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Self Reliance’s Propane Cooperative FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
What’s this propane thing?
Self Reliance has a propane cooperative program. We have negotiated, on behalf of our members, with a local propane dealer for a fixed profit margin over the wholesale price. The profit margin is always less than the profit margin charged to the general public.
The wholesale price fluctuates according to the market. The good news is that the price does go down as well as up! The fixed profit margin that is added to the wholesale price for members is less than what our participating dealer charges the general public.
I only use propane for cooking – am I still eligible?
Yes, however, the pricing structure is dependent on how much propane you use on an annual basis. The more you use, the lower the per gallon price will be.
How do I know if how much I use?
Check your bill, or call your current propane dealer. It can also be estimated based on your tank size.
How do I know if I own my propane tank?
Check your bill for a tank rental fee. Legally there is also supposed to be a label on your tank which states “Property of XYZ Company.”
Is the Self Reliance price a discount?
No, the Self Reliance price is not a discount off the retail price. The Self Reliance price is calculated by adding the wholesale price and the fixed profit margin we have negotiated. The difference between the retail price and the Self Reliance price fluctuates as the profit margin that the company makes on their retail price changes. A good reference is our monthly average price graph which shows the difference between the retail price and the Self Reliance price.
How can I get the Self Reliance price? Are there qualifications I must meet?
In order to take advantage of our pricing, you first need to become a member. Membership is open to everyone. The only guideline to becoming a member of the fuel cooperative program is that you must live within the territory that we service (all of Cape Cod and most of southeastern Massachusetts – please call to see if your town is included in our service area).
How much is membership?
Household membership is $36 a year unless you are over the age of 65 or a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and then it is $18 a year. Membership is valid for one year from the date we receive it. Our membership application is available online at www.reliance.org. You can either complete the entire transaction online with a credit card or print the application and mail it in with a check.
How long does this process take?
Once we receive your completed application and membership dues it takes one to two business days to process everything. We notify the fuel dealer that works with us in your area that you have joined and should receive the Self Reliance pricing. We also send you a welcome letter letting you know that we received your membership, processed it and notified the propane company of your new membership. This welcome letter will also contain the name and telephone number of the propane company that we work with in your area.
How do I order propane?
Once you receive the welcome letter it is up to you to call and set up your payment terms and delivery schedule with the propane company. Automatic delivery and will-call delivery are both available (no price difference). The Self Reliance price is good for deliveries during regular business hours (not nights & weekends).
How do I know what the price is?
The daily cash price will be posted on our members-only website and is also available by email. If you do not have access to the internet you can call our office at 508-563-6633.
The delivery ticket you receive when you have a delivery often lists the Self Reliance 20-day price (some list both the 20-day and cash prices). If you pay within five days, you are eligible for the Self Reliance cash price – for most of our dealers the cash price is $0.05 less than the 20-day rate. If you have any questions, please call us. We are happy to help you!
What about service?
All of the companies that we work with are full service companies with emergency service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All of the companies also offer service contracts. Service contracts are between you and the fuel company, they are not part of the Self Reliance membership.
How about fixed pricing?
We do not offer fixed pricing. The Self Reliance price always fluctuates according to the wholesale market. Many of our participating dealers do offer fixed pricing but it is the same whether you are a member of Self Reliance or not. We do have a graph that shows our monthly average price versus the monthly average retail price.
Are you always the cheapest?
We can’t always promise to be the lowest priced. Sometimes a discount company will get a really cheap load of fuel and be able to sell it for less than the Self Reliance price. However, we are always lower than what our participating companies are selling to the general public for.
Is this propane somehow different?
No – the propane in the truck is being delivered to both Self Reliance members and the company’s regular customers.
I have two (or more) houses that need propane delivered to them, do I need more than one membership?
Yes, each membership covers one delivery address.
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