For any business owner, one of the most important things is cutting the cost of your outgoings. And with energy and water bills as high as they’ve ever been, finding the right suppliers is a great place to start!
When it comes to selecting your business’ energy and water suppliers, it pays to shop around. But with so many companies out there offering what look like identical products, it can be difficult to know where to even start!
That’s why we’ve put together this useful guide to help you make the right choice when you switch business energy and water suppliers, to help save you time, stress and, most importantly, money.
Assess Your Needs
Before you start looking at suppliers, it’s always a good idea to get a thorough understanding of your business’ specific water and energy needs.
Do this by analysing your usage patterns, peak demand times and any future growth projections. This information will help you select suppliers that can meet your needs effectively.
Price Transparency
As a business owner, price is clearly a heavily-weighted factor when it comes to choosing your energy and water suppliers. So always opt for suppliers which provide transparent pricing structures, including unit costs, standing charges and any additional fees.
Use a price comparison site like ours to compare quotes from multiple suppliers to find the most competitive rates for your consumption patterns.
Contract Flexibility
Another consideration is the flexibility of the contracts. Depending on your business’s circumstances, you may want short-term contracts that you can leave easily. However, some don’t afford that luxury and may force you to pay an early exit fee, so beware of lock-in clauses that could restrict your ability to switch suppliers if better opportunities arise.
Sustainability Commitment
Are you a business owner with one eye on your environmental footprint? If so then it pays to assess potential suppliers’ sustainability initiatives, such as renewable energy options, water conservation efforts and their overall environmental track record.
Opting for one of the more eco-friendly suppliers on the market means you’re offering your custom to a company that’s aligned with your business’ values, while reducing your carbon footprint in the process.
Service Reliability
Reliable service is paramount for a business. Who wants to be with a supplier that’s constantly cutting off their service? That’s right, nobody, which is why you should always research the suppliers’ service history, including their track record for service interruptions.
A reliable service ensures your business operations can function with minimal disruptions, which is crucial for any business.
Customer Support
Good customer support can make or break your overall experience with a supplier. In the event you ever need to speak to them, receiving a prompt, efficient answer to your query goes a long way.
On the other hand, if you’re unable to get through or the customer service team fails to help you properly, this can merely add to your frustrations. So find water and energy suppliers that are known for their good customer service as you may regret not doing so if you ever have any issues with your services or just need to speak to someone.
Contract Terms And Conditions
Many people come a cropper as a result of not checking their terms and conditions properly. Thoroughly review the terms of your contract to make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Pay particular attention to termination clauses, notice periods and any penalties for early contract termination. Understanding these details can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure there are no nasty surprises further down the road.
Payment Options
Find out the pay options that are available with the suppliers. Some suppliers may offer flexible payment plans that can align with your cash flow, although some might not be quite so easy going.
Likewise, ask about online billing and payment platforms for convenience. In all honesty, most companies are offering these options these days, but it’s still a good idea to check.
References And Reviews
One of the best ways to find out what level of service a supplier is providing is to check online reviews. With a quick Google search and a few clicks you can read about the experiences of thousands of customers. This can give a good indication of what you can expect from the suppliers which is why customer reviews are so important.
Recommendations from friends or family can also prove invaluable so don’t be afraid to ask around.
Track Record
This one ties in with the last point, really, but as well as reviews, be sure to research the reputation and financial stability of any potential suppliers. Long-standing, financially stable suppliers and household names we’re all familiar with are more likely to provide a quality, consistent service than brand-new companies or those with a poor track record.
Network Coverage
Does your company have multiple sites? If so then consider the suppliers’ coverage as they may not cover all of your locations, which would obviously be an issue if you’re looking for an all-encompassing deal.
Billing Accuracy
For obvious reasons nobody wants to overpay on their bills, which is why accurate billing is crucial to avoid forking out more than you should on your utilities. Ask about the supplier’s resolution process in the event you have a dispute over your billing.
Future-Proofing
Many of the biggest and most innovative energy companies have got a constant eye on the future, with new and exciting technological advances coming all the time. A forward-thinking supplier can ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date service in the rapidly evolving energy and water markets.
Regulatory Compliance
If you’d rather avoid any issue with your supplier (who wouldn’t, right?) then it’s always a good idea to check they comply with all relevant regulatory requirements, such as Ofgem regulations for energy suppliers and Ofwat regulations for water companies.
So those are the main things to consider when looking to switch business energy or water suppliers. Here at Swift Switch we can do much of the legwork for you.
We assess your energy needs and find you a variety of suppliers. Then all you need to do is choose the right one, based on the tips we’ve provided in this post. Then hey presto, you’ve got yourself the ideal water and energy providers!
