By Chris Buchanan • October 5, 2018

Five Things to Consider When Choosing an Oil Heating Supplier

Five Things to Consider When Choosing an Oil Heating Supplier

 
About 5.7 million households in the United States use heating oil as their main space heating fuel. As the leaves begin to fall and the cold chill of winter knocks at your door you have probably been reminded that it is time to begin thinking about heating your home again, like many others all around the country. When looking for an oil heating supplier, you aren't simply looking for the best price for heating oil. You are looking for a company with a great reputation, affordable prices and a host of services available to you as a trusted customer.
 

1. Great Customer Service

 
Full-service oil companies, unlike dicounst companies, typically offer 24/7 services for all of your heating-related issues. This is important to check before deciding on an oil supplier, as you might find yourself with a question in less-than-ideal weather and that's when you will need their assistance the most. Before deciding on a oil heating supplier, it is a good idea to look through their reviews specifically related to customer service and attention. Take a look at what other clients had to say about things such as their after-hours care, their behavior during delivery and even their response to certain issues that might have arrived during transportation or the final delivery.
 

2. Variety of Services

This is likely something that you will encounter if you decide to go with a full-service company as opposed to a discount provider. Even though it can be tempting to have a discount oil supplier deliver your heating oil, there are risks involved in bargain oil and perks involved in a full-service company. These perks take shape in the form of additional services offered to you, such as the 24/7 customer service mentioned above in the case of an emergency. Some of the other services you should look for in an oil heating supplier are service agreements and the installation of new heating equipment, provided maintenance on that equipment, budget plans, and even a competitive referral program that will allow you to reap the rewards of your continued loyalty to their company.
 

3. Dedication to Your Local Community

Oil heating suppliers aren't like most companies in that they are delivering their services across the internet to millions of people all around the world. This industry is very personal and it hinges on direct communication and interaction with the community in which you live. Pay attention to the company history and their involvement in your community to get a good idea of just how much they give back to the people whose heating oil they are supplying. Local companies are best as they often make decisions about their transportation needs, delivery methods, services and more simply based on the feedback they receive from people in the community just like you.
 

4. Great Prices

This one seems a little obvious, but you might be surprised to know that a lot of people overpay for their oil heating needs. Various factors such as supply and demand in the global market, seasonal needs and even regional operating costs can all lead to fluctuating prices in heating oil. Various different companies go about pricing their oil accoring to these changes. Some companies will offer fixed pricing in which the rate doesn't go up according to market changes and is typically locked in for a full year. While this is a great option, you aren't able to take advantage of savings when the price of oil drops. Other companies will allow you to pre-buy oil when it is at an ideal price and deliver it to you when you need it. However, the best option is to go for a company that combines all of the oil orders in your area to negotiate the best deal possible. Regardless of what you choose, it is important to choose a local heating oil supplier that is able to work within your specific budget and scheduling needs.
 
 

5. Find One That Combines it All

In today's modern world, companies exist that combine all of these factors into one easy-to-use platform in order to find your the best price for your heating oil. Take Slick, for example, which pools orders together with your neighbors and leverages that buying power to negotiate exclusive pricing with some of the top oil delivery companies in your area. You'll be notified of exactly what you have to pay and the date on which you can expect your order. As well, you can take advantage of a safe, secure payment system that takes out the worry and stress of traditional heating oil payments to third-party companies you might not trust. By working with a platform like this you are able to combine all of the four aforementioned points into one easy step and select the best price from an oil heating company that has been vetted already.
 

Slick Does it All

Sure, we might be biased, but we work hard to ensure you not only find the best price for heating oil, but have an easy time doing so. To get the best prices on your heating oil this year, visit Slick to learn more about how you can save money on every order that you place while benefitting from a host of other services to save you time and money.