Fuller Oil and Propane

[tis]

It doesn't sound good for Fuller's, does it? I would hate to have to beg for my oil. I did that with Irving once and it is not fun. They insisted I could not almost be out of oil but I was. I don't deal with Irving any more.

[Lakemamma]

Originally Posted by tis

It doesn't sound good for Fuller's, does it? I would hate to have to beg for my oil. I did that with Irving once and it is not fun. They insisted I could not almost be out of oil but I was. I don't deal with Irving any more.

It sure doesn't Tis.... I am with you I will not beg for anything! I am sure there would be somebody else out there that would like to take over our three accounts of propane and oil.

[jeffk]

About two weeks ago we noticed that the tank was down to 1/4. Given that they had significantly delayed the normal automatic delivery and let us run out during all the hoopla, we were concerned and decided to be proactive. We called either Thursday or Friday and were told that a ticket had already been pulled for delivery early the following week. They filled the tank the following Monday.

So we got through to them OK, got a good response, and a timely delivery.

We are still considering whether to continue with them next year. We will probably shop around a bit. However, we have used Fuller for over 15 years without trouble. Any business can have a bad time now and then. It would help to know what the heck was really going on to know if it was a one time aberration or a change in the way they do business that would lead to further problems. They haven't been very forthright about it and that doesn't boost confidence in them.

Thus, we will shop around.

[bigdog]

For those who may want to shop around, here's a great link:
http://www.newenglandoil.com/newhampshire/zone3.asp?x=0

You can change the NH geograhphical area by changing drop-down option, near the top center of the page.

Good luck !

Bigdog

[secondcurve]

1) Tax liens;

2) Inability to deliver oil during peak heating season;

3) Pending sexual harassment lawsuit;

4) Previously settled a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by 5-women for $780,000.

There is certainly at lot going on at this company.


Friday, August 3, 2012

Owner of Fred Fuller Oil owes IRS $2.5 million in back taxes

By JOSEPH G. COTE

Staff Writer

HUDSON – The owner of a Hudson-headquartered oil company owes the Internal Revenue Service more than $2.5 million in back taxes.

The IRS recently filed liens against all property owned by Frederick J. Fuller, the owner of Fred Fuller Oil Inc., based on Tracy Lane in Hudson.

Fuller owes the government almost $2.6 million in taxes, along with penalties and interest, from 2006-08, according to documents filed at the Hillsborough County Registry of Deeds.

Fuller owes more than $1.7 million for 2006, $234,762 in 2007 and $569,671 in 2008. The liens were filed by IRS revenue officer Anita Perry on July 6, according to the registry records.

Another lien filed in 2010 shows Fuller owed $150,724 in taxes, penalties and interest for the 2004 tax year, according to records.

On Thursday, Fuller said the liens are a “personal tax situation, are not connected to the company in any way and will not affect customers.

“If the IRS thought there was a problem with Fred Fuller Oil Company, they would have attached that too,” he said. “All our customers are safe.”

The type of tax listed on all four liens are 1040, which is an individual tax return.

Fuller, who didn’t detail the specifics of his tax situation, said he expects two of the three liens to be “taken care of” on Monday when he meets with IRS officials. Further meetings and talks will be held on the rest of the back payments, he said.

“We’re in discussions with them,” he said.

Fuller said he suspects a competitor tipped off reporters about the back taxes.

He stressed that customers have nothing to worry about, including customers who have pre-buy contracts with the company or customers in the company’s budget program.

“We always treat everybody fair,” he said. “We didn’t get to be the largest independent retail company in the state without taking care of our customers.”

James Boffetti, a senior assistant attorney general who heads the Consumer Protection Bureau, said there’s every possibility that’s the case but is still talking with Fuller and his attorney about the specifics of the liens to make sure pre-buy contracts are safe.

“We definitely need to ask questions, and they’ve been more than willing to help answer our questions, and that’s a good sign,” Boffetti said.

Boffetti said his office has received a number of calls from customers asking whether their pre-buy contracts were protected. He said weak state laws around oil pre-buy contracts – and the fact that customers have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars when companies they had contracts with went bankrupt or ran into other financial difficulties – makes people more likely to be concerned.

Boffetti said a bill that was defeated by the House this year would have required oil companies to put pre-buy money in escrow accounts instead of commingling it with other funds.

This isn’t the first time Fuller has made headlines this year for something other than his oil company.

In May, he pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a female employee. The charges, which are still pending, accuse him with forcibly fondling a woman at the company’s headquarters in Hudson last summer.

Fred Fuller Oil & Propane is based in Hudson and has offices in Milford, Bridgewater, Derry, Goffstown, Laconia, Moultonborough and Northfield, according to the company’s website.

Joseph G. Cote can be reached at 594-6415 or jcote@nashua telegraph.com. Also follow Cote on Twitter (@Telegraph_JoeC).
More From The Telegraph

[SIKSUKR]

HUDSON, N.H. —Customers of Fred Fuller Oil are again expressing frustration with the oil company, with some saying they can't get through on the phone to place an order and others being told there's a 10-day wait list to get oil.
Related

News 9 attempted to talk to Fred Fuller directly about the issues, but he wasn't available at his Manchester home or at the company's Hudson headquarters.

The recent phone issues at the state's largest oil provider, coupled with delivery backlogs, have sparked outrage and fear among customers who are flooding state offices and WMUR with calls and emails.

"We're almost out of oil," said customer Paul Magum, who said he plans to switch oil companies. "We called, and they said it will be 10 days, and I said, 'We're below a quarter of a tank. We're almost out.' They said, 'Well…'"

Company officials said the phone system has caused problems, and the company bought new phones to address the issue. Business manager Oren Havey said crews have been working to meet the demand, which has been exacerbated by extreme cold.

"This Saturday, they worked until about 6:30," he said. "This Sunday, we had guys out putting oil in for people who'd run out. We run six, sometimes seven days a week. But right now, I'll be honest with you, my guys are getting burned out."

Sprague Energy Corp., which supplies oil to Fred Fuller Oil, said it has been able to meet all of its customer demands this season. It said demand is high, but there is no shortage.

“I’m hoping we have enough to get through tonight,” said Bob Stewart of Manchester.

Stewart is 79 years old and the last thing he wants to do is be up all night worrying about whether the heat’s going to stay on, he said. Fred Fuller failed to make a promised delivery to his home Monday, he said.

“It’s right almost on E,” Stewart said.

Stewart, who pays a monthly rate and already sent his check in for March, said he has dropped his thermostat and is wearing a sweater.

He’s one of many customers stuck in yet another holding pattern, unable to reach the company by phone and waiting for deliveries.

“What’s the matter with this guy?” Stewart asked. “We’ve been dealing with him for years. He’s done a great job. All of the sudden, he’s the largest one in the state and he fails to deliver? I don’t understand it.”

Millard Williams, 71, of Derry said he has been trying to get through to Fred Fuller since last week.

"I just want to know what's going on, that's it," Williams said.

A Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, Williams fell last year and suffered nerve damage in his leg.

“Right now, I’m more or less house-bound. I’m in a wheelchair. I can’t go outside and I can’t go up and down stairs,” he said.

He also can’t check his furnace, which was just under a quarter-tank full. He said he’s hoping the company can resolve its problems and get back to him soon.

“Well, you worry. You just want an answer,” Williams said.

Williams and Stewart said they are both willing to give the company the benefit of the doubt.

“Let’s see what he does,” Stewart said. “We’ve been good customers for him, so we’ll see how he handles it.”

Stewart said he ran out of oil around 9:30 p.m. Monday.

With money already paid to Fuller for the month, he doesn’t want to spend money elsewhere because he and his wife are on a budget, he said.

An official said the company is still dealing with phone problems and a delivery backlog.

Read more: http://www.wmur.com/money/frustratio...#ixzz2v1ZkyOiH

[Happy Gourmand]

Why would they deliver just 10 gallons, unless they were on some sort of allocation from Sprague because of payment/cash flow issues? And what do phone issues have to do with folks on automatic delivery?
There is a lot more to this story. I feel concern for all the folks who prepaid and must now beg for oil to keep their families warm.

[tis]

It's awful to worry about whether you are going to get your oil delivery or not. I feel for you.

[This'nThat]

Why is everyone so worried? I'm sure you'll get your delivery...

 this summer....

      when it's warm....

         and they're down to their last customer -- you .....

            and you agree to pay that extra delivery charge!

[jeffk]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

Why would they deliver just 10 gallons, unless they were on some sort of allocation from Sprague because of payment/cash flow issues? And what do phone issues have to do with folks on automatic delivery?
There is a lot more to this story. I feel concern for all the folks who prepaid and must now beg for oil to keep their families warm.

When you run out of fuel they send a "tech" down with 10 gallons and restart your furnace. The 10 gallons is enough for a day or two, during which time they are supposed to get a full delivery to you. So delivering just 10 gallons, in itself, doesn't mean too much about availability of fuel.

However, I agree about the phones having nothing to do with the auto delivery customers. Fuel. oil or propane, companies have computer programs that calculate fuel usage and the temperature is taken into account. They should be able to calculate and adjust delivery for MOST people. If a few people ran out, I would say that it was just an oops due to the extreme cold. But the scope of problem they are having is incomprehensible. Common sense should have told them they were not delivering oil in a timely manner.

When we ran out in January it had been 8 weeks since a delivery. Normal winter deliveries are no more than 6 weeks apart and in this cold should have been even sooner, not longer. So WHAT'S UP WITH THAT??? That is the question that Fuller has yet to answer and if he doesn't and continues to have these very public and troublesome problems, he is going to lose a lot of customers come next heating cycle.

My totally speculative guess is that Fuller planned on buying oil later in a season at a certain price and the price has skyrocketed past that point and every gallon he has to buy is losing him money on prebuy and capped customers. So he delays his buys as long as he can, hoping for prices to drop, but the cold lingers on and prices are staying high. I'm guessing but if supply is OK, per Sprague, and Fuller is not in financial trouble, WHAT else could it be? A grossly under planned delivery fleet?

[ishoot308]

We just started using Fullers about 1 1/2 years ago and have nothing but good to say about their service thus far. Unfortunately it sounds like I am in the minority and the wagons have started circling...

While Fred himself may be of questionable character, one thing we all need to think about is that he also employs a lot of GOOD local people in the state who I am sure don't want to worry about losing their job...

It's been a long cold winter and I sure hope this mess with Fred Fuller gets resolved quickly and amicably and doesn't domino effect him out of business for the sake of the good people he employs and services...

Dan

[jeffk]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

While Fred himself may be of questionable character, one thing we all need to think about is that he also employs a lot of GOOD local people in the state who I am sure don't want to worry about losing their job...
Dan

Oil (and propane) delivery is a relatively local business. People from New York are not coming to New Hampshire to deliver heating oil or do service. People will continue to need heating oil and service whether Fuller delivers it or some other company does. There are lots of other local companies that can take up the slack. Local drivers and techs will simply follow the business from Fuller to whoever it migrates to. If Stafford picks up 500 of Fuller's customers they will probably hire a new delivery driver. The business will not disappear because Fuller doesn't supply it.

Other NH companies seem to be meeting customer needs this winter. How come the biggest, who should have the best resources and deepest pockets, is continuing to struggle?

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by jeffk

Oil (and propane) delivery is a relatively local business. People from New York are not coming to New Hampshire to deliver heating oil or do service. People will continue to need heating oil and service whether Fuller delivers it or some other company does. There are lots of other local companies that can take up the slack. Local drivers and techs will simply follow the business from Fuller to whoever it migrates to. If Stafford picks up 500 of Fuller's customers they will probably hire a new delivery driver. The business will not disappear because Fuller doesn't supply it.

Other NH companies seem to be meeting customer needs this winter. How come the biggest, who should have the best resources and deepest pockets, is continuing to struggle?

By reading your posts about this issue, I like your logic about what might be happening. It appears that Fuller needs someone like you to get him straightened out. Give him a call.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by jeffk

Other NH companies seem to be meeting customer needs this winter. How come the biggest, who should have the best resources and deepest pockets, is continuing to struggle?

I wish I could answer that Jeff but unfortunately I am not someone that is "in the know" and certainly don't pretend to be in this instance.

Maybe you answered your own question, because they are the biggest and this has the been the coldest winter on record in a long time they were caught shorthanded, not prepared, whatever you want to call it...I just don't know...

As far as other companies picking up employees of Fullers should the unthinkable happen...Your probably right, BUT I don't think any employee ever wants to start all over again and lose time and grade, vacation, (pension maybe) and all the other benefits accrued by a long term employee...

Like I said previously, I just hope this all works out for all parties involved, the business "Fred Fuller Oil", their employees and those they service.

I just know I can't be the only one who was happy this past year with Fuller...

Dan

[upthesaukee]

I have service tags going back to 1990, and I suspect my folks contracted with them before that. I would guess back to the early 1980's, and perhaps as early as 1976 when they bought the land and brought over the trailer and porch that started our residence here.

I have dealt with Fuller Oil personally from 1996 and we have never had a problem. I too am on automatic delivery, and although I heat primarily with wood, I do have to run the oil burner in very cold weather, like this year. We are on automatic delivery, but we do monitor our oil supply, and on a few occasions, we have contacted them to report we are down to about a 1/4 tank. Usually within the next week or so, we get a delivery of Kerosene (outdoor tank). From my perspective, automatic delivery does not mean the oil company (any oil company) is going to be able to always calculate oil supplies. I feel that as a homeowner, I have a stake in monitoring the amount of oil I have on hand.

I will be glad when this winter is over, and hopefully Fuller's headaches will end.

[Chaselady]

And I heard they let the Alton Central School run dry. The kids were in cold classrooms this week. They weren't answering calls from the town either.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

From my perspective, automatic delivery does not mean the oil company (any oil company) is going to be able to always calculate oil supplies. I feel that as a homeowner, I have a stake in monitoring the amount of oil I have on hand.

In essence I agree with you. If your usage is much higher than "normal", then you might have to call and schedule a delivery early. But if you are not using excessive amounts of heat, the oil company can and should be able to anticipate your usage AND schedule their drivers on logical routes to make efficient deliveries.

I could see a rare instance where you might have to call them and request an early delivery, even with normal usage. If their business is running properly, it would be reasonable to expect you can get through on the phones with no issues, and they could give you a confirmed delivery in the next 24-48 hours. My experience this year with Fuller has not shown that to be true. In January we were well below 1/4 of a tank and I couldn't get through to anyone at Fuller for a full day, so I had to use an alternate supplier. I finally got through to Fuller, and they topped off the tanks a few days later. Based on historical data (over the last 13 years, I've logged every delivery date and amount) we would have been due for another refill mid-February. That didn't happen, and we were a couple days into March with our tanks running empty. Again, it took several attempts to get through the phones, and on the first call they couldn't give us any confirmation of a timely delivery, just a promise to "put us on the list".

IMO, if they are going to sign you up for *automatic* delivery on a pre-buy program, they should be able to manage that appropriately. Yes, as the homeowner I need to keep an eye on my oil levels, which I did. But Fullers performance this season has been pretty much consistently poor since December-ish.

[tis]

BRK, I feel sorry for you. I hope you get all your pre buy before and if anything happens.

[ishoot308]

Brk;

Sounds like you did everything right and were put in the same boat as many of the others who are rightfully unhappy.

I hope everything works out for you.

Dan

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Brk;

Sounds like you did everything right and were put in the same boat as many of the others who are rightfully unhappy.

I hope everything works out for you.

Dan

Thanks. It's not like we're in danger of freezing, I can afford to abandon whatever I have left with Fuller and just buy more oil someplace else. It would be disappointing for sure, but hardly something to put me in financial distress. I'm more concerned about people that have a chunk of money tied up with Fuller and no financial means to just go out and essentially re-buy their heating oil from another supplier. What Fuller is doing here is, IMO, a very significant disservice to the community. They are putting customers at risk, and I think it's reasonable to assume they are putting the income stream of their employees at risk through bad business practices.

While I've been a satisfied customer for 13 years, their handling of this is atrocious and when I look at the greater extent of the problem I'm not willing to cut them any slack. The rolling impact of this is too great for anything less than a complete and honest explanation by the company. They did NOT get into this because of a faulty phone system, and the longer they attempt to hide behind that excuse, the more worried I am about the sustainability of the company.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

IMO, if they are going to sign you up for *automatic* delivery on a pre-buy program, they should be able to manage that appropriately. Yes, as the homeowner I need to keep an eye on my oil levels, which I did. But Fullers performance this season has been pretty much consistently poor since December-ish.

As I said earlier, I am fortunate (?) because I usually get one fill up a year, which is really good seeing how I have to use Kerosene. I am not on a pre-buy because of our low use, and because my experience with a pre-buy with an organization I am involved with was not good... for two years. The pre-buy was good if the price went higher than the pre-buy rate, but no relief if the price dropped below. but that is for another thread.

Back on track, I hope they get it together... I can see some legal ramifications coming about, either in a civil area, or by the state.

[Legionnaire70]

I'd say the writing on the wall is pretty clear, they will be claiming bankruptcy soon i'm sure....probably in the same line as THE MEAT HOUSE...

[brk-lnt]

BTW, if you were one of the Fred Fuller customers previously affected and had to buy oil elsewhere, you can read a fairy tale letter from Fred here, and download a form to submit a claim for reimbursement:

http://www.fullers.com/news/issue-claims-form

They have set up a fund equal to their "donation" to the state of NH, which had to step in to run their business for them. So, this fund is about $22,000 or so. That means the first, maybe, 150 people to submit a form might have a chance at reimbursement.

[Lakemamma]

Thank you BRK for that....

I called them today as I am still waiting for our delivery. Again I got told might b there in 10 days and that's what I was told last time I called. The receptionist said well we understand if you go somewhere else. Wow, ok I will thanks I need oil and I need it now.

Called another company and will get delivery tomorrow.

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I wish I could answer that Jeff but unfortunately I am not someone that is "in the know" and certainly don't pretend to be in this instance.

Maybe you answered your own question, because they are the biggest and this has the been the coldest winter on record in a long time they were caught shorthanded, not prepared, whatever you want to call it...I just don't know...

As far as other companies picking up employees of Fullers should the unthinkable happen...Your probably right, BUT I don't think any employee ever wants to start all over again and lose time and grade, vacation, (pension maybe) and all the other benefits accrued by a long term employee...

Like I said previously, I just hope this all works out for all parties involved, the business "Fred Fuller Oil", their employees and those they service.

I just know I can't be the only one who was happy this past year with Fuller...

Dan

Commendable thoughts, I think we all share them. But maybe Mr Fuller should have thought of these things before he decided to let his business "go south" twice this winter. This does not in any way seem to be an industry wide issue and it doesn't seen feasible that the issues are related to the size of the company. This appears to be a mismanagement issue.
I'm not a Fuller customer, but if I were, especially after this second debacle, I would be searching for another supplier.
I believe there is a procedure in place to recover any prepaid funds.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

We just started using Fullers about 1 1/2 years ago and have nothing but good to say about their service thus far. Unfortunately it sounds like I am in the minority and the wagons have started circling...

While Fred himself may be of questionable character, one thing we all need to think about is that he also employs a lot of GOOD local people in the state who I am sure don't want to worry about losing their job...

It's been a long cold winter and I sure hope this mess with Fred Fuller gets resolved quickly and amicably and doesn't domino effect him out of business for the sake of the good people he employs and services...

Dan

We've used Fuller for 13 years now. In the past we've always had prompt service, it was easy to get through to them, and their service techs were generally very good.

While I haven't had the need for service on my equipment this year, we have had a heck of a time getting access to our pre-buy fuel. Supposedly we are on the delivery schedule for tomorrow, but it seems that only happened because my wife and I spent the better part of Monday morning constantly dialing their numbers until we got through.

As others have pointed out, you should not need ANY phone system in order to determine that your pre-buy customers need fuel deliveries. Sure, that would impact the customers that buy on demand, and THEY would have trouble getting through. However, these problems seem to have impacted Fuller customers across the board, and the explanations so far have been very weak.

Currently we have just over 1200 gallons left with Fuller in our pre-buy. If I get my delivery tomorrow as planned, that will use about 450 gallons. So, I'll still have about 800 gallons, or roughly $2400 sitting in an account that I'm worried about being able to get delivered before the company totally implodes.

I've seriously contemplated just going to Home Depot and buying 3 oil tanks and having Fuller fill them all with my remaining pre-buy oil.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

All the negative information stated above has been public knowledge for many years.

It is therefore very difficult to understand why so many people have continued to use Fred Fuller.

[Charlie T]

Does anyone have any info on which oil companies are accepting new customers and who may be reliable? Many of us on the Forum are out of town and don't have the easy access that those of you who live at the lake 24/7 do to this type of info. It's a very uncomfortable feeling to not know how much oil is in the tank and not be able to rely on your supplier for fuel.
Thanks
CT

[Lakemamma]

Hi Charlie,

There is

Foley
Laconia Oil
Stafford

All local and it seems that everybody is willing to help this problem. It seems once you tell them your a Fred customer they really feel our pain. They would be happy to take on new customers.

Good luck with your search. This sure is frustrating.......

Sorry you are going through this also.

[brk-lnt]

FWIW, Fuller did come today as promised and topped us up with 420 gallons.

[Lakemamma]

Brk,

That is great news..... Glad you got your oil.

[upthesaukee]

We were coming out of Concord on 202/4/9 eastbound and were passed by a Fuller tanker going up the hill by Tractor Supply in Chichester. Obviously empty and heading back to the coast. A good sign.

[BroadHopper]

Has a big sign outside their office on S, main St in Laconia. 'Taking on new customers'.

[ITD]

Former Fred Fuller customer here..... ran out of oil, enough is enough. Hopefully the new company will be better....

[Den65]

Originally Posted by ITD

Former Fred Fuller customer here..... ran out of oil, enough is enough. Hopefully the new company will be better....

Have been a long time Fuller oil customer both myself and my father-in-law, but he was suppose to get a delivery on the 17th an order that was put in 2 weeks earlier and when they didn't show he ran out. So I called and asked WHEN was the truck coming because he was out and I was told it would be sometime this week........unless we wanted an emergency delivery which would cost $97 more? So 3 trips to the gas station with two 5 gallon jugs we got him going. But if they don't show I'm gone. I do believe we have had worse winters than this and I have never had this type of problem, there has to be more to this story.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Den65

Have been a long time Fuller oil customer both myself and my father-in-law, but he was suppose to get a delivery on the 17th an order that was put in 2 weeks earlier and when they didn't show he ran out. So I called and asked WHEN was the truck coming because he was out and I was told it would be sometime this week........unless we wanted an emergency delivery which would cost $97 more? So 3 trips to the gas station with two 5 gallon jugs we got him going. But if they don't show I'm gone. I do believe we have had worse winters than this and I have never had this type of problem, there has to be more to this story.

Let me get this straight. Your father in law calls Fuller two weeks in advance for an oil delivery. They don't show up and you go back and forth to the gas station to keep him warm. You call Fuller and they say it will be an extra $97.00 fee to resolve an emergency they created. And you give Fuller another chance to resolve the situation? It is amazing to me how forgiving some of Fred Fullers customers are.

[BroadHopper]

My step daughter called Fuller Oil yesterday that they failed a promised delivery and that they are out of oil. Fuller actually told her to find another supplier! Now that is a twist! Are they going out of business?

[Sunbeam lodge]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

My step daughter called Fuller Oil yesterday that they failed a promised delivery and that they are out of oil. Fuller actually told her to find another supplier! Now that is a twist! Are they going out of business?

I sure hope not.
I have been a customer since 1994 and never had any problems and he services my furnace every year

[fpartri497]

Originally Posted by Sunbeam lodge

I sure hope not.
I have been a customer since 1994 and never had any problems and he services my furnace every year

I have been a customer since 1990 this week It took me 3 phone calls to finally get my Oil. thats the 1st. time ever had a problem with fuller

[Den65]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

Let me get this straight. Your father in law calls Fuller two weeks in advance for an oil delivery. They don't show up and you go back and forth to the gas station to keep him warm. You call Fuller and they say it will be an extra $97.00 fee to resolve an emergency they created. And you give Fuller another chance to resolve the situation? It is amazing to me how forgiving some of Fred Fullers customers are.

I hear what your saying and you are right . I have contacted Irving oil to have them deliver my next tank, I have them for propane and adding oil was no big deal. I know you have oil thru Fullers and propane thru Irving ? Yup just they way it happen. Let you know how it goes.

[Charlie T]

I attempted to contact Fuller a couple of weeks ago both via email and with telephone messages, I finally got a response from them yesterday telling me I could expect a delivery in the "next couple of weeks" Needless to say I've made other arrangements with another more reputable oil supplier. I contacted Foley oil via their website and had a call back within 15 min. That is a responsive company that wants and deserves my business. Fuller is down and out as far as I'm concerned. Fired, Canceled, Kaput!

CT

[ghfromaltonbay]

In last week's Baysider I read that Alton Central School didn't get their oil delivery from Fuller and they wound up with no heat one morning. The contract with Fuller has been cancelled and the school went with Rhymes. Fortunately they got oil and could get the boiler going so a school day wasn't lost.

[ITD]

I feel bad for the employees of Fuller who as far as I know don't deserve what is going on, but being in business means taking care of business and managing your money. I don't know what is going on at Fuller's, but if I were forced to make an educated guess I would say cash flow problems resulting in over extended credit with vendors and the resultant c.o.d. terms from suppliers. If you don't have the cash, you don't get the product, if you don't get the product, you can't deliver it to your customers. If you can't deliver to your customers, they leave you for someone else who can take care of you.

[wifi]

Reminds me of the fella in Moultonboro, years ago, that ran a small two truck oil business. He would only accept pre-buys as customers, the cheapest prices in the area. His business built quickly, until he had delivery problems, seemed he invested all the pre-buy money in the stock market .... Picked a bad one that year. I would assume a large business like Fullers would take a longer time to wind down.

[Rusty]

Here we go again:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articl...NEWS/140929952

BRENTWOOD – Spraque Energy Corp. of Portsmouth has filed a $4.7 million lawsuit against Fred Fuller Oil and is seeking to seize the fuel dealer’s vehicles.
In a suit filed this week in Rockingham County Superior Court, Sprague claims the Hudson-based company hasn’t paid for fuel it provided.
Sprague argues Fred Fuller Oil breached a contract and now owes $4,702,588, plus interest at a rate of 1.5 percent per month. Sprague says the dealer should also pay the attorney’s fees incurred as a result of the contract breach.
The legal action follows delivery problems that plagued Fred Fuller Oil last winter.
Hundreds of customers complained about delivery delays while others claimed they couldn’t reach the company by phone.
The complaints prompted the state to establish an emergency hotline last January for those customers who were unable to reach the company or were in imminent danger of running out of fuel. More than 1,800 customers reportedly called the hotline.
At the time, Fred Fuller Oil blamed the problems on extreme weather, a spike in demand for oil and propane, and problems with its phone system.
A woman who answered the phone at Fred Fuller Oil on Saturday said no one was available to comment on the lawsuit.
Sprague’s suit was filed by Portsmouth attorney Lawrence Edelman, who wrote, in part, “Having requested and received Sprague’s fuel products, the fair and reasonable value of which is $4,707,588.77, it would be unconscionable for Fred Fuller Oil to retain this benefit without remitting payment in that amount, plus interest. That is to say, Fred Fuller Oil has been unjustly enriched at Sprague’s expense. In addition, by virtue of Fred Fuller Oil’s failure to remit payment and its consequent unjust enrichment, Sprague has incurred the costs and attorney’s fees associated with the necessity of this action, both of which are chargeable to Fred Fuller Oil.”
Sprague is also seeking a $5 million attachment on Fuller’s property and has taken action to seize its vehicles.
The suit argues Sprague is entitled to all vehicles owned by Fred Fuller Oil.
Senior Assistant Attorney General James Boffetti, chief of the state’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau, said he plans to look into the lawsuit next week to see if it would have any impact on customers who may have entered into pre-buy contracts for this winter.
Boffetti said Sprague is a major supplier for Fred Fuller Oil.
While the lawsuit is a private business dispute, Boffetti said it could have “collateral consequences, especially on its pre-buys for this coming year.”
“Obviously it’s of concern and I think it gives cause to ask a lot of questions about what’s going to happen for this coming heating season. The pre-buy contracts in effect this season, how are those now going to be secured if Sprague is suing him for money that is due. That may have been worked out, but it certainly gives occasion to ask a lot of questions about what's going on,” Boffetti said.
The state recently changed the time when oil dealers can contract with customers who want to pay for their oil deliveries in advance through pre-buy contracts.
In the wake of last winter’s delivery problems, the state now prohibits dealers from advertising or soliciting for customers to pre-buy for the upcoming winter season before May 1. Under the previous law, contracts couldn’t be offered before Jan. 1.

[Charlie T]

I have to say as a former FF customer I'm quite happy to have switched to Foley as my provider. The company is easy to contact with friendly customer service. FF was a disaster last year and based upon what I just read the future looks bleak. Such a shame to see a long established company that Had such a good reputation go to ruin.

[Sunbeam lodge]

Originally Posted by Lakemamma

Hi Charlie,

There is

Foley
Laconia Oil
Stafford

All local and it seems that everybody is willing to help this problem. It seems once you tell them your a Fred customer they really feel our pain. They would be happy to take on new customers.

Good luck with your search. This sure is frustrating.......

Sorry you are going through this also.

I am a 20 year customer of Fuller and I guess I am going to have to pick one of the three. Which one would be the best to not only deliver oil but service my boiler. I live in Meredith and are these companies reliable and able to take on a lot of customers leaving fuller?

[RLW]

YFM700, I was just browsing through the forum and noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

Thanks for the input and hopefully last years screw up doesn't happen again this year.

[HellRaZoR004]

To Rymes:
http://www.wmur.com/money/fred-fulle...rymes/29740632

[fatlazyless]

....so, who gets to drive the HEAT plate? ... does that mean that John Rymes gets to drive the "HEAT" vanity license plate or will Fred be hanging on to it ....after soooo many years....it's probably a little tough to let it go? ......here's comes the heat .... and there goes the heat! ......so, where's the heat?

[Sunbeam lodge]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

....so, who gets to drive the HEAT plate? ... does that mean that John Rymes gets to drive the "HEAT" vanity license plate or will Fred be hanging on to it ....after soooo many years....it's probably a little tough to let it go? ......here's comes the heat .... and there goes the heat! ......so, where's the heat?

Phoufffffffffffffff.

[BroadHopper]

There is also a Dutile Oil. The ones with the best track records are Foley and Stafford. They been around for decades. Laconia Oil is fairly new and the owner is a long time local. I would not count him out. Dutile is very small. He was once THE coal and kerosene dealer. You can still purchased bulk coal and kerosene.

As for service I stick with a long standing HVAC supplier like Don Morin. He is 24/7 burner service, 365 days a year!

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

There is also a Dutile Oil. The ones with the best track records are Foley and Stafford. They been around for decades. Laconia Oil is fairly new and the owner is a long time local. I would not count him out. Dutile is very small. He was once THE coal and kerosene dealer. You can still purchased bulk coal and kerosene.

As for service I stick with a long standing HVAC supplier like Don Morin. He is 24/7 burner service, 365 days a year!

Dutile customer here after bad experience with Stafford. Very happy with Dutile.

[bigdog]

I bailed today from Fred Fuller, and glad I did before winter sets in....

I really didn't want to, but under the circumstances left me no choice.

[fpartri497]

ordered oil by phone today. they said Ill have It by this friday. we will see if I get It

[Den65]

Originally Posted by Sunbeam lodge

I am a 20 year customer of Fuller and I guess I am going to have to pick one of the three. Which one would be the best to not only deliver oil but service my boiler. I live in Meredith and are these companies reliable and able to take on a lot of customers leaving fuller?

I also have been a customer for a long time and even though I just got a fill up today (after 2 calls) I'm going to line up someone else.last winter was just to close to empty for me. Have contacted stafford will see if they want me.

[AKADQ]

Originally Posted by Sunbeam lodge

I am a 20 year customer of Fuller and I guess I am going to have to pick one of the three. Which one would be the best to not only deliver oil but service my boiler. I live in Meredith and are these companies reliable and able to take on a lot of customers leaving fuller?

We have been Foley Oil customers for over 20 years, always professional and never had a problem, a great company. Stafford Oil has been part of this community ever since I can remember and I always hear good things about them as well...

[HellRaZoR004]

I saw this coming - for those that didn't, hopefully there is still time to get out.

http://www.wmur.com/money/fred-fulle...uptcy/29654252

[Pineedles]

Please remember that Chapter 11 is for reorganization.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

Please remember that Chapter 11 is for reorganization.

And your point is?

[Pineedles]

Originally Posted by Rusty

And your point is?

My point is that many people equate bankruptcy with the firm is going out of business and that's the end. When in fact it can be a re-birth of a company when Chapter 11 is filed. I'm not connected with Fuller's other than we used to be a customer many years ago. What's your point?

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

My point is that many people equate bankruptcy with the firm is going out of business and that's the end. When in fact it can be a re-birth of a company when Chapter 11 is filed. I'm not connected with Fuller's other than we used to be a customer many years ago. What's your point?

Many people think that way? OK...if you say so.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Sunbeam lodge

I am a 20 year customer of Fuller and I guess I am going to have to pick one of the three. Which one would be the best to not only deliver oil but service my boiler. I live in Meredith and are these companies reliable and able to take on a lot of customers leaving fuller?

We have used the folks at Laconia Oil for about three or four years. They have been the best we have had.

Their service tech guy is very good, and the "annual" tuneup was less than $80
I pay them up front and they give a nice discount for prepayment.

[Sunbeam lodge]

Originally Posted by Sunbeam lodge

I am a 20 year customer of Fuller and I guess I am going to have to pick one of the three. Which one would be the best to not only deliver oil but service my boiler. I live in Meredith and are these companies reliable and able to take on a lot of customers leaving fuller?

After reading the Fuller article an bankruptcy I reluctantly cancelled my business with them as I cannot take the chance deliveries will not be made. I feel very sorry for the employees but There has been no response from Fred giving us assurance he will remain in business or solve his problems. Even if someone does step in the customer base will probably be gone. I think Fred should have given us some support like we have given him over the years. The minimum he could have done was to communicate his side of the story. I changed to Stafford.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Sunbeam lodge

After reading the Fuller article an bankruptcy I reluctantly cancelled my business with them as I cannot take the chance deliveries will not be made. I.

This is not a new development. Last winter many customers were left without oil. I would have been long gone then. Good move finding somebody else.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

This is not a new development. Last winter many customers were left without oil. I would have been long gone then. Good move finding somebody else.

Between my folks and now my wife and I, our house has always been serviced by Fred Fuller for our oil burner needs, since the late 1970's.

Last year, we called in March and asked for a delivery of Kerosene, and were told they were out. They delivered two or three days later.

When we saw the problems this year, we started thinking about moving to another vendor, but the final straw was I read two different articles by two different reporters who said that Fred Fuller Corp was going to notify their customers in writing about their plans. Never saw a letter, so I guess they ran out of stamps.

Anyway, as I said earlier in the post, we switched to Eastern who also services us for propane here in Alton.

[4Fun]

Originally Posted by Sunbeam lodge

After reading the Fuller article an bankruptcy I reluctantly cancelled my business with them as I cannot take the chance deliveries will not be made. I feel very sorry for the employees but There has been no response from Fred giving us assurance he will remain in business or solve his problems. Even if someone does step in the customer base will probably be gone. I think Fred should have given us some support like we have given him over the years. The minimum he could have done was to communicate his side of the story. I changed to Stafford.

When oil spiked a few years ago I called Fuller asking to match the pricing of other oil suppliers. Their response was we charge more so we can provide the automatic delivery service. I never had to think about the level in my tank for 14 years. I thought that should actually get me a discount not a premium. They had my business and could easily forecast it so I felt I deservered a better price. I stayed with Fuller anyway.
Fast forward to last year and we ran out twice due to them not delivering on time. 2 times at 5 degrees pouring diesel in the tank at 10pm was enough. If I have to monitor the level myself I might as well just buy the cheaspest oil...
Add in all the harasment crap and I do not feel bad leaving.

[wynndog]

Has anyone tried #2 fuel with an additive instead of kero, sold by C. Brown?
They said it won't jel to -30 degrees.