After speaking a fellow small business owner/operator the other day, I realized I'm not the only one who hates our local LWS. He stated my complaints nearly verbatim, including sky high prices and extremely poor customer service.

Sadly, they're pretty much the only game in town. I'm all for internet ordering but this isn't possible w gases.

Presently we have a small franchise place, three locations w one in NM and two in CO.

I've never been overly impressed w Airgas but at least they have the buying power to offer better prices, and the bottom line is that more competition is good for the consumer, so I'd welcome anybody right now.

I see at least one Airgas location in a Colorado town much smaller than where I'm at, so maybe there's hope. But if anyone has any other suggestions on who to contact or techniques and approaches, let's hear it.

Where are you looking in Colorado? I know of a couple places in and near the Springs that are really good with prices and customer service is outstanding.

Open your own!

This is America still, isn't it?

If there is a market, fill the niche.

As far as approaches, let them know that you are very unhappy with the service you recieve from your current LWS. Thats how I approched our Airgas here in town and they give me GREAT service and excellent pricing. Until I started using Airgas here in town I was never compelled to use a local WS.

If the Airgas is anywhere near your current LWS I am sure they have heard all of the complaints.

Four Corners. There is life on the other side of La Veta Pass :flipoff2: Oh, ya gotta go over Wolf Creek, too.

If Montrose and Alamosa can get a corporate chain like Airgas, maybe we can too, altho I foresee lots of "the economy" excuses.

I'm not dead set on Airgas, just can't think of anyone else. No way I have the time, capital or patience to do it myself.

How much of a market is there perhaps they can be enticed to send a truck over

Just a thought Does there salesman venture into your area at all

I live in the Springs and deal with either Airgas or GeneralAir depending on which side of town I'm on. As far as I know GeneralAir only has front range locations right now, maybe you can talk them into moving west.