Early buy last year was somewhat of a let down on account of the dealer prices were the same as, or maybe $5 less than, the closing prices of the prior season. In some cases, the early buy prices were > $25/ton more than the prior season early buy price for the same product. At one local dealer, the early buy price for Purcells was $305. Now it's $330. MWPs started at $265 and are $295 now. What does this mean for early buy deals this year? It's gonna be interesting to see how things shake out. BTW, one of the local dealers has started doing the same thing as some of the gas stations; charge one price if you pay with cash and a different price ($9 more per ton) if you pay with a credit card. Cripes, does it really cost that much to swipe a card these days?
One of the places I get pellets from does the cash/check discount thing. Figure it costs 3% to run a card, and there is your $9. Early buy around here last season was only $5 off per ton. One of the local chain stores has sold their pellets for $25 off per ton when they get their first shipment in August. I paid $187.50/ton for Pro Pellets the past two August's. Hoping they keep that deal going.
Approx 2.9% charged to the retailer IIRC. I don't expect much for spring deals in my area. Hopefully the boxstore price of $239/ton will hold into the spring and some actually have a decent pellet available. I've got room for 4 tons and I'll most likely pounce on em as soon as I see something!
Yes it does. 3.5% Some states just passed a law that they can add the processing costs to the sale. I don't see prices moving much either way on the east coast. Rail tie , pallet and pipeline/utility/crane mat demand has tapered some but lumber prices are still up which will divert raw material from pellet supply.
This is the reason I went box store for the first time last year. Most likely will gamble on TSC duplicating last year's offering and being able to grab something descent near $225. I want to restock two tons this spring and that seems to be the best choice for me.
Yep. My boss told me a few days ago that he paid $40K in credit card fees in 2014. Look at it this way, he's potentially saving you $9. If he doesn't have to pay the fee, he doesn't have to pass the fee on to you.
Any where from 1.5 to 3.5% a few are even higher ,depends on the type/ and issuer of card and their processor. Also in some cases there is an additional line item charge. A swiped card is cheaper than and manually entered one also. On top of that are statement fees every month and an annual fee as well as a annual feel for security( this one is real bogus for some retailers like myself ,akin to the hazmat charges by ups) Debit cards are the worst as far as cost to the retailer is concerned.
With fuel prices AT LEAST 30% cheaper (some cases 50%), that better have a effect. Neighbor schedules trucking freight, and fuel surcharge has dropped BIG TIME.
Fuel surcharge - rip off- like UPS hazmat charges disappears down a big dark hole in the front pocket- Fuel is part of their delivery cost- figured into what they charge- in the first place- secondly they get a tax credit on fuel ( right there in Schedule C), third most large concerns get a break on the per gallon price vs us at the pumps.
I understand some of the fuel surcharge. When a rig is getting maybe 4 MPG, fuel pricing is a HUGE effect. On a 100 mile 1 way run, you are easily saving $40 in fuel right now. I have a friend who drives tri axle dump, and they are saving HUNDREDS a week in fuel.
Diesel is down about $.60 from its high last summer. On a 100 mile trip @ 4 MPG ,,,that equals= 25 gallons x $.60/gal compared to its high. $15 not $40 .That barely buys lunch !!!
Cheapest diesel near me is 2.99, it was 3.75-4.oo within last year. Our high was mid 4's. Diesel here is always .75-1.00 higher than gas. So I apologize on the $40, but 25 easily. And easily a HUGE savings. I know im saving $25 each fill up over last fall, and its HALF of a few years ago.
A few states have outlawed surcharging, but mc and visa can't do a thing about cash discounts. Conveinence fees not to be confused with surcharging are MCC based. (Government, schools, tax offices, etc) I have a feeling we will be seeing lots more convenience fees coming.
There are processors out there that do not have many monthly fees, and no PCI fees for running a terminal. Debit cards are only billed .05%+.22 by visa/mc....Durbin really helped the banks;!!!!!!
Earth Sense Energy Systems is my local dealer and I try to buy from them as much as possible. Their early buy deal on their house brand Uncle Jed's Softwoods is $221/ton with a $5.00 discount for cash and a $3.00 credit if you trade in a good pallet. That's $213/ton for a really good pellet. You have to be a preferred buyer to get that price ($40.00 fee) but that get's you a 20% discount on parts and accessories and a discount price on a pre-season cleaning. They have a good selection of pellets and bag most of their own at their facility where they have a rail siding. Looks like I'll buy two tons on the early buy deal….
