8 Yr. ago I purchased my P68 and my first 4 tons of pellets from a local dealer. Every year since I've gone back to them for my pellets. My stove is in my basement and my pellets are stored there also. I have double doors on my walk out basement, so delivery is easy. The driver brings a pallet jack with him, and as he slides each ton into the basement the pallet jack is used to move them out of the way. If I am home I'll move them, if not the driver moves them, and my wife always gives him $20 for his troubles. It honestly takes about 5 extra minutes to do this.
This year when I called to order my pellets I was told there was a $10 per ton fee to have them moved after they were set down. I said I'd make sure I was home and use the pallet jack to move them my self. I was told I was no longer allowed to use their pallet jack, the driver would have to do it.
I asked to speak to a manager and explained I was a loyal customer for 8yrs.,I said we took delivery at their convenience, when they had other deliveries in the area, and although other places charged less then their $85 delivery fee for a 30 mile trip, we always ordered from them. I told him this extra $40 seemed a bit much and asked him if he would work with me on this.
His reply was " with every mom and pop place selling pellets, they had to find ways to make money, and I could take it or leave it."
I told him I'd think about it and hung up the phone.
So what do you think? Does this seem a bit much, or are these extra fees the dealer keeps adding on the new norm?
Jim
