Since April 2017, business owners can freely switch business water suppliers if they spot a better deal. The process is simple, too and can often be done in a few simple steps in a matter of minutes. This has resulted in more business owners keeping a fine eye out for any mistreatment or poor service, and rightly so.
This guide will highlight four signs of changing your business water supplier. Read on to determine if your business could benefit from a new supplier.
1. Insufficient Water Treatment Service
As part of having a business water supplier, you should have access to a prompt and sufficient chemical water treatment service. This means they are responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and purifying all your water for various purposes.
Many suppliers waste companies’ time and money by not providing a good enough service, which can badly affect the safe disposal of water and district machinery.
Whether water is used in boilers, cooling towers or other machinery, the wastewater must be efficiently managed and monitored to be safely disposed of.
Some warning signs to look out for that your service may not be adequate are:
- Discoloured or cloudy water: If the water appears cloudy or discoloured, it may indicate that the impurities are not being removed properly.
- Bad smell: If you notice the water being used smells off, it could indicate the presence of bacteria.
- Frequent machine failure: For machines that rely on water, if you notice them breaking down or not functioning properly, it could indicate that the water is not being treated properly.
- Scale buildup and corrosion: If you notice any pipework or machinery with a lot of corrosion, it could be that the water is not treated properly and is eroding the metalwork.
If you notice any of these signs in your business premises, it may be time to switch business water suppliers.
2. Poor Customer Service
It goes for any service you might buy; if the customer service experience isn’t good, it reflects on the company. A few signs that you may be getting a poor customer service experience might include the following:
- Long wait times or constantly on hold for inquiries
- Rudeness or a lack of care towards your needs
- A lack of follow-ups or follow-through
- A lack of willingness to go above and beyond to help you
- Poor accessibility
This only scratches the surface of what poor customer service might look like. In general, you will have a strong natural inclination if you are being poorly treated, and if so, it may be time to switch.
It would help if you always looked to websites like Trustpilot to see how other customers are treated and whether it is best to avoid a specific business water provider.
3. Inconsistent and Expensive Billing
If you notice inconsistencies in your monthly water bill or spot any sharp spikes in costs, you may receive poor bills from your provider. Your monthly bill should be clear and easy to understand where your money is going, and it should clearly state the cost of the water usage as well as any other additional charges, such as wastewater or stormwater fees.
A clear bill will help you, as the customer, to identify any errors, usage patterns, and conservation opportunities. You need to reconsider your options if you aren’t getting this information.
If you notice any sharp spikes that aren’t being brought to your attention, this is a clear red flag that you are not being provided with the service you deserve.
4. Lack of Additional Services
Your business water provider should always look for new ways to help your business drive down costs. To help with this, many suppliers offer additional services like:
- Leak detection: Regular repair checkups to ensure no leaks on the premises or anything that could drain excess water.
- Emergency response: A quick restoration service is available 24/7 in the case of an emergency.
- Regular water testing: Frequent monitoring of the quality of your water to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
- Water conservation systems/treatment: Regular onsite water treatment to point out any opportunities for saving money and water.
These are a few examples of what business water suppliers might offer as part of their service. If you notice a lack of additional services with your current supplier, consider swapping the provider for someone more reputable.
In Summary
There are many warning signs to be aware of when looking for an efficient business water supplier. This guide has explored the most common examples you should be aware of.
Every business will have specific needs and circumstances that need to be met; it’s important to ensure that your business’s requirements align with your provider. If not, you should be looking for better options.
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