Can I sell my V+ Box?

adam1516 · 11-03-2009, 14:01

Hello everyone,

I have recently cancelled my Virgin subscription. I have moved to another area, and have opted for Sky.

Anyway, I still have the V+ Box and the original viewing card.

Is it possible to still use this box if I sold it on?

Not sure about the legalities or technicalities, or if the card would still be valid, any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

greyposter · 11-03-2009, 14:08

Nope,it belongs to VM.

LondonRoad · 11-03-2009, 14:08

It's still belongs to VM. They may hound you for it so I'd hold onto it for now.

MovedGoalPosts · 11-03-2009, 14:10

No the box remains the property of Virgin Media and should be returned to them. Ideally they should arrange for it's collection.

Set Top Boxes for cable in the UK can only be used as part of a subscription, and are supplied by the cable company as required by the subscription.

adam1516 · 11-03-2009, 15:38

OK, for argument's sake, let's say I did sell it.

Would it work for another subscriber?

chickendippers · 11-03-2009, 15:41

No it would not. Virgin Media could also take legal action against you and the person to whom you sold it.

mr,m · 11-03-2009, 15:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

No the box remains the property of Virgin Media and should be returned to them. Ideally they should arrange for it's collection.

HHMMM a mate of mine cancelled his subscription with VM about 3 months ago and still has his V+ box, despite a couple of calls they have'nt picked it up, they never even said they would pick it up,strange!

BenMcr · 11-03-2009, 16:04

If you don't return the box - Virgin charge you Ã‚Â£250 to replace it, and you still can't then legally sell it on (no matter what Jethro says)

chuzzlemonkey · 11-03-2009, 16:10

Yup, just to reiterate BenMcr's point.

Sell it and you will be charged.

Doesn't matter whether it would work for someone else or not (which it wouldn't without a subscription and a payment of the set up fee)

There was a hold on all equipment collection for a while. VM are now collecting again, though, so i'd strongly advise calling them again to arrange a collection time.

**Chris** · 11-03-2009, 16:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

If you don't return the box - Virgin charge you Ã‚Â£250 to replace it, and you still can't then legally sell it on (no matter what Jethro says)

Virgin can tell you whatever they want you to parrot down the phone to your ex-subs, but that doesn't make it correct. Under English law if they charge you in lieu of the equipment being returned, they have sold it to you and the equipment becomes yours. You may then do whatever you please with it, including selling it on eBay.

Virgin has taken a ridiculous heavy-handed approach, trying to put the onus on ex-subs to make sure the equipment is returned, when all they have actually done is legitimise a second-hand trade that previously was in all respects unlawful, because previously there was no way you could claim you owned the box.

To adam1516: If you have paid Virgin Media Ã‚Â£250 for your V+ box, then it is yours to do with as you please. However you cannot put anything on your eBay listing that might encourage people to believe it will be of any use to them if they buy it, because it won't; we have told you that it won't work for anyone who buys it, so you would be committing fraud.

On the other hand if you haven't paid Virgin for the box, you're not even entitled to sell it and will be arguably committing acts of theft and handling stolen goods as well as fraud.

You have been warned!

BenMcr · 11-03-2009, 16:13

Ok sorry, I should have rephrased - 'legally sell it on as a working V+ box'

chuzzlemonkey · 11-03-2009, 16:15

And good luck trying to recoup your Ã‚Â£250.00 by just selling it as a 'BOX' lol.

adam1516 · 11-03-2009, 16:22

well, I did pay Ã‚Â£150.00 when I first signed up. Seems to be a fair amount of confusion regarding this matter.

Committing fraud? Sounds a bit far-fetched to me. Anyway, it would be impossible to prove.

I only ask because I have seen quite a few of these boxes for sale on ebay, and none of the bidders seem overly concerned.

LondonRoad · 11-03-2009, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuzzlemonkey

And good luck trying to recoup your Ã‚Â£250.00 by just selling it as a 'BOX' lol.

How useful would that be;
Usefull legal suggestions on postcards or sealed down envelopes to :

I've got a box to sell competition
PO Box 10
Tryebay
HA4 IT
(free betmax tape or music cartridge to each entrant)

**Chris** · 11-03-2009, 16:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuzzlemonkey

And good luck trying to recoup your Ã‚Â£250.00 by just selling it as a 'BOX' lol.

Indeed - it wouldn't happen. However Virgin has still muddied the waters by making it technically possible for someone to own a V+ box, where previously it was not possible. It means someone can claim on eBay that they are the legit owner without it being an obvious lie.