Beware "Puka" PAT (testers)

Patman · Sep 25, 2012

I feel I need to let you know (if interested) that a business client poaching outfit is on the offensive right now.

Several of my clients have contacted me to ask if I had changed my Company name or was no longer in business, as they had been led to believe this was the case. Subsequently they wanted to make appointments to carry out their testing as a matter of urgency.

I was informed they operate out of a call centre in Leeds !!

oldtimer · Sep 25, 2012

Nothing surprising there best thing to do is send a standard email to all of your PAT customers explaining that there is a PAT company (no names) who apparently are cold calling your customers to report that you have either sold your customer list to them or that you have ceased trading. Then tell them that although you do not approve of their methods that you will continue to give them a high standard of service plus if they do get these types of phone calls advise them to ask for details of whos calling and then request that they put their comments in writing .

This should flush them out its a shame that PAT is just a sess pit when it comes to good business but mind take the moral high ground and ephisise that you need to give a good service to retain your customers yep old fashioned but it works

Patman · Sep 26, 2012

Thanks for the advice "oldtimer" - that's why I'm still in business after nearly nine years, with over 250 satisfied clients.

Blimey !! Has been that long ? Time realy does fly when you're having fun!! (Sic) Thats alot of tests at an average of 100/day !!

oldtimer · Sep 26, 2012

Dont get caught in a slagging match just emphasise your good customer focus and service that your businesss brings to them so stay aloof and even if one of your customers criticises them dont join in just say that you will not go to that level as the only thing that suffers is the service to the customer.

Patman · Dec 4, 2012

UPDATE --- Several of my customers have been approached by this outfit lately - very pushey telesales personnel.

Only today a client of mine with 550 items was quoted £70 to do the job (including several hundred socket outlets) - that's 13 pence per item. Somebody let me in on the catch they're operating. Suffice to say my customer has remained true to their expectation of getting a quality, and fully auditable service from ourselves.