Big Guys vs. Us Weenies

[Diggin It]

I need to move my LP tank and lay a new trench for the supply line (related to a generator and some other work). I called three weeks ago and explained everything I needed. They agreed to send someone out to look things over to make sure it was all OK. Heard nothing for two weeks so called again last week.

Their story is that they're too busy with the big farmers drying grain. OK, I can understand the big guys with the big bucks come first. No problem there. They use more gas in a day then I use in two years.

But where is the limit? How long should I be expected to wait? I don't expect to be first. I don't expect them to drop everything and come running an hour after I call. I can understand a few days, a week, maybe two. But three weeks, going on four?

 

[stingray1]

I think it’s time to switch suppliers. Find a place that appreciates your business.

 

[kf4uda]

I think it’s time to switch suppliers. Find a place that appreciates your business.

I agree.

 

[oosik]

More than one fish in the ocean. Look for a new supplier.

 

[Diggin It]

That's more involved than it sounds. Plus, the others are all more expensive per gallon, by quite a bit.

 

[mcfarmall]

Sounds like you're going to wait...

 

[lman]

You say it's your LP tank so find somebody else to move it. and connect it.

 

[kf4uda]

That's more involved than it sounds. Plus, the others are all more expensive per gallon, by quite a bit.

Is there a local or fairly close office that you can visit in person? Sometimes an in person visit with politeness can get better service than a phone call. Of course with this covid crap they might not let you in.

 

[Diggin It]

^^ The local office that services this route is quite a ways off in an area I rarely go to. The Corporate Office is closer and more convenient, but I really hate to do that. You run the risk of ticking off the guys that will be doing the walk through which might make them more persnickety and less willing top be flexible on rules if necessary. I prefer to try and work with the people who will be doing the work. But that only goes so far if they're not willing to work with me. I'll pester the local office by phone a couple of more times, but if I don't get this done by the end of next week, I'll probably have to go to Corporate.

And no, I don't know if they're letting anyone in.

 

[Rebeldad1]

find a private contractor to do the work. corporations arnt the only ones that can do this.

 

[tookielee]

Too bad you don't know somebody with a tractor

 

[Diggin It]

Doing the work is not the problem. I have everything on hand to do that. Making sure they agree with the plan and will be willing to reconnect and continue to fill the tank is. I don't want to do it all and then have them tell me 'no, this doesn't meet our safety requirements.'

 

[ovrszd]

I think you are over thinking this. Move the tank. Go to your supplier and get the hardware to make the move. It's not rocket science.

 

[5030]

That's more involved than it sounds. Plus, the others are all more expensive per gallon, by quite a bit.

LP must cost more in Lower Uncton......:laughing:

 

[5030]

I think you are over thinking this. Move the tank. Go to your supplier and get the hardware to make the move. It's not rocket science.

+1. Full, they can be heavy. Empty, not so much. I own all my tanks, I set them where I wanted them.

 

[ovrszd]

Yeah, I'm still not sure if he owns the tank or not?

If it's full then it gets complicated to have the supplier come and pump it empty, then refill it after it's moved. Gets kinda complicated.

Because the supplier is putting him off, I'm guessing he owns the tank.

 

[Diggin It]

Yes, I own, and yes it's full. I plan on moving it later in the winter as it gets closer to empty before I refill. But that's not the issue. I need to get the trench done now, long before the tank move. I have several reasons for that. But I can't dig the trench and lay $200 of supply line and risk having them refuse to connect and/or fill.

 

[ovrszd]

Yes, I own, and yes it's full. I plan on moving it later in the winter as it gets closer to empty before I refill. But that's not the issue. I need to get the trench done now, long before the tank move. I have several reasons for that. But I can't dig the trench and lay $200 of supply line and risk having them refuse to connect and/or fill.

Again, you are over thinking this. Go to your supplier, tell them what you are doing and buy the necessary hardware from them. Go to the local Rental place and rent a walk behind trencher. For my supplier, they want the piping laid 18" deep. Lay your plumbing. Then move the tank when suitable.

I'd be more concerned about the base I was gonna set it on than the plumbing.

 

[Diggin It]

LP must cost more in Lower Uncton......:laughing:

I called around a while back to check on changing suppliers. Some wanted to do detailed inspections and testing including all appliances inside. Others only wanted a simple pressure/leak down test. Some wouldn't take on a customer who owned a tank without having it certified. Some wouldn't stet up an account for a new customer, only COD. Prices per gallon varied by about 50 cents, and some added a delivery charge, or minimum fill amount.

It's a racket.

 

[ovrszd]

Tanks must be certified and current in that regard. It's a liability issue for the supplier that fills a tank that isn't in compliance and then causes damage. I totally get that. I also understand the delivery restrictions including minimum amount.

It's business.