Are some venders cashing in on the fuel crisis?

Recently I received a notice of increase from one of my vendors stating that they were increasing their fuel charge from $2.00 per delivery to an adjustable charge based on the average price of a gallon of diesel. My first thought was ok, oil has gone up considerably. My next thought was are they only delivering to me within a 10 mile radius? At the previous $2.00 per delivery this is about ½ of what it costs for a gallon of diesel. Even if they only have 3 of us in the same 10 mile radius we paid for that gallon of fuel used for the delivery plus some profit.

I called the company to cancel my service, to protest their cashing in on the fuel crisis, and they immediately changed there policy to offset for this obvious inequity. I imagine I was not alone in complaining and at the same time they probably had many other customers that just accepted that new charge without question.

The moral of the story is question extra charges added to your bill as this is a way to up sell and still appear to be competitive. Adding special coverage, delivery and handling, fuel adjustments, and other charges are a way to add in extra profit after the sale.

Vendors and professionals - Are you just another face in the crowd?

When you have a management company between you and your clients it is easy to let them make all of the contacts. This may be easier but is it the best course of action?

When money is tight, people start shopping for a better price,. When your competition is knocking on doors do you want to be just another face in the crowd?

If you have not made contact with the people who are actually paying your bills, it is difficult at best for your clients to separate you from the next guy who is probably looking to cut your price and cut you out...

Turn this around and let your clients know who you are, what you do, and how your service is better than your competition.

Here are a few ways to connect with your clients:

• Offer to attend a board meeting once or twice a year.
  
• Send out newsletters to the board of directors even if it is once a quarter.
• Host special events like meet and greets in your office or common location.
  

These days everyone is talking about "branding". You most certainly want to be someone that your associations connect with to help curb "best offer" transitions.