WESTERLO — In a market where home energy demands are ever-present, there is one business factor that sustains commercial success.
Customer service.
“It basically comes down to, if we don’t provide excellent customer service, then we don’t have customers,” said AmeriGas District Manager Richard Smith. “And, if we don’t have customers, then we don’t have our business.”
Mar-Gas was obtained by AmeriGas nearly three years ago. It was a logistics decision that influenced the latter to keep the former’s name. But, local customers who have been using Mar-Gas over the years, have already witnessed the extra-ordinary caliber of customer service Amerigas provides.
Nationwide, that customer base stands at approximately two million strong. AmeriGas is the country’s largest retail propane marketer. It has more than 2,000 distribution locations in all 50 states — two of which are located in our backyard, in South Westerlo and in Catskill.
With approximately 8,500 staffed employees under its umbrella, AmeriGas provides a level of customer service that extends beyond its competition. Customers can expect to hear trained employees answering AmeriGas’ phoneline, 24-hours a day and seven-days a week. The propane company’s robust website (www.AmeriGas.com) allows customers access to online accounts, where they can pay bills and place future orders.
Fixed pricing options are also available for customers to take advantage of as the winter months approach. AmeriGas is currently running an incentive program that offers a $20 credit towards a fixed pricing contract when customers set-up their online paperless account.
“We’re just making it more convenient for the customer,” said Smith. “More and more customers have busy, busy schedules. And, more and more people are doing more and more on the Internet. And, what we’re doing is trying to make it easy on them. … They can place an order online at 11 o’clock at night without picking up the phone.”
Propane is used for a variety of purposes, from heating homes and swimming pools, to fueling the flame to your grill. Its prevalence in today’s homes not only calls for the need of good customer service, but safety. And, so goes the company’s motto as you call its service line, “Customer service and safety is our top priority.”
“Safety is our top priority,” said Smith. “The safety of our employees, the safety of our customers.” Locally, AmeriGas has seven different locations servicing the Capital District for its propane needs. “We have some of the most intense safety training programs within the industry.”
AmeriGas is a publicly owned company. Shares of its stock exchange freely within the walls of the New York Stock Exchange. Its service impacts the needs of millions throughout the United States. Nonetheless, Smith said it continues to be your local, hometown propane provider.
“AmeriGas is a large, nationwide company,” said Smith. “But, it’s staffed and operated by people within your community.”
