Three Questions to Ask a Propane Provider to Avoid Hidden Fees
Three Questions to Ask a Propane Provider to Avoid Hidden Fees
When it comes to choosing a propane provider, you may be tempted to choose one based on who has the lowest price; however, the price per gallon may not be the only thing you end up paying. Unexpected taxes and hidden fees could also show up on your delivery bill if you’re not careful. To protect yourself and make sure you really are getting the best price, you have to ask the right questions, such as:
- Do you charge any fees in addition to the price per gallon?
Hazmat Fees, Fuel Recovery Fees, New Customer Fees, Startup Fees, Leak Test Fees, Service Fees, Delivery Fees—these are just a few examples of the kinds of surprises customers can experience.  While businesses are required to make information about their fees available to customers and to itemize any fees on your bill, they may not be required to formally explain them to you or to call them to your attention before the sale or service. Often this information is in the fine print, and some less reputable businesses count on you not to read the fine print. Instead of digging around in the dense text of a website or customer agreement, ask a representative (Yes, a human being!) to explain any fees to you. You can also ask the representative to calculate the actual cost of the sale with all fees included, so you know exactly what you’ll be paying before you sign on the dotted line.
- What kind of discounts do you offer?
Reputable propane providers often offer discounts for customers who opt for automatic delivery or signup for electronic funds transfer (EFT). Most also have a menu of payment plans, some of which are incentivized with additional discounts on propane or related services. So, while one provider may have the lowest price per gallon, another provider may actually be cheapest overall when you apply all of the available discounts.
- Do I have to purchase a certain amount of propane to qualify for the price advertised?
Sometimes a promotional price only applies if you agree to purchase a minimum amount of propane over a set period of time. Usually, this type of offer is clearly explained in the advertisement, but again, it can also be hidden in the fine print.
We understand how tempting it is to pick the propane provider with the lowest price, but if you really want value, you’ll have to do your homework. With HB McClure, you don’t need to worry about hidden fees or surprises on your propane bill because that’s now how we do business. We’ve been delivering propane to happy customers for decades, and we’ve earned their loyalty with dependable service and fair prices. We’re not always the cheapest, but you can rest assured that your confidence and comfort are always our top priority.
To learn more about HB McClure’s propane services, discounts, and other benefits, visit us online or call a trusted HB McClure home comfort advisor at 717-232-HEAT (4328). You can also request an appointment online.