Question from a reader:
The local gas company visited and suggested changing my propane contract. I am currently under contract with Saisan, but the visiting company offered a basic fee of 1980 yen (tax included) and 407 yen (tax included) for 10㎥. This is clearly much cheaper than Saisan, but my husband is refusing to change. I looked into whether there
are any good benefits to Saisan being more expensive, but I’m feeling uncertain… The cheaper company seems to have outsourced staff who come out in case of emergencies, and it appears that employees from the gas company do not visit directly. It gives the impression that once you sign the contract, you’re left to your own devices. On the other hand, with Saisan, employees came to visit. I worry that if it’s too cheap, there might be issues, but what do you all think?

What should I do about changing my local gas company contract?

Hello! I’m a dad in my 30s, born in California and raised in Osaka, and I’m also well-versed in the entertainment industry. Recently, I heard about someone who was approached by their local gas company with a proposal to change their contract. Some of you might have had similar experiences. Today, I’d like to share my thoughts on this matter.

The proposal for a contract change and what’s behind it

Now, the person asking the question is currently under contract with Saisan, but the proposal from the visiting company is quite attractive, with a basic fee of 1980 yen (tax included) and 407 yen (tax included) for 10㎥. Hearing this makes you think, “Wow, that’s super cheap!” However, there’s always a reason for such low prices. Especially with infrastructure companies like gas providers, they often make some compromises to offer lower rates. I myself have considered cheaper plans from other companies when reviewing a contract with an entertainment company in the past. I was tempted by the low price, but ultimately I thought, “What if I need support?” and after some deliberation, I decided to stick with a reliable company. This is a really important point.

What are the benefits of Saisan?

After researching the reasons for Saisan’s higher prices, I found several benefits. First, Saisan sends employees to visit. This is reassuring. In winter, when gas usage is high, having someone who can respond quickly in case of trouble is a significant comfort. Especially if you have small children at home, gas issues can be very concerning. Additionally, Saisan has a long track record and is well-regarded for its customer service. Being able to receive reliable support in case of any issues is worth more than the price difference. I have acquaintances who switched to a cheaper gas company and faced delays in response when problems occurred, which was quite troublesome.

Risks and concerns with cheaper companies

On the other hand, the new company that visited does not seem to have employees coming directly; it appears that outsourced staff handle the situations. This raises the question, “Can I really trust them?” In the entertainment industry, we often hear that you get what you pay for. If you sacrifice quality, you are likely to pay a hefty price later on. Especially with gas, safety is extremely important in case of emergencies. For instance, if there’s a gas leak or equipment trouble, whether they can respond immediately can significantly impact your life afterward. Considering this, I believe it’s risky to decide solely based on price.

Criteria for deciding on a contract change

So, how should you decide on changing your contract? Let’s consider a few points. 1. Check the support system First, make sure to check the support system. It’s a good idea to call the visiting company and ask about their response to emergencies. This will help you determine if they are a company that provides prompt and friendly support. 2. Look into reviews from other customers It’s also important to thoroughly research reviews and testimonials. Listening to the voices of local residents can give you insight into the reality of that company. Using social media and forums to gather opinions from people who actually use that company can be beneficial. 3. Balance cost and value Of course, cost is important, but it’s crucial to consider what value it holds. There must be valid reasons for Saisan not being cheap. Take the time to think about that.

Make your final decision carefully

In the end, changing your contract is not something to decide lightly. Rather than jumping at a low price and regretting it later, I believe it’s wiser to invest a little more for peace of mind in the long run. I have my own experience of regretting jumping at a cheap plan, so I recommend making a careful decision. Ultimately, it’s important to base your decision on your own lifestyle and values. Please consider the best choice to protect your family’s safety and comfort. I also want to review my future contracts. I hope you all find the right choice that fits your lifestyle! Until next time, see you in the next article!