Apr 9, 2008 12:52 pm US/Eastern
Angie's List: Service Company Fuel Surcharges
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
With gas prices creeping up every week, service companies
are more than feeling the pain; they're passing price increases on to
customers. Done properly, most customers
will understand the added cost. Done on the sly, most customers will be
unhappy,
Angie's List founder Angie Hicks says her organization
surveyed about 1,700 service companies across the country and 85 percent of
them said the rising gas prices have really impacted their bottom line. "About 60 percent of them are passing it
through as fuel surcharge to their
customers." says Angie.
She advises consumers to keep communicating with their
service company so they're not surprised.
She says be flexible. if you can wait for a service until the company
can send one truck to the same area to assist multiple customers, you'll come
out ahead in the long run.
According to Angie, "When we've talked to consumers, they
do understand the fact that gas prices are impacting the costs they are going
to be paying for, but the key is consumers want it to be transparent. They want
to understand if there is a fuel surcharge to have it clearly outlined so they
know exactly what they are paying for."
When hiring any service company Angie has this advice:
Know what you're paying for: Insist on itemized
charges related to fuel costs so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Don't get tripped up: If you'll be charged a trip fee just for the
estimate, find out if that cost will be taken off your final bill if you
choose that contractor for the job.
Be creative: If your contractor - lawn service, dog
walker, errand service, housekeeper, or tutor - has more than one customer in
your neighborhood, see if you can coordinate service calls to cut down on your
contractor's fuel costs, and minimize the pass-through.
Prioritize: If you have an emergency service need,
be smart in your hiring decision. getting your issue resolved now—even if you
have to pay a fuel surcharge—could still save you money in the long run.
Comparison shop: If you're just getting started on
your project, add fuel cost questions to your list of things to ask about, and
don't be afraid to negotiate.
www.angieslist.com
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
