A range of business water providers populates the nation’s length and breadth – each with its rates, benefits, drawbacks, and packages worth consideration.
If you are the owner of a small to medium business and are considering switching to another business water retailer or supplier, this is the article for you.
We’ll cover all the reasons why you might want to switch, then you should consider switching and how to switch to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Read on to find out more.
Why Switch Your Business Water Supplier?
If you are on the fence about switching, you may be asking yourself why you should switch or if switching will be worth it. These are very valid questions to ask. The following are some reasons why switching may be a good idea for your business:
Cheaper Rates
This is the most obvious reason to switch. Water bills aren’t cheap, and for SMBs in the hospitality sector, switching your business water provider can help you conserve significant quantities of water that translates to potentially huge savings on your monthly bill.
Fixed rates will differ depending on your area, your business needs, and who you are currently with. The easier it is for a supplier or retailer to provide your premises with water, the cheaper it will be for you.
For instance, if you are based in the Greater Manchester area, choosing to receive your water supply from a Scottish company may not be in your best interests. A water company closer to home will likely offer you better rates.
Even if your SMB isn’t in hospitality, savings can be made on monthly water bills. You’d be surprised how much water an office can use. For instance, the average office employee can use up to 50 litres daily!
Cheaper rates will allow you to spend less on utilities and give you more cash flow to work with monthly.
Better Customer Service
Customer service is often overlooked as a reason for switching, but if you aren’t happy with the current level of customer service you’re getting, then switch.
As a business owner, you’ll know the importance of attentive customer care. If your water supplier or retailer doesn’t provide much support, it may be time to consider other options.
Common red flags to look out for are:
- No available phone number for direct contact with your water supplier or retailer (or a number that is hard to find)
- Long waiting times on the phone
- No clear resolution to your issue when phoning in or being handed off to different advisors consistently
- A lengthy email response rate (over 24 hours)
- No live internet chat function is available
More Control Over Your Account
Gone are the days of having little to no control over your account regarding utility bills. Many business water providers are starting to provide more convenient ways to access and manage your entire account – usually via an online customer portal.
These portals will give you immediate access to your billing information (if you need to update it), your previous statements, your next billing date, detailed water usage statistics, vital emergency contact information, and even water efficiency tips.
The best bit is that all of this is available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week – meaning you can update information on your own time when it suits you best.
If your provider does not have this service, it may be time to look at changing to a provider that gives you more control over everything related to your business water supply.
Better Access To Specialists
Part of a water retailer or provider’s role is providing your business with access to water specialists when you need them most.
From water audit professionals that can help you improve water efficiency to emergency plumbers for when a pipe bursts or a leak turns into a flood – these should all be accessible via your business water supplier.
Water suppliers that provide more comprehensive services are usually better connected in the water world. Frequently, providers will strike deals with expert plumbers to service their customer base (sometimes exclusively), meaning your business will have access to a network of experts.
If this isn’t the case with your current supplier – switching could provide you with this as a part of their service package.
When To Switch Business Water Suppliers?
So, how do you know when to switch suppliers? There are key tell-tale signs to look out for, such as:
- Your water bills don’t match your water usage
- There are inaccuracies in water usage
- It is difficult to speak to an advisor
- Your bill is overly complicated or confusing
- Your provider operates an advanced payment scheme
- You believe your fixed rate is too high
As well as many more…Always consistently assess the value you receive from your supplier and consider switching if you feel you aren’t getting the service you need.
How To Switch Business Water Suppliers?
It is a really simple process! Usually, you’ll need to contact the company you want as your new supplier, discuss your needs with them, and they’ll handle the switch for you.
Conclusion
You should consider switching if any of the above issues reflects your reality with your supplier or retailer.
Don’t settle for subpar service!