfully this rarely happens in my practice.
