Our Competitor is at it again,
We get price checker calls all day long. In our area, the homeowners know, that we charge per gallon. We charge 38 cents per gallon plus sales tax. Example. If it’s a 1000 gallon septic tank, then it’s $380 plus tax which is $409.26.
But our competitor has a “Work-in” fee. One that he does not tell people during the price check call. It’s a completely made up fee called a Fuel/Operator charge. Which just simply should be in his price, but he breaks it out for the “Price Checkers”. So he tells the price checkers that he charges 36 cents per gallon. But after the job is done he says that it’s 36 cents per gallon plus a 30 F/O charge. So here’s the Math 1000 gallon tank would be 360 plus 30 F/O charge. Which makes 390 plus tax for a grand total of $422.76.
Here’s my rates copied from my website.
WE ARE A FLAT FEE SEPTIC PUMPING COMPANY!
Tank Size Septic Pumping Tax Total
1000 gal $380.00 $31.16 $411.16
My competitor’s Website (Copied and Pasted)
1,000 gallon tank = $360 + $30 F/0 Chg. + sales tax (.084 = $32.76) = total price = $422.76
Bottom line, we are still the most competitive price in the area. But most of all. I refuse to play this “Lower rates and add “”Work in”” fees” game.
I could say I am 34 cents per gallon and at the end of the service add in a $40 “work in” fee.
But I will never do this. I am up front. As I have always said. If you’re sure about the gallons, “Fill the check out now, and put it on the counter”. The price will never change.
So please ask when calling around. “What is the bottom line price, Is there any additional fees?” And then see for yourself.
Thanks for reading,
Ronnie
