November 9, 2023, 5:27 p.m. |
Reading time: 4 minutes
When expanding fiber optics, network operators use door-to-door sales to attract new customers. Shops on your doorstep should always be treated with caution. Unfortunately, this is no different with the offer for a fiber optic connection; All tricks are used. This is how you recognize the black sheep.
In order for the construction of a fiber optic network to be worthwhile, the network operators need a certain number of customers. That’s why they organize information evenings where they provide information about the advantages of fiber optics and the construction work. Afterwards, employees go from house to house and try to win consumers as new customers. But sometimes such representatives use very questionable means to sign a collective agreement.
Dubious methods in door-to-door sales for fiber optic connections
Doorstep representatives create pressure by, for example, claiming that the existing internet connection will be switched off. If you don’t decide now, the fiber optic connection will later cost several thousand euros or the value of the house would fall dramatically without such a connection.
Dubious representatives gain access to the apartment or house by, for example, claiming that they need to check the router. There are also known cases in which consumers were only supposed to acknowledge the doorstep representative’s visit on a tablet and the digital signature then appeared under a collective agreement.
Door-to-door sales are successful
So the image is miserable. The network operators still go door to door because it’s worth it. According to industry estimates, three quarters of all fiber optic contracts are concluded at the front door. According to Ranger Marketing & Vertriebs GmbH, one of the largest service providers in door-to-door sales, over two million products were sold at the door in 2022.
Ranger also works for Deutsche Telekom. Her competitors in turn accuse her of wanting to harm the competition with her sales activities – if necessary using dubious methods. For example, it is claimed that the competitor is on the verge of bankruptcy, that its managing director has died or that only Telekom is building a local fiber optic network.
Also interesting: How do tenants actually get a fiber optic connection?
Despite training, complaints about doorstep fiber reps
Telekom and Ranger contradict the allegations. Complaints were in the per thousand range. After concluding a contract, the consumer receives a call asking how the conversation went and whether he agrees with the signed contract. Employees would be extensively trained and black sheep would be removed immediately. In addition, the front-door representatives should refer people over 80 years old to the shops and the hotline instead of selling them connections.
Nevertheless, the complaints continue, especially about Telekom representatives at the front door. In fact, the opposite effect occurs. The consumer advocates have been providing one since 2021 Increase in symptomsrden through door-to-door sales in the fiberglass market. According to them, the proportion is more in the double-digit percentage range.
How to recognize reputable (fiber optic) consultants at your front door
Of course, speaking to a sales representative from the network operator in your own four walls can be more helpful than, for example, on the phone or researching on the Internet – if it is clear from the outset that the intention behind the information is to sell a collective agreement. Then you can still decide whether you want to get involved or not.
And even if you have already signed a contract, you can still withdraw from it. After signing, a 14-day cancellation period applies. You do not have to give reasons for the withdrawal. However, when signing, you should make sure how and where you can revoke.
There are also a few tricks to distinguish reputable from dubious advisors. Even if the representative appears serious and wears clothing with the logo of the respective network operator, you should also ask to see their work ID. Many representatives, such as those at Telekom, also have a letter of authorization that they can show. There or on the ID there is a callback number that you can dial to make sure that the person on your doorstep is actually on behalf of the network operator. In this case you can get advice. It is also possible to conclude the contract later.