I visited Crystal Peaks on Saturday and noticed that a new shop had opened called Brighthouse and were having a fun day to celebrate the opening of their new outlet. I've been looking round for an LCD TV, so I thought I'd take a look. I considered the prices not competitive, so picked up a brochure and left. On my return home I read the brochure in more detail and noticed that Brighthouse is actually owned by a company called Caversham Finance. They deal in hire purchase and charge a whopping 29.9 APR. The sales pitch seems to be, if nobody else will give you credit, come and talk to us. People need to be aware of the very high APR, after all it would cheaper to buy the goods on your credit card and make the minimum payment!!
I find things like this most unfair as the vulnerable people who can least afford it pay the most!

You would be surprised how many people with very limited income use Brighthouse.

Personally I would rather go without and save up. Theres a report on them here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/working_lunch/3043443.stm)

They do sell the necessities though that every low / no income household needs like 52 inch plasma's and leather furniture.

Like this (http://www.brighthouse.info/products/living-room/lounge-suites/display-product-large.asp?id=Sicilia) cash price £1559 .... credit price £2806 :loopy:

our vision...

"everyone should be given the opportunity to improve their home and lifestyle"

Life is full of possibilities, and we'd all like to think that we at least stand a chance of getting the things we want. Some people are not always able to do this without help, and this is where BrightHouse comes in, offering opportunities for everyone to own the things they want.

They do sell the necessities though that every low / no income household needs like 52 inch plasma's and leather furniture.
Indeed! ... I found fox20's link quite informative. I'm surprised at Crystal Peaks welcoming business like this, whats next Cash Converters?

Like this (http://www.brighthouse.info/products/living-room/lounge-suites/display-product-large.asp?id=Sicilia) cash price £1559 .... credit price £2806 :loopy:

our vision...

"everyone should be given the opportunity to improve their home and lifestyle"

Life is full of possibilities, and we'd all like to think that we at least stand a chance of getting the things we want. Some people are not always able to do this without help, and this is where BrightHouse comes in, offering opportunities for everyone to own the things they want.
unbelievable!!! Surely the letting agents at CP must have looked in to the nature of their business before granting a lease?

i went there on thursday befors their grand opening and had a look around i am looking for a new washing machine and cooker and was looking at all options they told me that it would cost me for both 15 quid a week for 3 years which i thought was discusting since i saw the same makes in other shops for about 200 quid cheeper each in other shops... but then again some people do love them but i think if you cant afford a massive telly you would be better staying with the one you got and just saving up. their sales pitch is very convincing i saw loads of people sighning up to them and one of them i knew and once they got home they wish they never signed up when it actually sunk in how much they were going to have to pay back

Don't forget they will also cash your cheques including housing benefit ones :rolleyes:

companies like them are very tempting to low income people like myself which i think is horrible i dont think it would be that bad if the interest rate was reasonable

unbelievable!!! Surely the letting agents at CP must have looked in to the nature of their business before granting a lease?

Shopping Centres aren't supposed to be the publics' guardians. Brighthouse will have targeted that location based on the demographics of the catchment area, and if they can pay the rent and fit into the tenant mix that Crystal Peaks is aiming for they'll get the lease.

Don't forget they will also cash your cheques including housing benefit ones :rolleyes:
So it really is a sort of 'Cash Converters' then? The signs outside the shop and the window display give the impression of a 'Curry's/Dixon's' sort of operation, when in actual fact this couldn't be further from the truth. I wonder what the CPeaks centre mangers' view is on this sort of business operating within his confines?

as long as he gets paid i cant really see him actually being bothered

There's one in the Hillsborough Barracks so Im told and the one on the moor.

And hows this for a funny one "The application requires you to provide the names and addresses of four friends or relatives who we will contact for personal references."

We have 1 of those in Wakefield and my older sister uses companys just like these, infact propbably the mentioned one if i come to think of it. She also uses 1 of them tellys where it has a slot at the side and you have to keep putting money in to watch and then people come weekly to empty it and once all the money you have paid adds up to the price you agreed to buy then it's then yours.
She got a new T.V. It was 1 that retails at approx £299 and i asked her how much it would cost her and she said i think it is abot £800-£900.
I nearly hit her, especially as they have 4 children and she doesn't realise that although she isn't paying it off in a lump sum she is still well out of pocket come the end!

It makes me sad :(

companies like them are very tempting to low income people like myself which i think is horrible i dont think it would be that bad if the interest rate was reasonable
29.9 APR is bordering on the criminal! As you say, there is a need for finance for large items, but surely not at an outrageous APR. They hung Dick Turpin!!

29.9 APR is bordering on the criminal! As you say, there is a need for finance for large items, but surely not at an outrageous APR. They hung Dick Turpin!!
I suppose its all relative to the risk.. Id be interested in how they go about things if somebody stops paying though :suspect: seeing as these people have nothing to start with.

5 actually lol they told me that on thursday.. it makes me sad to have seen alot of people i know going to brighthouse for a massive telly which fair enough are nice but not a neccesity(cant spell it) i dont think they are thinking of how much they will actually pay back

There's one in the Hillsborough Barracks so Im told and the one on the moor.

And hows this for a funny one "The application requires you to provide the names and addresses of four friends or relatives who we will contact for personal references."
It just gets better doesn't it!

5 actually lol they told me that on thursday.. it makes me sad to have seen alot of people i know going to brighthouse for a massive telly which fair enough are nice but not a neccesity(cant spell it) i dont think they are thinking of how much they will actually pay back
Lets hope that this thread gives SF members a balanced judgement on whether to patronise these people. If people are happy to pay 29.9 apr, thats their look out, but I don't think there is enough done to explain what the item will actually cost them. As for the provision of 4 referees, well ...???

And does the man in the street actually understand APR in the first place? :huh:

And does the man in the street actually understand APR in the first place? :huh:
Quite! Thats why business like this should be declaring in laymans terms, what exactly the true cost is. They are trading on peoples ignorance of hire purchase agreements! I feel for the low income families who have been drawn into this on Saturday and signed up for agreements they don't really understand.

Not only is the APR of 29.9% crazy to go for, their "Cash Prices" are already much higher than the cash price for the same goods in Argos.
I've just checked on a couple of TV's and they are 30% to 40% higher.

Its not just Brighthouse that have high APR's,i used to have a comet card and charged 30.5% APR,indeed I bought a Laptop from Currys last Jan free for a year now if i dont pay it back in full next Jan i will be charge 29% APR backdated.

Now the difference with me is that i new all the facts before i bought the item,i signed the agreement and i will stick it on a credit card 0% come Jan do your homework first and be sure you can afford the bill.

I really dont have any sympethy for people who complain about high APR's if you do you home work first and can actually afford what your buying then theres no need to get in to difficulties.

And at the end of the day the shops dont force you to sign on the dotted line and if you cant afford then dont buy.

Quite! Thats why business like this should be declaring in laymans terms, what exactly the true cost is. They are trading on peoples ignorance of hire purchase agreements! I feel for the low income families who have been drawn into this on Saturday and signed up for agreements they don't really understand.

The website shows clearly the cash price and what you will pay back in total. People should know not to sign something they dont understand. If they sign anyway they should not really be allowed out alone.
All credit agreements have to allow a cooling off period during which you can change your mind- so they can read all the paperwork at their leisure and then decide.

the APR of 29.9% crazy to go for

Well it did used to be called 'Crazy Georges' :P Maybe they thought it put people off

Quite! Thats why business like this should be declaring in laymans terms, what exactly the true cost is. They are trading on peoples ignorance of hire purchase agreements! I feel for the low income families who have been drawn into this on Saturday and signed up for agreements they don't really understand.


Ive just looked at thhis link that was posted and i dont think they could make it any clearer to be honest. The APR at the bottom of the screen is in huge letters.
http://www.brighthouse.info/products/living-room/lounge-suites/display-product-large.asp?id=Sicilia

Okay explain what APR is, pretend Im from Mars and dont have a clue.

Bear in mind that Brighthouse used to trade under the name of "Crazy Georges" - loads of people got ripped off by them.

Okay explain what APR is, pretend Im from Mars and dont have a clue.

You cant just assume all creatures from Mars are stupid.

Okay explain what APR is, pretend Im from Mars and dont have a clue.

You don't need to know what APR is, you just have to ask "how much will I be paying back ?" if it's a lot more than the item costs you know they are robbing you.

Okay explain what APR is, pretend Im from Mars and dont have a clue.

Well if you managed to get to Earth from Mars and you can not work out what a percentage rate is or can not read the Total price paid which is displayed on the website, then god knows how you ever got to earth in the first place Martion.

Love

Earthling

i remember crazy georges my mum got a sofa from them and some trouble with them she got told she was getting a new one but got one which was reconditioned you could tell this with the fag burns in it then when she got what she was after half way through paying it they tried to put the price up

Its not just Brighthouse that have high APR's,i used to have a comet card and charged 30.5% APR,indeed I bought a Laptop from Currys last Jan free for a year now if i dont pay it back in full next Jan i will be charge 29% APR backdated.

Now the difference with me is that i new all the facts before i bought the item,i signed the agreement and i will stick it on a credit card 0% come Jan do your homework first and be sure you can afford the bill.

I really dont have any sympethy for people who complain about high APR's if you do you home work first and can actually afford what your buying then theres no need to get in to difficulties.

And at the end of the day the shops dont force you to sign on the dotted line and if you cant afford then dont buy.
You are obviously intelligent in charge of your finances and making a considered judgement before signing for anything. That I admire you for, but not everyone has the same tenacity as yourself. The vulnerable need to be protected basically from their own selves. We can't adopt a view that if they are young, old, unemployed or mentally impaired they deserve to be exploited!

The website shows clearly the cash price and what you will pay back in total. People should know not to sign something they dont understand. If they sign anyway they should not really be allowed out alone.
All credit agreements have to allow a cooling off period during which you can change your mind- so they can read all the paperwork at their leisure and then decide.
Lets hope that anyone who signed up over the weekend will make use of this cooling off period!

Well it did used to be called 'Crazy Georges' :P Maybe they thought it put people off
Crazy George's??? You've obviously done your homework on this subject. nice one!!

i remember crazy georges my mum got a sofa from them and some trouble with them she got told she was getting a new one but got one which was reconditioned you could tell this with the fag burns in it then when she got what she was after half way through paying it they tried to put the price up
I noticed on Saturday that a lot of the items on sale were marked up as refurbished. Are these the items the bailiff's recovered from customers who couldn't keep up the payments.

yes i think so they are cheaper though but me mum wasnt pleased that she was paying full price for new when she got one of them

You are obviously intelligent in charge of your finances and making a considered judgement before signing for anything. That I admire you for, but not everyone has the same tenacity as yourself. The vulnerable need to be protected basically from their own selves. We can't adopt a view that if they are young, old, unemployed or mentally impaired they deserve to be exploited!

Yes i agree with you to a point but suerly anyone can work out that if something costs £1000 cash or £1800 Credit then it is pritty clear which is the cheapest route.

At the end of the day its the customers that go into the shop not vicsa versa.

yes i think so they are cheaper though but me mum wasnt pleased that she was paying full price for new when she got one of them

That would be illegal to pass of something that is new and clearly wasnt.

i agree with you that it is the customer who walks in but from what i heard on thursday when i went in any reservasions you have about getting something they always have the perfect answer for it i dont know i might be wrong but i think places like that are ok but they shouldnt really pressure you which i got the feeling that was what they were trying to do to me and others i saw

Yes i agree with you to a point but suerly anyone can work out that if something costs £1000 cash or £1800 Credit then it is pritty clear which is the cheapest route.

At the end of the day its the customers that go into the shop not vicsa versa.
Yes, but all these Brighthouse customers see is the LCD TV and the weekly payment, which they think they can afford at the time. Probably because of a lack of literacy the small print becomes irrelevant. You or I wouldn't entertain places like this, but as I say, the vulnerable do! Look at the Fairpack insolvency, it beggars belief that people would deposit large sums each week in return for vouchers to spend at high st shops in December. Why not just put the money in the bank. Its easy for you and I to say this, but in reality the Brighthouse/Fairpack scenario is the only way for them.

all i do to save for things like that is put it in the back and give my best mate my card its the only way i can save lol

Yes, but all these Brighthouse customers see is the LCD TV and the weekly payment, which they think they can afford at the time. Probably because of a lack of literacy the small print becomes irrelevant. You or I wouldn't entertain places like this, but as I say, the vulnerable do! Look at the Fairpack insolvency, it beggars belief that people would deposit large sums each week in return for vouchers to spend at high st shops in December. Why not just put the money in the bank. Its easy for you and I to say this, but in reality the Brighthouse/Fairpack scenario is the only way for them.

Im not having a dig at you John now,who the hell is classed as vulnerable and what does it mean, i ask this because a few weeks ago on the news they were talking about the switch over to digital and how 'vulnerable ' people wont be able to afford to upgrade the expensive brighthouse lcd tv to get the digital signal.
Now tell me if im wrong here but who can not save £30 for a set top box before switch over in the Yorkshire region in 2011.
But no the government is going to give them away to 'vulnerable' groups.

And as for Farepack did you see how the parents on the ITV News were telling the children how they would'nt be having a christmas this year and making them cry on national TV...disgusting!! Bet they don't even go to church aswell!

Anyway back to Brighthouse !,

Brighthouse is the acceptable face of extortionate credit lenders.

Don't forget that Shopacheck /Provident have agents targetting areas of low employment and high benefits dependancy all the time. They are also legit but hardly moral.

one thing though why is it every one has to change over though

one thing though why is it every one has to change over though
Are you talking about the digital switchover? If you are its because the analogue signal will eventually be turned off.

ok but why whats wrong with it

ok but why whats wrong with it

Digital is better (or so they say), like CD's are better than gramaphone records.

ok but why whats wrong with it

according to this (http://www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk/)website :

" Already just under 72% of UK households have chosen to go digital, as Digital TV offers more choice and a better quality viewing experience. The Government wants everyone to enjoy the benefits of digital TV and key to this is to ensure that everyone has a greater choice of affordable digital TV options.

Today about 1 in 4 UK households cannot get the full range of digital TV services available free through an aerial, and 1 in 5 UK households can not get Five through their aerial. Access to these services will increase after digital switchover, so switchover will make it fairer for everyone.

Digital switchover will also help the UK continue as a world leader in broadcasting. It will ensure that today’s ageing terrestrial broadcasting network is replaced by the best available technology, digital. "

Im not having a dig at you John now,who the hell is classed as vulnerable and what does it mean, i ask this because a few weeks ago on the news they were talking about the switch over to digital and how 'vulnerable ' people wont be able to afford to upgrade the expensive brighthouse lcd tv to get the digital signal.
Now tell me if im wrong here but who can not save £30 for a set top box before switch over in the Yorkshire region in 2011.
But no the government is going to give them away to 'vulnerable' groups.

And as for Farepack did you see how the parents on the ITV News were telling the children how they would'nt be having a christmas this year and making them cry on national TV...disgusting!! Bet they don't even go to church aswell!

Anyway back to Brighthouse !,
I know that Barclay, its constructive criticism and I appreciate that!. .... I think we would be surprised by the amount of people who live for a day to day existence as far as finances are concerned. The last thing on these people's minds is what they are going to do on the switchover to digital broadcasting, they don't even know where the next spiff is coming from!! As a caring society I feel we must protect the vulnerable and not adopt a policy of 'if they are that stupid, they deserve it' The responsibility is with Brighthouse to inform in understandable statements. If this thread makes one of their customers have second thoughts and cancel the agreement the signed up for at the weekend, then we are winning. Brighthouse is a product of today's society that thinks the weak are there to be exploited.

Digital TV offers more choice and a better quality viewing experience.

Same crap programs though :)

brighthouse (ex crazy georges) are there to provide for those people who are less fortunate in some way. surely they should be congratulated for their anthropological motives.

no disrespect to anyone on here, but 95% of the people offering an opinion have probably never found themselves in the situation where you would become a Brighthouse customer.

I was there on Saturday, I took a friends nieces to have their faces painted!

Digital is better (or so they say), like CD's are better than gramaphone records.

What this Gramaphone thing you talk about?!

no disrespect to anyone on here, but 95% of the people offering an opinion have probably never found themselves in the situation where you would become a Brighthouse customer.

I did look in the shop ONCE. :P as you know Willman I cant even afford to replace my flippin fence ;)

And I have had bi monthly visits from Provident trying desperately to convince me I need high street vouchers from them.

I was there on Saturday, I took a friends nieces to have their faces painted!

And how much did they sting you for that?!

And how much did they sting you for that?!

It was free, so was the balloon that the younger child got then got fed up of carrying it and it got passed round the adults for the rest of the trip!!! :hihi:

i am in the same situation as i on a very low income and every week i get loads of companies like this telling me i need a bigger telly or that i need to save for xmas next year

IBrighthouse is a product of today's society that thinks the weak are there to be exploited.


so anyone ofering store cards with higher than a few% should be treated in the same way i assume.

argos 25.9%
M&S 21.2%
comet 24.9%

What this Gramaphone thing you talk about?!

It's the latest thing, I'm thinking of getting one but it's not backwards compatible with my wax cyclinders :(

Ah the difference is Willman the people who patronise Brighthouse would not be allowed to have any of those storecards, the finance companies wouldnt touch them with a bargepole.

i just dont think brighthouse/crazy georges are really worth it i know so many people who have had problems with them that i dont think they are worth it i just dont agree with what i saw but i suppose people do have to make their own minds up

brighthouse (ex crazy georges) are there to provide for those people who are less fortunate in some way. surely they should be congratulated for their anthropological motives.

no disrespect to anyone on here, but 95% of the people offering an opinion have probably never found themselves in the situation where you would become a Brighthouse customer.
Oh thats OK then! What a bizarre view? Sorry Willman I have an appointment on planet earth, back soon!!

i am in the same situation as i on a very low income and every week i get loads of companies like this telling me i need a bigger telly or that i need to save for xmas next year

i think the exploitation of peoples desire to improve their situation is the one that should be addressed.

but consider the necessity of a new washer, with only £5 or so a week left from benefits.
what are the options?
secondhand that may break & you can't affod to repair it.
comet or currys who probably wont give you creidt 'cos you dont have a job.

or a small affordable payment. which you can cancel at any thime & return the goods without penalty(it's in the rules). you also get service cover & replacement goods if they break.
who determines that people can't have something just 'cos they aren't perfect or don't have a job ?- people with jobs who can afford to pay cash??

Oh thats OK then! What a bizarre view? Sorry Willman I have an appointment on planet earth, back soon!!

it was a sarcastic commetn not a view.
but fox's remarks about the more "credible" store cards being unavailable to the less fortunate, was the point i was aiming at.
how many people use an M&S charge card and we all think its acceptable?

i have got two jobs actually but not alot will still give me the time of day. when i went to brighthouse it actually said that if i was to cancil before i paid for at least half of it i would be charged for it

i think the exploitation of peoples desire to improve their situation is the one that should be addressed.

but consider the necessity of a new washer, with only £5 or so a week left from benefits.
what are the options?


Get a job.

it was a sarcastic commetn not a view.
but fox's remarks about the more "credible" store cards being unavailable to the less fortunate, was the point i was aiming at.
how many people use an M&S charge card and we all think its acceptable?
Sorry Willman, no offence was intended!

Get a job.


me, or the people unfortunate to be able to work.

Sorry Willman, no offence was intended!

none taken.

it was a sarcastic commetn not a view.
but fox's remarks about the more "credible" store cards being unavailable to the less fortunate, was the point i was aiming at.
how many people use an M&S charge card and we all think its acceptable?

Ive got one although it was for a sofa at 0% for 2 years. Checked my facts you see.

i have got two jobs actually but not alot will still give me the time of day. when i went to brighthouse it actually said that if i was to cancil before i paid for at least half of it i would be charged for it


that could be right. it didnt used to be when it was crazy georges.
don't forget the weekly payments include the extra warranty & home repair service that the likes of Currys want £2-300 for.

i'm not encouraging people to use them, i just don't think we should persecute people who NEED to use them.

Ive got one although it was for a sofa at 0% for 2 years. Checked my facts you see.


now try checking your facts after 3 years unemployed due to ill health, or bad crdit rating due to a bad divorce, then when M&S and everyone else has refused you , you could end up at Brighthouse.
not everyone is as fortunate as you pretend you are.

me, or the people unfortunate to be able to work.

Not you matey.

i dont mean to do that it just miffs me off that they now dont tell you that you gotta pay something if you want to terminate it befor paying half. i read it in the small print after the man i spoke to told me that if i were to take it i wouldnt have to pay anything if i wanted o return them

Brighthouse have been featured on Watchdog at least once as well, for sending the heavy mob around when you fall behind with payments. These companies are like the loan ads on TV - should be banned :rant:

that could be right. it didnt used to be when it was crazy georges.
don't forget the weekly payments include the extra warranty & home repair service that the likes of Currys want £2-300 for.

i'm not encouraging people to use them, i just don't think we should persecute people who NEED to use them.
I agree, but the direction of this thread is not to persecute the vulnerable, but to make vulnerable aware of what they are getting into with Brighthouse. Companies like this are a carbunkel on the ugly face of society today. There are ways in place to borrow money from the DHSS and purchase from a shop that offers the best deal. As I said previously, I'm amazed that a centre like CPeaks wants to be associated with this sort of business? I realise the units need to be let to generate capital, but surely not the bottom of the barrel like this. Do you think Meadowhall would want to be associated with this sort of thing?

now try checking your facts after 3 years unemployed due to ill health, or bad crdit rating due to a bad divorce, then when M&S and everyone else has refused you , you could end up at Brighthouse.
not everyone is as fortunate as you pretend you are.

Im not pretending mate im sat on my nice M&S sofa right now which had £400 of in sale as i would proberly not usually buy one from there.

I've never said i was fortunate or well off ,indeed i live by myself have mortgage all the usual bills earn below the national average im on £17000 per year.

If im ill i have to pay full cost of any pills i might have to take from docs, i wouldnt get full sick pay, so knowing all these facts i make sure i live within my means.

it cool that if you on benifits you can get help if your needing a new washer or something. but does anyone know what i could do i work part time and dont think i can get help like that but i dont want to be going to brighthouse

^^ same as the rest of us save up. It takes alot longer. My mum keeps my savings so they are away from temptation. :)

ok lol fair enough but what im meaning is that my washer broke and havent really got the time to save properly since i get bout 2.50 each week spare at mo

it cool that if you on benifits you can get help if your needing a new washer or something. but does anyone know what i could do i work part time and dont think i can get help like that but i dont want to be going to brighthouseThis is the predicament, I wish I had an answer for you, but the answer is not at Brighthouse as you said. If you are on low income benefits I know the DSS help with a loan.

nope i work got my own place so that takes up alot of money which most of you probably already know

Im not pretending mate im sat on my nice M&S sofa right now which had £400 of in sale as i would proberly not usually buy one from there.

I've never said i was fortunate or well off ,indeed i live by myself have mortgage all the usual bills earn below the national average im on £17000 per year.

If im ill i have to pay full cost of any pills i might have to take from docs, i wouldnt get full sick pay, so knowing all these facts i make sure i live within my means.


but with 17K income and a property as collateral, with no ccjs or bad debt it's dead easy to get cheap credit.
if everyone were as fortunate as that - brighthouse wouldn't exist. i'm not defending them but i see them as no worse than Currys or Comet or PC World.

but with 17K income and a property as collateral, with no ccjs or bad debt it's dead easy to get cheap credit.
if everyone were as fortunate as that - brighthouse wouldn't exist. i'm not defending them but i see them as no worse than Currys or Comet or PC World.
I'd be intrigued to see a response from Brighthouse in defence of their business practices?

I'd be intrigued to see a response from Brighthouse in defence of their business practices?

I imagine their "defence" would be that they don't force people to buy from them.

but they are very persuasive and any doubs you have they always have an answer

I'd be intrigued to see a response from Brighthouse in defence of their business practices?

i doubt they'll respond.

but then again i know people who have had the bailiffs sent from high street electrical shops for missing payments (martin something or other)

There's one in the Hillsborough Barracks so Im told and the one on the moor.

And hows this for a funny one "The application requires you to provide the names and addresses of four friends or relatives who we will contact for personal references."

Hopefully these people are not treated as guarantors (sp?) for any who default on the loan :suspect:

Hopefully these people are not treated as guarantors (sp?) for any who default on the loan :suspect:
For any who default on the loan??? ... I would reckon that'll be around 75%. Thats why there is so much refurbished stock in the shop.

i previously had a good working relationship with Crazy Georges @ Rotherham(hence my insider knowledge), a lot of refurb stock is caused by defaults.
its also caused by upgrades.
you buy a 32inch tv, have it a year or so - fancy a plasma.they take the old tv off you(obviously 'cos you've paid for it) and bring you you're new choice.
you should have seen the number of vcr's returned when dvd came out, similarly dvd combo's returned when dvd writers came out.

Rather than buy from these people couldn't you rent whatever you want ?

We used to rent our washing machine, granted it's never yours, but you have the advantage of them upgrading it when a new model came out and you didn't have to pay for repairs.

Slightly off course but ... I fell into the VCR > DVD Recorder trap. I moved the VCR into my sons bedroom and bought a DVD recorder for the living room TV. It then became aparent that I had been a bit hasty and ended up buying another VCR so that we could watch in the living room what had been recorded on the other video's in the house. Hmmm!!

I agree, but the direction of this thread is not to persecute the vulnerable, but to make vulnerable aware of what they are getting into with Brighthouse. Companies like this are a carbunkel on the ugly face of society today. There are ways in place to borrow money from the DHSS and purchase from a shop that offers the best deal. As I said previously, I'm amazed that a centre like CPeaks wants to be associated with this sort of business? I realise the units need to be let to generate capital, but surely not the bottom of the barrel like this. Do you think Meadowhall would want to be associated with this sort of thing?

DHSS would be laughing from now till next Nov if you tried for a loan to get a plasma :hihi:

I can understand the point of making essentials such as washers available on an affordable hire purchase basis but I really think Brighthouse are being massively irresponsible in encouraging people to buy stuff that they can't afford and really don't need.

I saw their TV ad this morning and just sat slack-jawed in disbelief at the man who says "An LCD TV was out of my league until I discovered Brighthouse" - If it's out of your league then don't chuffing well buy it you daft sod!

Companies like this do nothing to help society - they simply drag those people who can least afford it deeper into debt, poverty and despair.

DHSS would be laughing from now till next Nov if you tried for a loan to get a plasma :hihi:
He, he!!! You sure on that one Commuter?? Just tell them its a Plasma Washing Machine!!

I can understand the point of making essentials such as washers available on an affordable hire purchase basis but I really think Brighthouse are being massively irresponsible in encouraging people to buy stuff that they can't afford and really don't need.

.
i agree with that - but unfortunately the media that do it anyway, tv advertising - buy now pay later(everyone intends to pay it off).

There's one in the Hillsborough Barracks so Im told and the one on the moor.

And hows this for a funny one "The application requires you to provide the names and addresses of four friends or relatives who we will contact for personal references."

....AAAaaannnd....!

TAH-DAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

When you referee your "friend", (which you, naively think is simply confirming to them that your friend is actually who they say they are) the stinking, swining robdog rip-off company now has your address, which means that they constantly bombard you with spam mailouts, begging you to sell your soul to them buy from them at their extortionate prices.

Nine-foot barge pole, anyone? For sale, very cheap? Never used?

i agree with that - but unfortunately the media that do it anyway, tv advertising - buy now pay later(everyone intends to pay it off).

I have to agree with you too Willman (what a lovely convivial argument this is!) - the problem is exacerbated by the whole media.

However, I place additional blame at the feet of Brighthouse because they facilitate overspending on unnecessary items for the people who can least afford it and who are most likely to default on payments.

I have to agree with you too Willman (what a lovely convivial argument this is!) - the problem is exacerbated by the whole media.

However, I place additional blame at the feet of Brighthouse because they facilitate overspending on unnecessary items for the people who can least afford it and who are most likely to default on payments.
Its like the ad for Ocean Finance with the guy on the desert island and the yacht rescues him from his financial nightmare ... they give a shave, a glass of orange juice and all his financial sh*t is sorted ... if only!!! As Brighthouse is essential Caversham Finance, I see no difference. Their essential business is debt, not as they'd have you believe electrical consumables, its just a means to an end to get you into debt and then the Caversham Finance arm takes over.

even thoigh i didnt agree to take anything on by them i was daft enough to give them my address and from last thursday i have had 4 letters from them telling me i would be the envy of all my friends if i was to get a plasma screen from them. this is what really miffs me off about them although they could be good for some who need a cooker or something like that i really dont think i need another flipping telly

DHSS would be laughing from now till next Nov if you tried for a loan to get a plasma :hihi:

why you dont have to specify no more what you specifcally want.you just state houshold goods so they would not laugh

cant just blame brighthouse most store cards are the same rate at least brighthouse do advertise fairly clear what the rates are

even thoigh i didnt agree to take anything on by them i was daft enough to give them my address and from last thursday i have had 4 letters from them telling me i would be the envy of all my friends if i was to get a plasma screen from them. this is what really miffs me off about them although they could be good for some who need a cooker or something like that i really dont think i need another flipping telly
another thread on this subject ...
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=157440&highlight=brighthouse

seems to me alot of people dont like them

seems to me alot of people dont like them

it's no worse than peoples dislike for carcraft.

true.... i never delt with them so dont really know much about them

it's no worse than peoples dislike for carcraft.
Is Carcraft of the same ilk?
My only dealings with Carcraft was when I was looking for a specific vehicle and they said they had one in Durham and would get it down here, but I'd have to agree to buy it unseen. Hmmm!!! dont bl**dy think so!!

Is Carcraft of the same ilk?
My only dealings with Carcraft was when I was looking for a specific vehicle and they said they had one in Durham and would get it down here, but I'd have to agree to buy it unseen. Hmmm!!! dont bl**dy think so!!


a lot of people dislike their methods of selling a car, constantly hassled etc. and an interest rate of 19.9%.

but as with brighthouse, the better your credit the lesser you chance of using them.

(i bought 3 cars through carcraft and can't fault them)

a lot of people dislike their methods of selling a car, constantly hassled etc. and an interest rate of 19.9%.

but as with brighthouse, the better your credit the lesser you chance of using them.

(i bought 3 cars through carcraft and can't fault them)
Eventually ended up at Direct Cars myself, no hassle, just left you alone to look, although I didn't require finance. I'd go back there for another car .... sorry, I digress...

Anybody bought anything from Brighthouse on credit?

i know some one who has they are actually quite happy with them

It's the same as those loan companies that advertise on TV, who can reduce your monthy bills to £4, how do people think this can be done, obviously you are going to be paying it back over a longer period, so you will accrue more interest, they are not in the bussiness to help you, they are there to make money.

It's the same as those loan companies that advertise on TV, who can reduce your monthy bills to £4, how do people think this can be done, obviously you are going to be paying it back over a longer period, so you will accrue more interest, they are not in the bussiness to help you, they are there to make money.
I think you've summed it up there! With some of those companies you even have enough left over to buy a new car .... unbelievable!!

i know someone who did, about 6 years ago. they still have the tv set.
in relative terms it only worked out about £100 dearer than comet prices, taking into account the warranty cover included.

I have to agree with willman - companies like brighthouse are total rip-offs, but are no worse than so called 'respectable companies'. People on low incomes and benefits have very limited choices when it comes to buying essential items. The DSS are not as helpful as some posters think - we were turned down for a loan for a fridge - because we don't have medicines that need to be kept in a fridge, it is not classed as an essential item.
Provident and Shopacheck have been posting leaflets through on our estate recently, I recycle them straight into the blue bin, but I have been in that trap of taking out loans. Now I know better - If I aint got the money, I aint having it!
What I really love is that famous mathmetician Carol Vorderman (lip curls at typing her name) advising everyone to get consolidation loans. EVERYBODY knows that this is not the way to get out of debt. Yet she takes her huge fat wad of cash, and nobody thinks it is wrong???:loopy:

People on low incomes and benefits have very limited choices when it comes to buying essential items. The DSS are not as helpful as some posters think - we were turned down for a loan for a fridge - because we don't have medicines that need to be kept in a fridge, it is not classed as an essential item QUOTE

This quote is from Vulcan B2.
IT IS WRONG you dont have to say anymore what to require the money you just have to generalise ie. household goods

- we were turned down for a loan for a fridge -

The first fridge I bought was a second hand one from a shop on London Road, it cost £15. It lasted a few years, long enough to save-up for a new one. You can find what you need cheap without resorting to loans etc. if your prepared to lower your expectations a little bit, but people arn't they want a huge American style fridge with cocktail dispenser and icecream maker.

People on low incomes and benefits have very limited choices when it comes to buying essential items. The DSS are not as helpful as some posters think - we were turned down for a loan for a fridge - because we don't have medicines that need to be kept in a fridge, it is not classed as an essential item QUOTE

This quote is from Vulcan B2.
IT IS WRONG you dont have to say anymore what to require the money you just have to generalise ie. household goods


never wrong - do you spend your days reading posts and finding discrepancies? This was a few years ago when we applied for a loan for a fridge, and the rules AT THAT TIME stated that we were not entitled to a loan for a non-essential item. If things have changed, and you now no longer have to state what the loan is for, then I stand corrected. I have not approached the DSS for a loan for many years because of this incident with the fridge, and the way we were made to feel.
I still don't like the general negative comments towards people who find themselves at the thin end of the wedge. We are not all illiterate (please check my posts for spelling mistakes, never wrong!) we are not all too stupid to understand high APR rates, we are not all workshy idiots who get into horrendous amounts of debt for fancy plasma televisions. I am a carer for my disabled husband, and believe me, I work damned hard. Unfortunately, I am denied the luxury of being able to shop around for the best deals.

Hang on,

I got a debenhams card the other day so I could get 10% off my xmas shopping.

I asked when the earliest time I could pay it off was so that I could avoid interest and the lass behind the counter told me that I could pay it off there and then.

After looking at the paperwork, it showed that the interest rate was 29.9% and that's for debenhams, not some dodgy shop.

So before you start moaning at crystal peaks for bringing in "business like this" just look at your main department store, as they are no different.

After looking at the paperwork, it showed that the interest rate was 29.9% and that's for debenhams, not some dodgy shop.


Department store cards were in bother recently with the industry watchdog (whatever that is) who said they charged way too much, I doubt anything will change though. I think M&S is even higher than 29.9%.

never wrong - do you spend your days reading posts and finding discrepancies? This was a few years ago when we applied for a loan for a fridge, and the rules AT THAT TIME stated that we were not entitled to a loan for a non-essential item. If things have changed, and you now no longer have to state what the loan is for, then I stand corrected. I have not approached the DSS for a loan for many years because of this incident with the fridge, and the way we were made to feel.
I still don't like the general negative comments towards people who find themselves at the thin end of the wedge. We are not all illiterate (please check my posts for spelling mistakes, never wrong!) we are not all too stupid to understand high APR rates, we are not all workshy idiots who get into horrendous amounts of debt for fancy plasma televisions. I am a carer for my disabled husband, and believe me, I work damned hard. Unfortunately, I am denied the luxury of being able to shop around for the best deals.
what is wrong with you you stated a fact that was not a fact nobody said you were illiterate or disabled or anything detremental to you I was just pointing out what you stated did not apply anymore.

just for the record I am disabled my wife is disabled I am a carer for a seriously brain damaged grandchild I am at this moment recovering from a serious operation and more than likely got to back in a month for another you HAVE THE ONLY PROBLEMS IN THE WORLD,THINK YOU

I purchased a TV from Brighthouse a few years ago and I would like to warn anybody who is considering using them to stay well clear!

I had nothing but trouble, my tv constantly had faults and rather than replace it like you would expect for a brand new tv they try to repair it and leave a "loan" tv. After hardly having my tv as it was away for repair on at least 3 occasions, I made a complaint. I also stopped paying as I beleived I should not have to pay for a product that I was not actually receiving. They soon sent the heavies round to my house and bombarded me with phone calls trying to bully me into making a payment.

I ended up going to the citizens advice and after a very long fight I managed to get my contract with them cancelled and some of my money refunded.

Beware of what you are signing and read it very carefully, Brighthouse are extortionate bullys and the manager of the Moor branch was a very rude, agressive man who was extremely nice when trying to sell me a product but extremely vile as soon as I had a problem.

I would never ever use them again, would rather save up and get it from Argos for half the price!

what is wrong with you you stated a fact that was not a fact nobody said you were illiterate or disabled or anything detremental to you I was just pointing out what you stated did not apply anymore.

just for the record I am disabled my wife is disabled I am a carer for a seriously brain damaged grandchild I am at this moment recovering from a serious operation and more than likely got to back in a month for another you HAVE THE ONLY PROBLEMS IN THE WORLD,THINK YOU

I apologise if I caused offence to you or anybody else, I am actually fighting for the rights of people in the same situation as us. I pointed out on my reply that I stand corrected, and that the situation regarding the DSS had obviously changed since I approached them for a loan a few years back. I was not directing my anger regarding being illiterate or workshy at you, but at OTHER posters who seem to have a very negative and stereotypical view of people on benefits. For a 35 hour week caring for my husband I receive the wonderful amount of £46.95 - about £1.25 per hour. I guess you are in the same boat. It makes me angry that people think we are living the high life on this wonderful 'free' money from the social, and wish that the anger was directed at the Government for a) paying us such a paltry amount for what we do, and b) allowing companies such as Brighthouse to rip off the very people who do not have the choice to go elsewhere. Believe me, I sympathise with your situation.

I apologise if I caused offence to you or anybody else, I am actually fighting for the rights of people in the same situation as us. I pointed out on my reply that I stand corrected, and that the situation regarding the DSS had obviously changed since I approached them for a loan a few years back. I was not directing my anger regarding being illiterate or workshy at you, but at OTHER posters who seem to have a very negative and stereotypical view of people on benefits. For a 35 hour week caring for my husband I receive the wonderful amount of £46.95 - about £1.25 per hour. I guess you are in the same boat. It makes me angry that people think we are living the high life on this wonderful 'free' money from the social, and wish that the anger was directed at the Government for a) paying us such a paltry amount for what we do, and b) allowing companies such as Brighthouse to rip off the very people who do not have the choice to go elsewhere. Believe me, I sympathise with your situation.


THANK YOU and just for the record my comments re the change of rules were not intended at you being wrong, It was the fact that the rules had changed. by the way I think you will find many people in like circumstances as us both stuck in the house and nothing else to do

why you dont have to specify no more what you specifcally want.you just state houshold goods so they would not laugh

If you mean a Crisis loan.

"You will not get a Crisis Loan for the following: ......

or a television or a radio, or a licence, aerial or rental charges for a television or a radio"

"The following are examples of what might be considered to be a crisis, and for which a Crisis Loan may be awarded:

a disaster, causing damage, loss or destruction to possessions or your property
or loss of money, for example through a robbery or burglary
or waiting for the first payment of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit or payment on account of one of these benefits or entitlements, with no money at all to live on
or emergency travel expenses for someone who is stranded away from home."

See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/sb16/crisis.asp#needscl for more info

THANK YOU and just for the record my comments re the change of rules were not intended at you being wrong, It was the fact that the rules had changed. by the way I think you will find many people in like circumstances as us both stuck in the house and nothing else to do

Cheers, never wrong. I do get a bit hot under the collar when I think people are stereotyping us, we do sterling work, for a pittance.