
Not so nifty at 50
June 1, 2008 By Patrick Hyland
Milestone draws jabs from kids, reflections of years in propane industry
Read MoreMilestone draws jabs from kids, reflections of years in propane industry
Read MoreThis winter’s rampaging propane prices spared no marketers from lost customers, crimped cash flow and mangled margins.
Read MoreWith the price of oil topping $100 per barrel amid a sputtering overall economy, propane marketers and customers alike spent much of the 2007-08 winter heating season struggling to cover their costs. And while some regions saw record-setting snowfalls, bitterly cold temperatures, crippling ice storms and widespread power outages, other parts of the country experienced way too much warmth to pump appropriate amounts of propane.
Read MoreWell-designed marketing plans, orchestrated pitches to promote budget plan enrollment and established collection procedures for when customers fall behind are being touted as key solutions for propane retailers faced with payment shortfalls.
Read MoreEvery day, Holly Linden contends with an increasing number of customers who cannot afford to pay their propane bill.
Read MoreAs owners and operators of mostly small-to-medium-size businesses, we tend to focus first on matters that are specific to our marketing footprint. Because our customer base is local, we have an immediate vested interest in local affairs. For our own self-interest, we become actively engaged in organizations like local fire protection or city, county and township government agencies.
Read MoreWith today’s heated competitive climate over ever-tightening American energy dollars, being an order-taker and sitting back waiting for the telephone to ring has gone the way of the malt shop, bell-bottoms and mullets.
Read MoreWhat are the critical challenges facing propane retailers, and how are they being addressed?
Read MoreHaving the capability and desire to offer customers propane-powered zone heaters, grills and other indoor and outdoor auxiliary appliances can add some significant sizzle to your bottom line. Marketers actively working these categories say they are achieving a competitive advantage over retailers that don’t supply this equipment or the related installation and maintenance services.
Read MoreBeyond the standard insurance company costs of marketing, loss control and underwriting, we have liability defense costs.
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