“I’m flabbergasted,” says Alexander Volmar (44). «107 francs for an offer that I ordered online? That’s cheek!»
The content manager from Niederrohrdorf AG ordered the offer from a company that offers charging stations for electric cars, including installation. “Because I bought a Tesla Y in March and there is no charging station in our underground car park,” says Volmar. In May he received approval from the community of owners that he could have one installed at his own expense.
Four offers received
He then made requests for offers from four providers, according to Volmar. The three electronics companies from which he ordered them “offline” then came to his house. At the same time, he made the online request.
After reviewing the offers, Volmar rejects all companies. “It’s an expensive thing because of the long cable runs,” he says. In addition, he would have to have the charging station dismantled at his own expense if the community of owners were to install a joint station. “Until then, I’ll charge at a public station.”
“Such costs must be more clearly visible”
But then he gets the bill for the offer from the online company: 107.70 francs. “I got smart right away,” he says. And indeed: The terms and conditions draw attention to the costs. “But,” says Volmar, “when ordering, the link to it only appears at the very end – without having to tick it.” He finds: “Such costs must be clearer.”
That’s how the connection works
Electric cars can be charged at a 220 volt household socket, but it should be secured with at least 16 amps. The necessary adapters are usually supplied with a new electric car. It is better to use a so-called industrial plug that is fused with more than 16 amps. However, this must be installed either via an adapter or a so-called wall box. You have to reckon with around 1000 francs for a good installation. It gradually becomes more expensive the longer the cable route from the charging point to the meter.
Electric cars can be charged at a 220 volt household socket, but it should be secured with at least 16 amps. The necessary adapters are usually supplied with a new electric car. It is better to use a so-called industrial plug that is fused with more than 16 amps. However, this must be installed either via an adapter or a so-called wall box. You have to reckon with around 1000 francs for a good installation. It gradually becomes more expensive the longer the cable route from the charging point to the meter.
Volmar is also bothered by the fact that “no one from the company came by”. The effort does not match the amount for him. He complained. Result: “I encountered a lack of understanding.”
Legal expert finds amount “clearly inadmissible”
Sine Selman (29), lawyer and partner at Peyer Partner Rechtsanwälte in Zurich, says: “If you only found out afterwards that costs were mentioned but you didn’t see them, the following applies: the costs must be reasonable.” For filling out and sending an offer, which usually takes five to ten minutes, to charge an amount of 107 francs, “I consider it clearly inadmissible”.
A spokesman for the online company explains: “In order for this service to be offered, not only the website and the process behind it must be made available, but the expenses relevant to the offers must also be maintained.” He names telephone advice, selection of suggestions for suitable wall boxes, technical clarifications, any travel route for a viewing appointment, any time required for the viewing appointment and the associated administration costs.
Company rejects allegations by Volmar
In addition, the fee-based offer emerges from the terms and conditions, which are accepted when answering the relevant questions for the offers. “It is the user’s responsibility to read the terms and conditions if they agree to them,” says the spokesman.
Nevertheless, the company wants to “review the matter again,” said the spokesman. “No one should feel unfairly treated.” In addition, any improvements will be made to create even more transparency. “However, it is legally legitimate to demand a flat-rate fee for an offer.”
Volmar wants to pay the bill: “The 107 francs are not worth it to me, to discuss and argue for so long. But it is and remains very ugly.”
