Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 10:31 am
I am with one of the large IVA Providers (or IVA Factories as some people rather disparagingly call them)and I would just like to stick my oar in and say that I am completely satisfied with the service I have received from them. I am just concerned that people thinking of an IVA should keep an open mind and not be swayed by massive generalisations.
I initially contacted my provider in January - which I believe is traditionally a very busy month for people to approach debt-help companies. I spoke at length with a very pleasant lady who went through all my details and did a lot to put my mind at ease. The very next day I received a comprehensive questionnaire to fill in together with a letter setting out some specific points relevant to my case and also some literature setting out the general principles of IVAs. In particular - there was a lengthy paragraph setting out the option - and potential benefits - of bankruptcy.
Soon after returning the questionnaire I was contacted to make an appointment to arrange a date for an in-depth phone "interview" to assist in preparing my proposal. They called me exactly when they said they would and spoke to me for more than an hour to ensure that they had the full picture of my situation. A week later I received another call to go over a few points to ensure everything was completely accurate. Four weeks after my initial phone call to the company I received my completed proposal in the post. This was clearly and accurately worded and I had no criticism at all. The proposal set out quite clearly what the fees would be and I also received another letter asking me to make sure that I had considered the option of bankruptcy - and again the benefits this might have.In addition I received a copy of the "Standard Conditions" covering IVAs and copies of all documentation that would be sent to my creditors.
I returned the signed proposal and shortly after received notification of my creditors meeting. The whole process from initial contact to creditors meeting took just under two months.
My IVA was accepted. I had many modifications put forward at the meeting (I had a very large number of creditors) and these were fully explained to me over the phone on the day. I verbally accepted that the IVA should proceed with the modifications. About 10 days later I received the Chairmans Report and a written copy of the Modifications.
Since then everything has gone smoothly (although admittedly I am still in the first year!). The only real query has been following my annual pay rise. I sent the details of this in by post and one week later I received written confirmation of my new revised payment. I then just amended the details by *online banking"
It is true that I have never personally spoken to my I.P. but I have always found the people I deal with to be knowledgable and helpful. Their offices are open long hours and I receive regular letters etc when a matter of interest or concern relating to IVAs comes up.
So - please dont blindly knock the big IVA Companies. This forum shows that things can go wrong with companies big and small and lets be honest - things are bound to go wrong occasionally. Thats just the way things are. Keep an open mind.
I initially contacted my provider in January - which I believe is traditionally a very busy month for people to approach debt-help companies. I spoke at length with a very pleasant lady who went through all my details and did a lot to put my mind at ease. The very next day I received a comprehensive questionnaire to fill in together with a letter setting out some specific points relevant to my case and also some literature setting out the general principles of IVAs. In particular - there was a lengthy paragraph setting out the option - and potential benefits - of bankruptcy.
Soon after returning the questionnaire I was contacted to make an appointment to arrange a date for an in-depth phone "interview" to assist in preparing my proposal. They called me exactly when they said they would and spoke to me for more than an hour to ensure that they had the full picture of my situation. A week later I received another call to go over a few points to ensure everything was completely accurate. Four weeks after my initial phone call to the company I received my completed proposal in the post. This was clearly and accurately worded and I had no criticism at all. The proposal set out quite clearly what the fees would be and I also received another letter asking me to make sure that I had considered the option of bankruptcy - and again the benefits this might have.In addition I received a copy of the "Standard Conditions" covering IVAs and copies of all documentation that would be sent to my creditors.
I returned the signed proposal and shortly after received notification of my creditors meeting. The whole process from initial contact to creditors meeting took just under two months.
My IVA was accepted. I had many modifications put forward at the meeting (I had a very large number of creditors) and these were fully explained to me over the phone on the day. I verbally accepted that the IVA should proceed with the modifications. About 10 days later I received the Chairmans Report and a written copy of the Modifications.
Since then everything has gone smoothly (although admittedly I am still in the first year!). The only real query has been following my annual pay rise. I sent the details of this in by post and one week later I received written confirmation of my new revised payment. I then just amended the details by *online banking"
It is true that I have never personally spoken to my I.P. but I have always found the people I deal with to be knowledgable and helpful. Their offices are open long hours and I receive regular letters etc when a matter of interest or concern relating to IVAs comes up.
So - please dont blindly knock the big IVA Companies. This forum shows that things can go wrong with companies big and small and lets be honest - things are bound to go wrong occasionally. Thats just the way things are. Keep an open mind.