A recent survey said that legal services customers can pay more than they need to, unless they compare prices. Yet only 18 per cent of firms displayed prices on their website in 2017.
The internet is the starting point for many purchases. Order in minutes with next day delivery. Often, it is the second place to go once you have decided what you want. Look in a real shop then get it cheaper on eBay.
Price comparison sites exist for everything from Lego to Legal Services. Our regulators encourage us to advertise our prices online, but it is a difficult thing to do. If my car is broken (I have the mechanical skills of a doughnut) I take it in before I expect them to tell me what is wrong and what it will cost.
Or there might be nothing wrong. Have you ever called the AA because your car is making a funny noise, just so they can tell you that you have a flat tyre? Or it won’t start, as there is no fuel in it? Or maybe they have told you what is wrong but also spotted something else about to drop off? Well, that is how it is with us.
You come in to see me to make a Will. I might tell you that you don’t need one and you leave with all that money in your pocket. Or that you do need one, but for it to work, you need to shift assets around. You might come in if your spouse is poorly and you want help with their finances and I tell you to split your joint assets and make a Will in case you die before they do. There might be tax breaks you can use. You could be entitled to Attendance Allowance, and we call the helpline, order the claim pack and make you an appointment with Age UK, BDDA or DWP to get it filled in. You could get back in weeks what you pay me for your Will and then be better off every week. You could leave our office with more money than you came in with.
How can I quote that online? First meeting free! That is a fixed price isn’t it? Walk away with a headful of ideas and it won’t cost you a bean. You get a letter setting out what is important and the cost of each bit, then choose what you want and know how much you will pay.
Any of our lawyers will talk to you for nothing and give you some basic advice and a quote for the work you need.
You could go online. You might get it cheaper. But we are real, we are here and we are worth a visit.