Swamp Yankee
Addicted to ArboristSite
momof2nutlings
I've been selling firewood for 30 years, the CL hacks initially made it difficult to sell to new customers but they have more recently been my best salespeople. After dealing with the guys that only want enough to get a new dirt bike or build a truck people appreciate working with someone that is in it for the long haul. Being in it for the long haul means you have to treat your customers right. This year and for sure next in CT, finding wood is especially tough. There just isn't a lot of good wood available, and the drying conditions, due to the record rainfall, even when cut and split have been terrible. I have advised people of this fact before delivery and most understand. Irene came along in August, blew the tarps off my seasoned cut and split piles and then dropped 7+ inches of rain on them. My guess this is what happened to your second supplier, if so he should have told you up front and let you decide what to do. As to the first supplier there's no excuse for shorting people. Do mistakes happen, yes, but they should be handled quickly. If you haven't seen the guy by now, you're not going to.
Now to get back on topic, here's what I do to ease new customer's suspicions, and any reputable seller will do the same. First ask to be given at least 3 references from customers that have purchased for at least 3 years. If the seller hasn't been in business that long, then ask for people in the last 2 years. In short if he doesn't have regular repeat customers, move on. Second, demand to see the wood prior to delivery. The guy isn't trucking the stuff that far usually. I offer this to any and all customers. Some take me up, some take the fact I have nothing to hide as good faith, up to you if you visit or not. If they refuse, walk away. The pile of seasoned cut and split probably doesn't exist and they're simply cutting and splitting off a pile to order.
As to be being shorted by the first supplier, here's your recourse. By law, in the State of CT if a wood supplier sells more than 25 cord per year they are considered a commercial operation and must have the appropriate permits. Visit the CT DEEP website for full explanation. Call the first supplier and explain if he does not make the shortage right, you'll file a complaint with the DEEP. I know of one sleaze this happened to and the State made his life miserable with fines and appearances in Hartford.
Hope all works out for you, and remember, if you find a good supplier, treat them right too. Don't whine and complain because they're $15 more per cord than some unknown. Remember, you're using this wood to keep your family and biggest investment, your house, warm for the winter. Over a 5 month heating season $30 extra is $6 per month. Just drive by Dunki's 2 times a month rather than stop and you're covered.
Take Care
I've been selling firewood for 30 years, the CL hacks initially made it difficult to sell to new customers but they have more recently been my best salespeople. After dealing with the guys that only want enough to get a new dirt bike or build a truck people appreciate working with someone that is in it for the long haul. Being in it for the long haul means you have to treat your customers right. This year and for sure next in CT, finding wood is especially tough. There just isn't a lot of good wood available, and the drying conditions, due to the record rainfall, even when cut and split have been terrible. I have advised people of this fact before delivery and most understand. Irene came along in August, blew the tarps off my seasoned cut and split piles and then dropped 7+ inches of rain on them. My guess this is what happened to your second supplier, if so he should have told you up front and let you decide what to do. As to the first supplier there's no excuse for shorting people. Do mistakes happen, yes, but they should be handled quickly. If you haven't seen the guy by now, you're not going to.
Now to get back on topic, here's what I do to ease new customer's suspicions, and any reputable seller will do the same. First ask to be given at least 3 references from customers that have purchased for at least 3 years. If the seller hasn't been in business that long, then ask for people in the last 2 years. In short if he doesn't have regular repeat customers, move on. Second, demand to see the wood prior to delivery. The guy isn't trucking the stuff that far usually. I offer this to any and all customers. Some take me up, some take the fact I have nothing to hide as good faith, up to you if you visit or not. If they refuse, walk away. The pile of seasoned cut and split probably doesn't exist and they're simply cutting and splitting off a pile to order.
As to be being shorted by the first supplier, here's your recourse. By law, in the State of CT if a wood supplier sells more than 25 cord per year they are considered a commercial operation and must have the appropriate permits. Visit the CT DEEP website for full explanation. Call the first supplier and explain if he does not make the shortage right, you'll file a complaint with the DEEP. I know of one sleaze this happened to and the State made his life miserable with fines and appearances in Hartford.
Hope all works out for you, and remember, if you find a good supplier, treat them right too. Don't whine and complain because they're $15 more per cord than some unknown. Remember, you're using this wood to keep your family and biggest investment, your house, warm for the winter. Over a 5 month heating season $30 extra is $6 per month. Just drive by Dunki's 2 times a month rather than stop and you're covered.
Take Care