How much does shredding cost? How do I avoid overpaying?
One-time Shredding (Purge/Bulk Shredding)
Commercial and residential paper shredding services always have a minimum charge for a one-time service. This minimum typically covers your first 10 boxes of paper. This minimum charge should NEVER exceed $200. If it does, you are being overcharged! The largest companies hike their prices to make more profit for their shareholders.
Recurring Shredding Services
You should never need a contract for your recurring or routine shredding service. Your recurring service should also always be a flat rate every month with pricing that does not vary. Larger companies will add charges such as a recycling fee, a transportation fee, an emissions fee, or disposal fees. These are made-up fees that are used simply to squeeze more money out of you. Don’t fall for these traps!
What to do when stuck in a contract?
Many shady shredding companies will get you into a contract that automatically renews with only a two-week cancellation period in a year. With these contracts, the pricing will also fluctuate from month to month. No month is the same as the last, meaning that they can charge whatever they want! If you want out of your contract, they will make you pay for the remainder of the contract just to cancel your service. All things accounted for, this may as well just be a scam. So what do you do if you’re stuck?
#1 Know Your Rights!
Consumer protection laws vary from state to state, so it is important to know your rights! We are not lawyers and are not giving legal advice, but if you think your rights have been violated, it would be a good idea to talk to one.
#2 Do your homework.
It is important to know what you really signed up for. Make sure to thoroughly read your contract. Find out what your obligations are and what the contractor’s obligations are. Know important dates like when your contract renews and when you can cancel. The last thing you want is to be stuck for another year!
#3 Help others know!
If you have a bad experience with a company, help save someone else a headache! Leave them a review, complain, let the world know, so that hopefully no one else has to deal with the same issues.
Conclusion
Our biggest piece of advice is to do your research and be diligent about who you work with. If a company is handling your sensitive documents, you must hold them to the highest standards. Read your contracts and stay informed!
