Are you interested in saving money on heating oil?
By pooling our requirements, we should be able to negotiate a lower price.
There are many similar co-operatives operating very successfully in Yorkshire and nationally. It is difficult to identify an accurate saving; the consensus view is that members save 10-12% which works out at around 3-5 pence per litre.
Who can join?
Initially, residents of Melsonby Village. It may be possible to extend to neighbouring villages later.
How does it work?
The Co-operative coordinator puts a notice on the village noticeboard and phones / emails existing members to let them know when the next order will be. Members let the co-ordinator know how much oil they want – either a fixed number of litres (minimum 500) or “fill-up the tank” (we need an estimate of the likely quantity so we have an idea of the total volume when negotiating with the suppliers).
The syndicate coordinator phones round various companies for prices based on the total volume, and places orders on behalf of members.
The oil is delivered on an agreed day or days, and the supplier leaves or sends each member a bill for their own oil. The bill is payable direct to the supplier by cheque or credit card within the supplier’s terms and conditions period.
THE COOPERATIVE DOES NOT HANDLE ANY MONEY.
There is an order every couple of months, so the chances of running short are limited.
The first order was placed in July 2013 and was delivered later that week.
Subsequent orders will be placed on 23 September 2013, 25 November 2013, 3 February 2014, 7 April 2014, 7 July 2014. Further dates will be announced in the April of each year.
Interested, or want more information?
Give me a call (718059) or e-mail me at melsonby@outlook.com
Stuart Priestley
