FOLLOW UP!

When I purchased my house twenty years ago, I learned about heating with kerosene and how to take care of the 250 gallon oil tank in the backyard.  I signed up for a service contract  each year because it included an annual furnace cleaning, and more importantly to me, they were there 24/7/365 just a phone call away if things went awry! And they had to be friendly and nice as they solved the problem. 
 Radiators warm each room, and I like that.  Truth be told, I am wary of gas.  Maybe in a former life...I was in one of those spontaneous combustion house explosions.  Anyway,  since the price of oil has drastically risen in these past 20 years, I am really, really, really paying attention and here's my story:
In March when 187 gallons were delivered and it was $4.99 a gallon, I immediately wanted to speak with the oil cartel.  Before I placed a phone call to my oil distributor, I called a different one just to ask what price they were charging per gallon.  Ready?  $3.99 which is one dollar cheaper and when you have 187 gallons delivered, that's a difference of $187.
So... I called my company and reminded them that I was a customer for twenty years, and 'holy mackeral' what is with the price of oil these days?
"When you get oil from your distributors, tell me, are they wearing masks?  Because they should be!!"
[Just kidding, I didn't really say that!]
I mentioned that the other company was a whole dollar less, and that is a big difference.  Then I related how I am on a fixed income and taking care of my 99 year old mother...
[Cue the violin music now].  Again, kidding.
The manager agreed to lower the price by $.25 now and in all future deliveries.  I agreed thinking that eventually all $187 would make its way back to me.
Fast forward to this past Monday...
The oil truck was backing down my street [beep, beep, beep] and I remember thinking that at least now we were not at peak oil prices and they had come down a bit.  And then my added $.25, well, it is still crazy!
Imagine my meltdown when the receipt said 187 gallons at $5.24 a gallon.....What???????????
Another quick call to the competition again showed $3.99 as their price.
Okey dokey!  My conversation was pleasant and cordial as I assured Debbie that I had no intention of 'Shooting the messenger' but taking cover might not be a bad idea. 
Two far out things occurred.
First, they had forgotten about the .25 and...are you ready for this?
She said, "I don't know why it said $5.24 because it shows up today the same as the other company.  So I will be happy to adjust your bill."
And the .25 a gallon that we had agreed on???
That was already included as my price had gone from $5.24 to $3.99.
I was totally prepared to switch companies.  I was all done debating the details.
My pleasant phone call resulted in $225.00 coming off of my bill, and I stayed with the company I have been with for twenty years.'
Two morals of the story:
I believe that you really are more effective 'catching more bees with honey'.
Secondly, you have to pay attention to details on bills, sales, etc.  Or you'll pay the price.
So...cue 'The Rocky Movie Theme'......
$225.00  Oh yeah!
Christmas Tree Shoppe...Here I come!!