Warning about Harvey Norman + Optus Plan with Gift Card

Ljackstar86 on 15/01/2021 - 20:28

Just a heads up to those looking at signing up to an Optus plan through Harvey Norman to receive a gift card.

This doesn’t work quite like the JB plan with Telstra where the gift card is yours to use on whatever no questions asked, with the freedom to terminate your plan early without having to return the gift card.

I have just learned the hard way, with the HN and Optus deal, you have to pay HN back for the voucher and also any other bonus they have you (eg: the beats headphones they threw in for me) should you terminate your plan with Optus.

This is a bit of a joke as even after asking in store about this multiple times upon sign up I was told there would be nothing to pay except the ETC as set by Optus for the plan (which I read and signed). I signed nothing else to say that the Gift Card would be repayable etc.

The only reason why I am looking to leave this plan is because of the very poor signal I get at home and in the office / despite the Optus coverage map showing that I should be covered (false advertising?)

So basically if I want to leave, I pay Optus a payout figure of $700 and also pay back Harvey Norman the $700 for the GC and also whatever they value the headphones at.

Buyer beware I guess.

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Comments

  • Kramo on 15/01/2021 - 20:40

    How did you find out? Is it in the contract or did you call up, try to cancel and they told you the additional items?

    • jackstar86 on 15/01/2021 - 21:54

      Found out by calling Optus to rescale network issues. They offered to waive the contract ETC but then put me through to some woman who explained I’d be getting a bill from HN to pay back the gift card.

      Didn’t sit right with me so called HN direct who said I’d need to come ins tote and settle my bill for the gift card if I leave early.

  • Randxyz123 on 15/01/2021 - 21:06
    +1

    I would speak to Optus. They have a guarantee https://www.optus.com.au/for-you/support/answer?id=8475 so you shouldn’t owe them $700]

    Harvey Norman’s gift card terms are here https://www.harveynorman.com.au/optus-byo#sectionVoiceForthy…
    Gift Card Terms
    Gift card offer is available in Harvey Norman, Domayne and Joyce Mayne stores with purchase of selected My Plan Plus SIM Only Plans for 12 or 24 months during the offer period. Limit of one gift card per eligible plan. Gift card available from 3rd August until withdrawn. Gift card cannot be used with any other gifts card offers. Gift cards will expire 3 years from activation. Gift card can be used at Harvey Norman, Domayne and Joyce Mayne stores (in-store and online).

    It doesn’t say anywhere about handing anything back.

    Deal directly with and only with Optus. Don’t talk to Harvey Norman and if they contact you ask them where in the terms and conditions it says you need to hand it back.

    This is NOT legal advice. IANAL

    • jackstar86 on 15/01/2021 - 22:09

      I’d love to do this, but I’m just not game enough to try as I can’t afford to fork out that much money in one go.

      Like what happens if I decide to leave in 12 months? Do I still owe the full $700 then?

      I’ll never sign up again like this on pure principal though. Woman at HN even questioned me about leaving at al as the coverage map shows I have coverage… as if I could be effed going through this with two young kids if I didn’t have to just to get some darn signal.

      • Randxyz123 on 17/01/2021 - 14:10

        If Optus waive the ETC then that is done. According to Optus’ guarantee you need to leave within a certain number of days. It is usually 14 or similar.

        So no you can’t expect them to waive the ETC 12 months into a 24 month contract.

        In terms of the gift card, unless they can point you to where in the T&Cs it says you need to pay it back tell em to bugger off.

    • popsiee on 15/01/2021 - 22:19
      -1

      If they want to play with grey areas in t@c's that is what they do .
      And of course fighting them legally will cost you thousands .
      Bottom-line they hold the ball in there court whether you like it or not !

    • bobbified on 17/01/2021 - 15:47
      +2

      IANAL

      You what?

  • brendanm on 15/01/2021 - 21:22
    +8

    If nothing you signed says you have to give the gift card back, then you don't have to give it back. What are they going to do? You just have to pay the etc that you agreed to pay Optus.

    • jackstar86 on 15/01/2021 - 22:10

      What if Optus agree to waive the ETC?

      Then of course someone would be out of pocket between Optus and HN?

      • brendanm on 15/01/2021 - 22:50
        +5

        Your contract is with Optus, not Harvey Norman. You have the contract, I don't, read it, and see if it makes any reference to having to repay the gift card. If not, as I suspect it won't, you are good to go.

  • burningrage on 15/01/2021 - 22:08
    +2

    Well… they don't call em Hardly Normal for nothin.

  • Mechz on 15/01/2021 - 22:29
    +4

    Go through your contract, if it's not in there it's not enforceable.

  • Tee Rex Arms on 15/01/2021 - 23:38

    The house always wins

  • mbck on 16/01/2021 - 00:49

    Don't buy stuff from Harvey greedman. Just stop. Hard sale tactics. Poor service. Dodgy tnc.

  • Jetstream on 16/01/2021 - 17:44

    You don't need to give us a warning for Harvey Norman - We know

  • jazattack on 16/01/2021 - 19:42

    Isn't this something JB just introduced recently?

    • jackstar86 on 17/01/2021 - 15:55

      Hmmm not to my knowledge?

  • rick5042 on 30/07/2024 - 09:43

    Hi
    How much did you end up paying back to Harvey Norman?

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