LP Ripoff? When Does 20lb of LP NOT Equal 20lb?

[Rick-o]

Rick-o's rant of the day. :X

So I went to Home Depot earlier this week to exchange a 20lb tank of LP. I like the way they have their LP exchange area set up. It's automated so all you have to do is drive up near the front entrance, run your CC thru a reader with simple instructions that opens a cage for your empty tank, and another cage opens with a full tank, ready to go. Easy Peasy, fast, no attendant to deal with, and I'm on my way.

Except, this time the new tank felt like it wasn't full. I looked at the CC reader and noticed a small sticker that says tanks are now 15lb instead of 20lb! Price is the same, in fact, maybe slightly HIGHER than the last time I exchanged a tank.

Thats a 25% decrease in gas for more money! Looks like I'm done getting propane from HD.

Anyone else notice this practice at HD, or any other LP reseller? Jeez, this type of marketing really pisses me off! Am I supposed to be too stupid not to notice? :censor:

[Grateful11]

That's why I never do exchange. I have mine filled and only pay for the amount it takes to fill it up.
I believe 4.5 gallons cost me $11 something the other week.

[Rick-o]

Grateful, so you have come across this practice before? I've been doing the exchange at HD for several years now, and this is the first time I have been shorted. I thought this was something new.

[cbelt3]

Most of them have been doing it for several years... It was 18 lbs, then 17. Now down to 15. The sign shows the amount of fill on the refill unit, but it's in small print.

Pretty much ALL 'bulk item' containers have been shrunk over the years. Notice how the cereal boxes are smaller now too ?

Caveat Emptor.

[RAMd®d]

So they raised the price.

It happens. I don't think "ripoff" is accurate. I mean- it's not like they're selling you 15lbs of gas and telling you it's 20lbs.

My half-gallon of ice cream is not a half-gallon any more. The container looks the same at first glance, but is subtly different. And the price is the same for a half-gallon. But the correct size *is* listed on the container.

AND no courtesy notice telling me I'm getting less ice cream for the money.

Think of it as a compliment- a price increase means somebody thinks you make too much money.

[OWC Jamie]

At least they now have a sign.
Amerigas is being sued for under-filling was 18 or 17 pounds a year or two ago with no sign.

I get mine refilled where they use a scale.
A little less convenient and shorter hours ( 10 - 6).
The whole exchange thing does look a bit more convenient, though.

[Grateful11]

Rick-o wrote:
Grateful, so you have come across this practice before? I've been doing the exchange at HD for several
years now, and this is the first time I have been shorted. I thought this was something new.

Basically I've never done exchange not once but it was all over the internet some time ago about them
short changing people on exchange bottles. I've always bought my bottles outright, empty.

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/...03286.html

http://www.ajc.com/news/buyers-of-propan...78980.html

[OWC Jamie]

Lawsuit settlement just recently.
http://www.propanesettlement.com/

[freeradical]

This doesn't make any sense with gas since you'll just have to go through the hassle of refilling sooner,

They should just raise the price.

[RAMd®d]

since you'll just have to go through the hassle of refilling sooner,


That's the thing that would chap my hide.

Similarly, my car's gas tank is 18gal. Give me 25, so I don't have to fill up as often.