The full-service company dilemma

​Originally published November, 2017

A full-service oil company is one that provides not only the best quality heating oil, but also the best quality 24-hour service to their customers. For those of us who have been in this business for many years, this is the way it’s always been. And this is a promise that we hope to keep to anyone who calls our company for help in their time of need. It is an important commitment, which, in some cases, pre-empts all other commitments in our lives.
 
So it has been with dismay that I have seen the rise of discount oil companies in recent years. They sell heating oil to people for a lower price, a price that a full-service company like mine cannot match. Many of these discount companies do not offer service, and if they do offer service, they are often unable to get to your home when you need them.
 
There is a cost to buying the cheapest heating oil, and it becomes painfully apparent when you need service for your heating system.
 
Recently we have received several calls from people who are having problems with their heating systems but buy their oil from discount companies. We would very much like to help them, but being so busy serving our own customers, we have been unable to do so. Our customers are our first priority. Fall is the busiest time of year for all of us in the heating business, because it’s the time most people remember they have a heating system that probably needs service. I have blogged recently about why, if you buy your oil from Crowley Fuel, spring and summer are better times for heating system maintenance. Anytime is a good time to change to a full-service company and start getting quality heating oil delivered to your storage tank, but spring and summer are particularly good to get your heating system properly serviced and prepared for another heating season.

Bob

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