It’s been over 10 years since I have been in the shredding industry (hasn’t time flown!). Until yesterday I thought I had heard and seen it all… that is until I heard that some shredding companies are charging their clients for collections which are not taking place due to the Pandemic!
We all know that this year has been a difficult year for many…. The covid-19 pandemic has had a detrimental effect on many small (and large) businesses. One of the biggest changes that businesses have had to adapt to is remote working. Now, when your whole company is working from home and the office is empty, the last thing you want to see is an invoice for a shredding service which has not taken place! I was shocked and deeply saddened when I was told by a prospective client that they were being charged by their existing service provider, who they had been using for over 5 years, for a weekly shredding service! Despite their offices being empty since April this year, they have been charged for a weekly service just because entered into a contract some 5 years ago… which (unknown to them) has been renewing every year for a further 12 months!
I would like to think that we are not the only Shredding company who, despite having a signed contract for a regular scheduled collection, have not charged companies for collections not required as a result of the pandemic. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not been easy – especially when more than 50% of our business is made up of contracted regular collections. But given the circumstances, it just doesn’t feel right to charge… does it?
I’m not usually one to highlight the shortcomings of competitors… but when I heard this, I just had to write about it. If for no other reason, then just to send the message out that there are companies like us (and I hope to think that we are not alone) who have a conscience and still believe in good business ethics.