1. By electricians/plumbers/other technicians in your home. This is a notorious profession for "rogue traders" who rip people off by overcharging or carrying out unnecessary work. Firstly, check them out as much as you can. Do they have a website with an actual postal address on it? When they're there, stay with them and ask questions. Get them to show you the bits they're removing or repairing. Ask as well if they have a price list for parts, so that you can check they are charging you a standard price.
2. Mobile phone companies. Or more specifically, people selling them. They'll add on all sorts of extras you don't need to boost their commission. Do you need insurance or is your phone covered elsewhere? Do you really need unlimited data downloads? Monitor your usage and shop around for what suits you.
3. Banks and other money companies. You can feel like they have you over a barrel, but if you think you're being ripped off, check. The financial ombudsman makes sure that customers aren't charged excessive fees for going over their overdraft, for example, and that transfers clear quickly to avoid charges. A common way that customers get overcharged is using banks to change cash into other currencies. Make sure you know the exchange rate by using an FX converter yourself and if possible use a specialist company who don't charge fees.
4. Taxi drivers. Easily done if you're not sure where you're going, or you've had a few drinks. Always use an established company and make sure the meter's running. If you're not sure of the route, don't let on. They'll be less tempted to take you a long way. Tricks include asking them at the start of the journey "which route are you taking?" They'll assume you know the area and give the quickest route. Alternatively you could check the route on a smartphone, or even just pretend to ring someone when you get in the taxi and say "I'll be there in a few minutes" - just the idea that someone's expecting you and you have an anticipated time of arrival could make them less likely to rip you off.
5. Garages. This is probably the most feared item on the list. It can be really daunting leaving your car somewhere and you can end up agreeing to huge bills. The first thing to do is educate yourself a bit, about your car and general mechanics. Being able to throw a few terms into the conversation will make you seem less of an easy target. Taking someone with you can also help you feel more confident. Most importantly follow your instinct. If you have a bad feeling, go somewhere else and get a second opinion. If you're wrong, who cares?
2. Mobile phone companies. Or more specifically, people selling them. They'll add on all sorts of extras you don't need to boost their commission. Do you need insurance or is your phone covered elsewhere? Do you really need unlimited data downloads? Monitor your usage and shop around for what suits you.
3. Banks and other money companies. You can feel like they have you over a barrel, but if you think you're being ripped off, check. The financial ombudsman makes sure that customers aren't charged excessive fees for going over their overdraft, for example, and that transfers clear quickly to avoid charges. A common way that customers get overcharged is using banks to change cash into other currencies. Make sure you know the exchange rate by using an FX converter yourself and if possible use a specialist company who don't charge fees.
4. Taxi drivers. Easily done if you're not sure where you're going, or you've had a few drinks. Always use an established company and make sure the meter's running. If you're not sure of the route, don't let on. They'll be less tempted to take you a long way. Tricks include asking them at the start of the journey "which route are you taking?" They'll assume you know the area and give the quickest route. Alternatively you could check the route on a smartphone, or even just pretend to ring someone when you get in the taxi and say "I'll be there in a few minutes" - just the idea that someone's expecting you and you have an anticipated time of arrival could make them less likely to rip you off.
5. Garages. This is probably the most feared item on the list. It can be really daunting leaving your car somewhere and you can end up agreeing to huge bills. The first thing to do is educate yourself a bit, about your car and general mechanics. Being able to throw a few terms into the conversation will make you seem less of an easy target. Taking someone with you can also help you feel more confident. Most importantly follow your instinct. If you have a bad feeling, go somewhere else and get a second opinion. If you're wrong, who cares?
Axia Fx's aim is to make Foreign Exchange easy. The company exists to enable individuals and corporations of all sizes to access better exchange rates without disrupting their existing banking set-up.
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