Save Money When Buying Heating Oil

Most people in rural areas have no alternative but to use oil (kerosene) as their 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 oil that one sole household can order will be low in tanker terms, i.e., probably maximum 600 gallons, the price is likely always to be high.

SETTING UP A T.S.O 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.

Do this by either asking 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 oil supplier saying that you have ‘X’ number of people in the village/vicinity all wishing to take a delivery of 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. 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 - half a tanker or a whole tanker.

Next you will need to contact all the members of your group saying that you have negotiated an approximate price of ‘X’ pence per litre and that you propose delivery in October in readiness for the coming winter.

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 oil prices fluctuate and therefore you will probably have to obtain your final quotation from the chosen oil company reasonably near to the date you want the oil delivered.

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.