Complaint Review: Phoenix business sales

Phoenix business sales first contacted me offering to Market my business in Nov.2011and sent a representative Peter Abbott to value it. My wife and I decided to go ahead even though the'valuation was rather high.we signed the agreement after being told that it was completely standard and that if the business was not sold within the six month term of the agreement, the 750plus vat= 900, would be returned or deducted off the 2%commission if the property sold.

At no time was a fee of 3000-00 mentioned if we cancelled. Six months passed with only one enquiry at month three from a lady who contact me directly as she was unable to get an answer when phoning Phoenix, she eventually spoke to them and informed them of her enquiry.

She visited but decided not to continue. After six months had elapsed with no more action from Phoenix I decided to Market the business myself and wrote to them a registered letter informing them as required in clause 4 of the agreement. I immediately received an invoice for 2700-00 for cancelling the agreement, being the3000 +vat minus 700 +vat. I was shocked and embarrassed that I had been caught out such a simple scam and extremely angry that any company could get away with such a n obvious scam.

I have no intention of paying them a penny and am tempted to take them to court to get back the original marketing costs.I believe that any court would find against the company and am very concerned that many people have already paid this ridiculous charge out of ignorance or intimidation by Phoenix. DO NOT PAY. I have written to them and have not yet received a reply. Date today 15 June 2012. Watch this space. I have also reported them to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).