A firewood company I've never used before shows up this afternoon with a full cord, allegedly seasoned, for $220. A true cord, maybe a little over. Helping the driver empty the trailer, I realize that only about 1/3 of the wood is seasoned. The rest is fresh. Really fresh. Like, won't be ready this year. It's heavy, it's sappy, the bark is still on tight, it's not yet cracking at the edges. Useless. If you throw it in a fire it will sizzle and steam. It may be ready in winter 2015 if I stack it now.
I have words with the delivery driver about the quality of two-thirds of the wood. Not angry words. Just words. The driver says they just hired new guys, and apologizes. He calls his boss and hands me the phone.
I have words with his boss. Not angry words. Just words.
His boss apologizes for the mistake, says there are new guys in the yard, and offers me all the wood in the trailer for $140, plus a full cord of seasoned wood delivered tomorrow for an additional $80. Not a promise of a free cord tomorrow if I pay him for this one. Big difference.
If you don't live in a climate where firewood is a staple, you may not understand the value of this. If you, like me, heat with wood six months out of the year, then you understand that firewood guys are shady and notoriously crooked. Finding one who actually tries to make things right is like finding Bigfoot.
I'm not happy; I'm not unhappy. I'm surprised.
If he comes through with quality wood tomorrow, I'll be happy.