How to make sure your broker is working for you
One of things Apertus Group prides ourselves on is that we are straight talking. We tell it like it is. Multiple sectors we work in are experiencing huge upheaval. Energy Prices are returning to an acceptable level. The automotive sector is still recovering from a pandemic era slowdown, although the outlook is improving, the strain on the resale value at the end of leases are at breaking point.
All we can do is make sure our customers are getting a good deal, and that they are confident that we are getting them a good deal. We can still get you on the road and get you the best deal on your energy.
In these tough times, whether you are our customer or not, we want to make sure that businesses are getting good deals and aren’t being taken advantage of by dodgy brokers. Of course, not all brokers are out to fleece you, but here are some things to consider to ensure sure that your broker is working in your best interest.
What questions you should ask
When you’re unfamiliar with a market, it can be difficult to figure out the right questions to ask about a contract. We are more than willing to go through a contract with you whether you’re our customer or not. There are good brokers out there, and we’ll tell you if you they have got you a good deal. Having an experienced professional on your side means that you can be confident you have the right deal for your business.
Make sure you know what you have been charged by your broker
Brokers fees are tiny, or look tiny. Charging 1p per unit on an energy contract can seem insignificant, but it soon adds up. 1p per unit on a three-year, 100,000 unit usage per year contract is £3,000 over the full contract; and with some brokers charging upwards of 3p per unit, these extra charges soon add up. It’s also important to cross reference what the energy supplier says the uplift is, compared with the fee the broker claims. Does everything match up?
Make you know what you broker is authorised to do
Brokers need a letter of authority to act on your behalf, with level 1 (soft) letters allow them to negotiate on your behalf, and level 2 (hard) letters allow them to agree to a contract on your behalf. We advise never signing a level 2 letter. This basically gives the broker free reign to set their own rate, adding clauses that benefit themselves and pass higher fees to you in the contract. Always be sure to review your contract fully before agreeing to anything.
The devil’s in the details
When reviewing a contract, make you all the details are in order. Are there any price increases in later years of the contract that have not been properly explained to you? Are there any previously unmentioned fees? Make sure that everything is in order and has been properly communicated to all parties involved.
Apertus is not here to take other people’s business if what they are doing is reputable, but we’re here to take business from those who are fleecing customers and filling their contracts with hidden fees that line their own pockets, rather than just trying to get their customers the best deal. We can’t hide from the fact that some brokers can be bad, but our membership of the Energy Consultants Association and other initiatives show that we care about improving the market for everyone.
We don’t know when the outlook will improve, but we will make sure that people are getting the best deals for them. Find out how we can help you by getting in touch on info@apertusgroup.co.uk or 01604 212 828.
