Charging period vs Billing period

Broadback · Oct 04, 2007, 09:26:00

Tried to think of a suitable short heading for this question and failed!

What I'd like to know is this.
I am billed approximately the middle of the calender month, on the anniversary of my joining, as I assume is everyone. Now the STATS follow the calender month, so how is my usage calculated? Is it for the calender month preceding my bill or for the month ending on my bill date? This could make a difference, if, say, I had a light September, a heavy October then a light November. Not very clearly written, but I hope you get the drift.

Rik · Oct 04, 2007, 09:28:54

The charging period is from the 1st of each month, regardless of your billing date. For me, it makes little difference, as my billing date is the 2nd. However, for people with billing dates in the middle of the month, it could be significant in the way you suggest.

If you give IDNet a ring, they will adjust your billing date for you.

Broadback · Oct 05, 2007, 12:46:21

Thanks Rik, I'll not bother to change my payment date, I simply wondered how the charging was worked out.

Rik · Oct 05, 2007, 12:57:40

TBH, I'm always a little uncomfortable about the fact that billing and usage cycles don't coincide. Most of the time it will have no effect, but it has the ability to leave the customer out of pocket.

Ann · Oct 06, 2007, 09:35:20

It says my payment is due 3rd October but hasn't been taken yet. Hope this isn't like the old screaming.net where they forgot to take payment for months. That one did work out well though in the end, as they simply wrote it off after 6 months and started again... those were the days eh.

Rik · Oct 06, 2007, 09:37:27

I switched to DD payment this month, Ann. The payment was due on October 2, and taken on October 3.

Noreen · Oct 06, 2007, 10:16:09

Rik, what are the benefits of using direct debit rather than credit card for paying an ISP?

Rik · Oct 06, 2007, 10:18:22

I never, even to a company like IDNet, grant a CCA/CPA on a credit card, Noreen. Once you have given one, only the payee can terminate it. With Direct Debit (previously, I used standing order), if there's an error, your bank will refund the money immediately, and you can cancel the mandate at any time.

Inactive · Oct 06, 2007, 10:22:59

Same here Rik, I use Standing Order, but will soon switch to DD.

Rik · Oct 06, 2007, 10:27:58

I set the DD up online as soon as the facility became available, mate. Worked like a charm.

Shame about Trevor.

Inactive · Oct 06, 2007, 10:34:12

Quote from: Rik on Oct 06, 2007, 10:27:58

Shame about Trevor.

Trevor is just a spoilt kid, as soon as he is left on his own, he throws a wobbly..

Rik · Oct 06, 2007, 10:39:39

I'm convinced he just gets lonely, so starts some mischief to get attention. He's the only server I know with Munchausen's (sp?) syndrome.

Broadback · Oct 06, 2007, 10:40:09

I must say that in many ways I do not agree that CC are not the way to go. As I get a money back deal on mine, in effect I get a discount using my CC. If I had any problem I would simply cancel or "lose" my CC, the regular payments would then automatically cease. I admit that I have more than one CC, so losing one for a few days would not matter. I hasten to add that I automatically pay them off each month.

Rik · Oct 06, 2007, 10:46:21

It depends on the card issuer, but I know that some link the old card account to the new one, and will accept charges on the old card number.

Ann · Oct 06, 2007, 11:14:29

I agree. Losing a CC doesn't work. They will still usually carry on adding the amount to your CC bill. I have heard many people with sob stories to tell about CC mandates and being unable to cancel them. I always use DD. I hope I gave the right information when I set it up as they haven't taken it, I just checked my account.

Rik · Oct 06, 2007, 11:16:17

I'm sure they'll let you know if there's a problem, Ann. Have you had a look at your bank account (assuming you do online banking) to check whether the mandate is in place?

Gary · Oct 06, 2007, 11:30:29

My direct debit went through fine this month and like Rik I set it up on the day the facility became available and mine went through fine

I like having the ability of comeback if something goes wrong with a DD

Ann · Oct 06, 2007, 11:44:14

The mandate isn't in place on my account but I don't think it will be until they take the first payment. I don't suppose they'll just cut me off. I did wonder when email didn't work this morning..

I'll sort it next week.

Gary · Oct 06, 2007, 11:48:52

When I changed to DD IDNet said if there was an issue they would contact me, so I would not worry

Inactive · Oct 06, 2007, 12:00:13

Quote from: tortoise on Oct 06, 2007, 11:44:14
The mandate isn't in place on my account but I don't think it will be until they take the first payment. I don't suppose they'll just cut me off. I did wonder when email didn't work this morning.. I'll sort it next week.

Rest assured, they will not " cut you off ".

Simon · Oct 06, 2007, 12:05:29

Quote from: Rik on Oct 06, 2007, 10:18:22
I never, even to a company like IDNet, grant a CCA/CPA on a credit card, Noreen. Once you have given one, only the payee can terminate it. With Direct Debit (previously, I used standing order), if there's an error, your bank will refund the money immediately, and you can cancel the mandate at any time.

What's the benefit of DD over Standing Order? I currently use a standing order, and see no need to change.

Ann · Oct 06, 2007, 12:39:22

Standing orders are sent out by your bank while DDs are asked for by the recipients. DD is good when the amount varies each month but if you are sure that it's going to be the same amount then an SO is fine. I prefer to put the onus on the company each month to take the amount as if my bank messes up an SO then I could be in trouble with some companies adding a late payment charge or if it's an ISP, cutting you off without explanation. Not saying that IDNet would do that but they could.

Simon · Oct 06, 2007, 12:42:28

Yes, I see the point, Ann. I don't expect my payment to IDNet will vary, and I am sure they would call me if there was ever a problem, so I'm happy to stay as I am for now.

Gary · Oct 06, 2007, 12:47:39

Quote from: Si6776 on Oct 06, 2007, 12:42:28
Yes, I see the point, Ann. I don't expect my payment to IDNet will vary, and I am sure they would call me if there was ever a problem, so I'm happy to stay as I am for now.

The other thing with a DD since its variable is if a company takes to much, your bank will pay you back straight away, for me if I cross my allowance I know that I don't have to do anything as IDNet can just vary the amount taken Simon. But if your fine as you are then no worries :-) but as Ann has said its up to the company to take the money not for you to send a payment which saves issues with banks messing up.

MoHux · Oct 06, 2007, 19:06:31

I set up a DD mandate on the first day of availability too, but I had to send an email to 'billing' yesterday, as my account still reads "Payment by credit card". When I checked my bank statement a CC payment was made on the 23rd Sept' as usual.
So I am a bit worried as to where my bank details finished up!