Buying Central Heating Oil

Most people in rural areas have no alternative but to use central heating oil as their main source of heating. Because of their location, it is often difficult for them to save money.

This scheme should be of particular interest when taking into consideration the recent huge hike in the price of fuel oil.

Because the volume of central heating oil that one sole householder can order will be low in tanker terms, i.e., probably maximum 600 gallons, the price is likely always to be high.

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SETTING UP THE CLUB

This situation just needs one person to set up a loose group of up to 20 members all wishing to cut their heavy heating bills.

If you live in a village or small community this method is very easy to establish. Alternatively, ask around if you belong to a sports club, Women’s Institute or similar. If you have a local parish magazine, so much the better. Alternatively a notice in the local Post Office or Village Store (if you still have one) should bring results.

First of all approach your local supplier saying that you have ‘X’ number of people in the village/vicinity all wishing to take a delivery of central heating oil on a set date.

Point out to the company that this would involve just one destination, one tanker and one man and that deliveries would be close to each other. Then bargain hard for a discount on the central heating oil. Here you may need to speak to the Manager of the depot who will probably have greater authority than your usual telephone-sales person.

Try at least one company because it is quite likely that prices will vary with some companies being more entrepreneurial. They should give you various prices depending on how many thousands of gallons you will be ordering. Get some illustrative prices for varying quantities of oil i.e. third of a tanker, half a tanker or a whole tanker plus the capacity of the tanker.

The price you give will only be an illustration at this stage because until you have received all their orders this final price is not definite. Also, it must be borne in mind that prices fluctuate and therefore you will probably have to obtain your final quotation from the chosen supplier reasonably near to the delivery date.

After speaking to the members of your group you will be able to determine the best times of the year to order.

BUT it is important that you are firm with your prospective customers.
The price is…...... and delivery is…...... Also make it quite clear what type of oil is being ordered.

THE REWARD A venture of this type needs a capable person with good organizing abilities. The benefits are obvious. Therefore, it would not be out of order for the person doing the ordering to charge a small fee for so doing - either from the group or from the oil company.