Late paying oil bill, administrative fee? (lawyer, live, move)
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We are late paying our oil bill due to unforeseen circumstances at home. The last bill that came from our oil company itemizes the past due amount, a late fee and an administrative fee, which is about 50% of our past due amount.
While we are reaching the point of being able to pay bill, this fee really hit hard! I can't pay that in addition to the bill!
Do I have any recourse? Has anyone successfully negotiated down a fee like this?
admin fee is a BS fee since there's already a late fee - is it specified in the contract from the beginning? Even so, it is undoubtedly an arbitrary number. I would ask them to waive it and if they don't, then ask them to point you to the section of the contract that specifies it along with the amount. Stand your ground if you feel it's unjust - I bet a lot of customers just roll over (story of LI isn't it?) and that's why companies have no problems trying to stick it to us.
With some companies if you are a certain amount of time past due you lose your lock-in rate and have to pay the standard going rate. Check your contract.
We are late paying our oil bill due to unforeseen circumstances at home. The last bill that came from our oil company itemizes the past due amount, a late fee and an administrative fee, which is about 50% of our past due amount.
While we are reaching the point of being able to pay bill, this fee really hit hard! I can't pay that in addition to the bill!
Do I have any recourse? Has anyone successfully negotiated down a fee like this?
Thanks so much for your advice.
Call them and ask them what exactly is the admin fee and its purpose (if you have a contract double check it to see if it's included). Explain to them your hardship and if they could possibly work out a payment plan along with waiving the fee. If you've been a long time customer with no previous payment problems, they should be able to accomodate you.
We are late paying our oil bill due to unforeseen circumstances at home. The last bill that came from our oil company itemizes the past due amount, a late fee and an administrative fee, which is about 50% of our past due amount.
While we are reaching the point of being able to pay bill, this fee really hit hard! I can't pay that in addition to the bill!
Do I have any recourse? Has anyone successfully negotiated down a fee like this?
Thanks so much for your advice.
The fee is most likely illegal. Consult with an FDCPA attorney.
I really appreciate the responses, thanks so much. I've plead my case to the oil company and paid for the oil delivery plus late fees. The rep I spoke with is "looking to see what could be done" about the added fee. When I asked what the fee is for, they said it was to remove me from the locked rate plan. Seems a bit excessive for what I'm guessing is a keystroke on a database.
The threat of an administration fee does indeed appear on my contract, as does the possibility of losing my rate lock.
I've looked through the Fair Debt website, but that only seems to cover debt collection companies. To the best of my knowledge, this bill has not yet gone to collection.
In the event that the company refuses to waive the late fee, is there an agency I can contact to see if it is a legit fee? I'm hesitant to contact a lawyer...I'm thinking this will just be another expense.
I really appreciate the responses, thanks so much. I've plead my case to the oil company and paid for the oil delivery plus late fees. The rep I spoke with is "looking to see what could be done" about the added fee. When I asked what the fee is for, they said it was to remove me from the locked rate plan. Seems a bit excessive for what I'm guessing is a keystroke on a database.
The threat of an administration fee does indeed appear on my contract, as does the possibility of losing my rate lock.
I've looked through the Fair Debt website, but that only seems to cover debt collection companies. To the best of my knowledge, this bill has not yet gone to collection.
In the event that the company refuses to waive the late fee, is there an agency I can contact to see if it is a legit fee? I'm hesitant to contact a lawyer...I'm thinking this will just be another expense.
I'm sorry but I find your timidness a bit frustrating. Why do you feel the need to plead your case to the oil company about the Administration fee? If you believe that it is a fee that you know nothing about or feel that it is not legit then don't pay it. You first call them and demand to know what this fee is. Then you tell them that you are not paying it. PERIOD.
Stop wasting time looking for advice on how to avoid getting ripped off and do something about it. You don't need a lawyer or a website to guide you. You need to stand up for yourself and not allow these oil companies to rip you off.
Also, regarding the lateness as far as payment I would call them and let them know that you can't get the money now but will pay as soon as you get it. If they want to keep your business then they would oblige your request. Otherwise you tell them that you won't pay and will go with another company. It's that simple. If you don't have the money they can't take it from you.
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