It happens to us all - you check the bank statement and a direct debit doesn't go through because you forgot about a cheque you wrote a fortnight ago, or your better half used the debit card and didn't mention it. There on the statement is the dreaded $35 or $40 dishonour fee charged to your account - and most likely the other institution that the direct debit was supposed to go to has also socked you a similar amount!

We would have had this happen to us about 5 times in the past 2 or 3 years - think we've ever paid the fee? Nope. We challenge the bank (usually in writing) and EVERYTIME they have waived the fee - we offer to pay a reasonable administration fee, but they always waive the whole fee. Why? to not set a precedent that's why - if they reduce the fee charged then every customer of that bank can demand the same treatment, so they kindly waive it to show 'good faith' or because you are a 'valued customer'.

The reality is that the high fees are most likely unenforceable in law - the law states that an institution may charge a reasonable fee to provide a service, but may not charge an exorbitant one. Plain and simple and that's all you have to remember!

Choice.com.au has a word document and information that you can download to challenge fees. They also say that you can retrospectively challenge unfair fees going back from 3 to 6 years depending on which state you live in.

Here's the link to the website I mentioned -
Choice.com.au - Reclaim your bank fees

Give it shot - I'd be surprised if you are unsuccessful.

Wibble

Is anyone else sick and tired of the 'big boy' supermarkets and their tactics? Well, I for one am. As is said, almost daily these days, on the current affairs-type programs - these guys are really ripping us and aussie food producers off.

We do a fortnightly (sometimes 3 weekly if I don't get around to it!) 'big' shop at one of the Nowra supermarkets and every time I go, I see more of the 'house-brand' items there on the shelves. Now, I don't have a major issue with that - it's the removal of other brands that gets right up my nose.

Sure, I can understand there are many people out there 'doing it tough' and a saving of even a few cents is worth making, but we must all realise that if we buy more and more of the 'house-brand' products then eventually we'll have little else to choose from. How long do you think the house-branded stuff will stay so cheap?? Come on, once they have eliminated the competition they can charge whatever they like!

Sure - there will eventually be 'budget' house-brand items and 'premium' house-brand items to choose from - but, where do you think they will come from? Yep, you guessed it, China, Mexico etc. If they are aussie-sourced, then you can bet the poor old farmer will get bugger-all for the produce or products!

Do what I do - take one of their 'Customer Experience Feedback' forms (or whatever they call the complaint forms), tell them that you are sick of the situation and would they kindly give us a real choice and pop one in the letterbox EVERY time you do a shop (they are usually post-paid so it costs nothing but 1/2 hour of your time). You can say at least that you have had your say and you never know, they may take notice if enough shoppers complain about it!