Did you know that propane heats almost 8 million American households? It’s also used in nearly 5 million homes for heating water as well as outdoor grilling.
Propane is much more than just a home energy source. The industry has over 1.4 million commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers nationwide. That’s why there are over 3,000 propane supply companies.
Unfortunately, they aren’t all created equal.
If you’re having problems or are unhappy with your service and want to switch propane suppliers, you’ve come to the right place. Many people aren’t sure if what they’re experiencing is normal for the industry or not.
We’ll cut through the misconceptions and shed some light on the top five reasons you should switch immediately.
1. Poor Customer Service
As a paying customer, you want a friendly, responsive interaction that solves your problem or issue.
Of course, getting someone on the phone who is rude to you once might not push you to switch propane suppliers, but it might get you thinking.
If rudeness is a hallmark with every interaction that sends a pretty strong signal that how you feel isn’t that important to your supplier. If that’s the case you should feel comfortable in looking for a new supplier.
Outside of rudeness, there are other poor customer service situations that can arise. How responsive is your supplier when you call for fuel? Do they come right out when there’s an equipment issue or do they make you wait days or even weeks? What about emergency fill-ups?
Your supplier makes money in all of these situations. A quick response not only makes them money but ensures a happy customer. Happy customers are remaining customers and they make for great referrals.
2. Your Contract or Lease Is About to Expire
Your contract expiring isn’t a reason to switch by itself, however, it is a great time to re-evaluate your current provider and shop for alternatives.
Like any industry, pricing, and service requirements change.
Shopping around for a better company doesn’t make you an unfaithful customer, it makes you a smart consumer. You might also avoid any cancellation fees that you otherwise might incur if you were to switch propane companies in mid-contract.
3. Increasing Prices
Supply and demand affect pricing everywhere, and the propane industry is no different. Often there are seasonal increases in the colder climates that you cannot avoid. Other supply issues occur that are beyond your supplier’s control and drive up prices industry-wide.
When you see a price increase you should ask your supplier why the price went up. You should also ask if it is a temporary increase or a permanent one. You should always feel like the price you pay is the best possible price.
Random price increases are a red flag. Checking your supplier’s pricing against the competition, again, makes you a smart consumer.
4. Increasing or New Fees
Unscrupulous companies will add or increase fees for no reason other than to make more money. If you don’t question their prices these companies are happy to keep billing you.
You should have an agreement in place for regular fees like automatic propane delivery and service calls. While the price of propane does increase during the colder months, these delivery and service fees shouldn’t increase. If you are getting charged a higher price for the propane, plus more in fees you are likely being cheated.
5. Other Unscrupulous Tactics
The reputable companies that want to keep your business will have honest, straightforward conversations with you, especially when you call with questions about pricing, fees, and terminating service.
One of the common complaints regarding disreputable companies is that they use scare tactics to try and keep your business. These can be threats to charge you exorbitant cancellation fees, sometimes hundreds of dollars or more.
Your contract should have any early termination fees built-in and any attempt by your supplier to charge more should only serve to make you feel better about switching.
Review your contract before you talk to your supplier so you’ll know the truth in advance, and won’t be bullied.
The Cost to Switch Propane Suppliers
There are two parts to consider when choosing to switch propane suppliers. The first is your outgoing costs with your existing provider.
If it isn’t the end of your contract then you could have an early termination fee. This should not exceed $100, and your contract should clearly explain this.
If you lease your tank you can expect to pay a tank removal fee. Propane companies are prohibited from filling a tank owned by another company.
This fee will also be outlined in your contract. If you own your tank you’re safe, but you will need proof of ownership for the new company.
Tank pump-out fees might also be applied. These are usually incurred if you have more than five percent left in your tank.
Closeout fees are another gotcha you might not have considered, but they do find their way into many contracts.
Incoming costs for your new supplier need to be accounted for too. You must decide if you want to lease or buy your tank.
Leasing will save you thousands of dollars, but you’ll be in the same boat if you switch down the road. Tank installation fees are a possibility too, but many companies will offer this free for new customers.
How to Choose a New Propane Company?
You should be asking lots of questions. Do they offer automatic delivery? What about online and/or automatic payment options? Do they offer a pre-buy program? Pre-buying propane can save you a lot of money.
Will they service all my propane-powered appliances or just the tank? Having a one-stop service and delivery company is great.
Kauffman Gas is family-owned and operated for 77 years, proudly serving Chester County, Lancaster County, and Delaware County Pennsylvania, and Northern Delaware. We pride ourselves on delivering the best customer service along with the most responsive repairs and maintenance program.
We offer same-day tank excavation, installation, and hook-up. You can choose our convenient automatic delivery or opt for will-call. All of your propane appliances can be serviced by us too, making us the logical choice.
Call Kauffman Gas today if you’re ready to switch propane suppliers. One of our friendly customer service agents will go over your current situation and help you make smart decisions for your propane needs.
