New Installation for Business and Domestic Users - Choosing the right Supplier for you
Selecting the right LPG Supplier for you or your business can be a minefield. LPG-Solutions can smooth the way by sourcing the right supplier in the first instance, saving you time and money.
LPG-Solutions take the hassle out of you contacting different suppliers saving you time and money having to meet various company sales representatives. We also negotiate the best price and contract terms with the supplier because of the volume of business we generate.
We work with suppliers on behalf of our customers who have varying end uses for LPG including agriculture, autogas, catering, caravan parks, domestic households, fork lift trucks, industrial heating, industrial processing, institutions (care homes, hospitals & schools), hotels, leisure (golf clubs & sports clubs), marine and metered estates. Whatever your requirements we can advise you on all elements of an installation and select the right supplier for you.
Many customers will enter into a contract with a supplier without fully investigating the market or asking the right questions. This can prove to be a costly or frustrating mistake. The following are some pointers to help you select the right supplier:
- Price Per Litre – Most companies will offer an introductory price but will reserve the right to vary the rate. If you need to budget for your supply it may pay to enter into a fixed price agreement for a set period. If you are going to be a large user of gas some suppliers will offer a formula price deal whereby you pay the equivalent of the wholesale price of gas plus a fixed margin. The formula price rate will be set at the beginning of each month.
- Hire Charges – Most companies charge a daily hire charge for the tank(s). This goes towards covering maintenance charges, insurance and emergency call out cover etc. Make sure you compare what suppliers are charging as rates do vary.
- Installation/Tank Capital Charges – Some suppliers will ask for a contribution towards the initial installation and tank capital charges while others will waive the charges.
- Termination Charges – If you decide you don’t require the tank any longer and want it removing from your property/business most suppliers will apply an uplift charge within the contract. Make sure you compare what suppliers are charging as rates do vary.
- Contract Period – Contract periods tend to vary between 1 and 5 years. Ensure you are happy with what you are signing up to.
- Customer Support - The level of after sale customer care does vary. Some suppliers operate regionalised one stop shop contact centres with one person being able to deal with all your queries. Other suppliers may pass you between departments for different queries adding to frustrations. Be prepared to ask a few searching questions before you commit.
- Distribution & Product Availability - When it really matters and, for instance, there is a sudden cold snap and everyone wants a fill of gas at the same time can the supplier guarantee a delivery? Ask about size of tanker fleet, distance to nearest depot, storage facilities and product availability.
- Timescales – How long from signing an agreement to actual installation? This varies from a week to several months depending on the workload of a supplier and the availability of tanks. Some companies use third party contractors to install tanks and don’t necessarily have a say in the installation timescales.
- Environmental Considerations – This is a hot topic and one which is becoming evermore prevalent with the onset of global warming. If you or your company hold environmental considerations high on the agenda you should ensure your supplier does to. Are they committed to minimising the impact of their business on the environment? Do they have an environmental statement? Do they carry out any research and development? Do they carbon offset?
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