Job opportunity, is a catch here, is it a scam, or genuine?

thx1138 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Karma :

I've been looking for work. I'm currently delivering leaflets door to door, as well as working part-time for the Royal Mail.

My leafleting is starting to pick up, and I might even get enough customers soon to do it full time.

I saw this job advertised on the jobcentreplus webstie.

It's for meter reading, but the bit which makes me a bit hesitant, is the word "franchise". They want £750 off of me! It does say, that the money is deductec from earnings over 4 months, whilst you work for the company before getting this "franchise"

https://www.meter-u.co.uk/opportunities/information_pack.asp

What do people think? Does anyone know a meter reader? Are they really self-employed?

I doubt I can really earn the cash they claim in 40 hours, and realise I'll probably end up working 50or more, but I don't mind, I like these out door walking about type jobs.

It says own transport required, it does not mention that a car is required, I can't see that using a bike would be a problem Confused

Anyway, I've got an interview at the job centre on the 13th Dec, but I am still a bit cautious about this.... anyone got any insight on this field? Thanks. Very Happy

J0Al1 · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Nov 2006 Karma :

craigie b · Citizen Smith Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Karma :

yambabe · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Well franchising is a genuine way of owning your own business and there are loads of opportunities about if you've got the cash to put in as a start-up - for example I think something like 40% of both McDonalds and Burger Kings in the UK are owned by franchisees.

Never heard of this bunch though, I thought most of the big utility companies outsourced their meter readings to Accuread these days. I'd want to see some figures about exactly how much contract work you would get through them and who it would be with before signing up I think.

The franchise industry is self-regulated in the UK by the BFA, have a look on their site as it may be useful in terms of background info.

https://www.lds.co.uk/franchise/BFA/
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craigie b · Citizen Smith Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Karma :

Some info on meter-u

https://www2.hemscott.com/scripts/AFXnewstory.dll/text?EPIC=SPI&SerialNumber=883&NewsType=CDP&Indate=13/10/2004

https://www.siemensenergy.co.uk/seh/top1%5CServices.asp?top=1&sid=311&tid=311&mid=508

Ant · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

it says that your franchise money comes out of your wages, so you couldf give it a try and see if it works for you!
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craigie b · Citizen Smith Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Karma :

my only concern is the amount of meter readings they expect you to achieve in one day....250 minimum is nigh on impossible in one 8 hour working day.

hellkat · Super Spammer Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

craigie b · Citizen Smith Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Karma :

what makes you think it isn't a proper franchise?

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

The fact you get the money 'taken out' while you're working suggests it's a bit less dodgy to me.
With them taking the money out, would you still be getting a 'reasonable' wage in those weeks? If so, presuming they do pay up, seems you haven't got much to lose as such.

Only thing I'd worry is that if the initial wage after deductions is very low, they could be doing it to get cheap labour in with no real opportunities at the other end.

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

My mate used to do this , it depends on the area that you are given , in a modern built within the last
15 years estate , all the meters are on the sides of houses outside = easy , a reading esp with the new RF
kits takes seconds ,

On an estate full of semis it is also easier as the meters are behind the front door , so you take 1-2 minutes per
house and have to knock, or they are in the garden.

Bugalows the same thing.

Terraced houses esp pre 1950s are a nightmare , since the meters are almost always in the cellars or under the
stairs , which means entry and having to trapse down there to take a reading.

Thing is all the good spots are taken already as its fairly cush , while in reality you'll be left with the dregs ie
terraced houses ,

you won't be asked to go on sink estates like Failsworth or Moston which I did at great personal risk as
those areas are full of prepay electricity and gas meters anyway. So the Chav element of danger is considerably
less than say pizza delivery
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Annabella · Like a person, only smaller Joined: 03 Feb 2002 Karma :

thx1138 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Karma :

Well, i'd like to say thankyou very much for the useful information, and sensible advice given here. Very Happy

It's certainly given me food for thought.

Along with the information pack, was a telephone number to phone for more details, I think I shall give them a call, and put those figures to them, and ask how the rounds are divied up.