Potential client of Purplebricks, while using the live chat feature to inquire about the services the company offers, was told that he would have to not only pay a referral fee of £382.85, but a VAT for conveyance, as well.
The inquirer used the live chat service, explaining that he was deaf and needed to read all the small print.
He asked how much a legal package would cost for the sale of a freehold property worth about £100,000.
Using an email link sent by the live chat service, he obtained a quote from Advanced Conveyancing for £599.
Official copies would add another £28, and VAT £125.40, bringing the total up to £752.40.
Notes at the end of the quote said that if the sale fell through, there would be no fee.
The notes added: “The Introducer Purplebricks, who has provided this quotation, has suggested that you use a particular lawyer for your conveyancing.
“The Introducer is required to advise you that it has a financial arrangement with the Lawyer and that the Lawyer will pay a referral fee of £382.85 + VAT to the Introducer."
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