I never signed up with Suburban Propane. I had service from PacWest & they were 5 star. They were "forced/priced" to "retire". I called PW for a refill and SP answered the call. Suburban Propane's 1st story was PW 'went out of business' & SP had 'taken over' all PW customers. Their refill quote in February was triple the price of propane at gas stations, due to my 'low consumption'; they said. I told them to pound sand and make an appointment with me for tank removal asap. They did not do this.
They have sent several tank rental fee letters with past due charges now. They offered no proof of ownership of the tank, no past, current or new contract, nothing but a bill. I called again to refute the charge & they said tank removal would cost me $150; 50% more than a year of rent, conveniently. This is America and I will choose who provides my services. They did not acknowledge my first conversation, their story NOW was PW owner "retired". Tank rental & past due charges came after I refused any business with them and told them to retrieve the tank! I should send them a past due STORAGE fee!
SP does not own the contract I had with PacWest. I shopped around before I got any propane and found SP had very low ratings. I have now purchased a 60 gallon tank and fill at a station. I am a 64 year old & have a handyman assist. SP's practices would likely cost 2 to 3 times or EVEN MORE than necessary. I am not going thru this with another small local company. It is a good thing propane is for hot water and the gas range only.
SP downplayed all their negative reviews. THIS IS AMERICA & unfortunately capitalism can mean the big invisible corporation will force the 5 star local businesses out & jack prices up each time they gobble up another. Self Protection is what SP should stand for; BUYER BEWARE. Thank goodness for YELP! I was lucky to have read up on SP. The sound of my head popping out of nowhere land was LOUD.
My hope is that PacWest customers do not feel pushed into SP and that they have no options. Do not say yes, do not sign, do accept propane, do not pay for rental or removal to a company you did not contract with. Ask them to remove your info from your records. Record your phone calls with them, at least take very good notes. Happy & Safe 4th to all; FREEDOM! read more