- 1). Look up home heating oil dealers in the phone book. Most directories list it under "Oil, Heating" or "Oil, Fuel." Write down the names and number of the companies nearest to you or in the same area. Leave plenty of space to write notes later.
- 2). Check online listings for heating oil companies. Some online ads will give you a better idea of delivery area. Also, larger companies may deliver farther away than local ones.
- 3). Start with companies closest and call them. First, ask whether they deliver to your neighborhood. Second, ask whether they require you to sign up for automatic delivery. Note the ones that do. Third, ask what the minimum delivery is. Most companies require a 50- to 100-gallon minimum delivery. Fourth, ask what the current price per gallon is, whether there any delivery fees and about bulk discounts. Finally, ask whether they would be willing to beat the best price you find in order to get your business. While the big name companies will not usually lower their prices, a small local company may work with you.
- 4). Compare pricing. Cross off any company that charges for delivery. Unless you are comfortable being locked into monthly deliveries and having your oil tank filled up each time, cross off companies that require automatic delivery.
- 5). Decide how much oil you wish to purchase. Check through your notes for the remaining companies for the ones that will deliver the quantity you want for the best prices. If any were willing to adjust their price, call them with the quotes from other companies to see whether they will beat them.
- 6). Place your order with the lowest price.
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