Price comparison websites. Most of us have used them for one thing or another, whether it’s our car insurance or home energy use. We often view them as the easiest and most cost-effective option for switching providers. This viewpoint has brought many to question whether they’re the best solution for their business.
The answer is not so clear as it seems.
Despite their reputation, comparison websites aren’t as convenient for switching business energy as they are for domestic energy users. The factors influencing a business energy price far outnumber those determining a domestic rate.
To mitigate this, companies are beginning to engage energy consultants from top energy procurement firms instead to act on their behalf.
In the article below, we take look at some of the limitations of using these sites, and why people are turning elsewhere.
PRICE COMPARISON WEBSITES DON’T ALWAYS SHOW YOU THE BEST PRICE
Many people using these sites believe, mistakenly, that the prices they’re viewing are the best available. In fact, a recent energy market investigation report by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), revealed that 60% of the best energy deals are not available on switching sites. This is predominately down to the fact that suppliers don’t routinely publish their best tariffs.
The advantage of using a procurement specialist is that, due to the nature of their partnerships with suppliers, they have access to prices normally unavailable to the wider business community. Unlike sites where prices are non-negotiable, a consultant will speak to numerous suppliers directly, and negotiate the best deal for you.
YOU OFTEN END UP PAYING FOR SERVICES YOU DON’T NEED
The energy industry is a constantly changing beast. What’s best for you now might not be best for you three years down the line. With price comparison site results, it’s often unclear if the deal you’re looking at is really the best fit for your business needs.
An energy consultant will identify, and negotiate, a bespoke deal that is tailor-made for your business, preventing you from overpaying for services you simply do not need.
THEY DON’T MONITOR AND MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT MOVING FORWARD
So, you’ve visited a popular comparison site, entered your information and selected the tariff and supplier of your choice. What happens next? The answer is simple: nothing. The new contract is now in the hands of you and your supplier and the paperwork, finer details and future energy challenges are down to you alone.
If you travel through the process with a procurement firm, you often benefit from a dedicated account manager who continues to act on your behalf long-term. Whether it’s introducing an energy management plan to reduce your current usage, or aiding you in concerns over newly introduced energy compliance legislations, people are on-hand to aid you every step of the way.
BOTH SERVICES ARE NON-OBLIGATORY
Just like it’s free to compare prices online, the same applies when speaking with energy procurement firms. Following your approach, an agent will work alongside suppliers to identify and present the best deal for you. From this point on, what you do next, whether it’s proceeding with the deal or declining the proposal, is completely up to you.
LET SOMEONE ELSE DO THE HARD WORK FOR YOU
Why do people traditionally use price comparison websites? The answer is simple, they’re hassle free and make it easy to identify the best energy prices. It’s the same with energy consultants.
At companies like GAS, our team do all the hard work for you. From negotiating with suppliers, finding you the best deal and completing all the paperwork on your behalf.
If your energy contract is up for renewal, or you’re simply looking to benchmark your present deal against the current market, simply get in touch today on 0800 130 3514 or drop us an email and we’ll be in touch.
