BLIFFERT NORTH SIDE COAL & OIL

I inherited this contractor for furnace maintenance and as a provider of heating oil from my parents, who had used them for 30+yrs., mostly without problems or complaints. Contracts renew on a yearly basis, each June. In early December of 2011, while I was at work, I received a 'fill' of both of my basement oil tanks. I noticed this a couple of days later, when I received a bill from Bliffert, for this delivery, as I was no longer on a monthly Budget Plan. The billed amount was payable NOW. This was a shock, as I had NOT indicated on the contract renewal card I returned in June of 2011 that I wished to continue "Automatic Fill," which I had previously used, while on the Budget Plan. When I attempted to call, and speak with Steve Patel, Manager, he would not speak to me, only 2nd hand though a secretary/receptionist. Since this was entirely unexpected, and tax time was approaching, I requested additional time to pay-off my balance, to which I received no objection. It took me roughly three months to pay-off my balance. When I tried to point out that I had NOT checked the box to renew my Automatic Fill provision for oil, Bliffert ignored this, and pretended that it continued. When I asked Steve Patel about this, he stated that "Automatic Fill has to be cancelled IN WRITING" (emphasis mine), and refused to reach any further settlement with me, even though part of this time period, I had only a part-time income from my job. The obvious questions are these: (1.) When I returned the Contract Renewal Card without checking the box regarding 'Automatic Fill,' why couldn't Bliffert have simply called me to verify this, or sent a postcard to do the same?...and, (2.)Was it really worth it for Steve Patel to 'Play Hardball' on this issue, throw PR away, and insist on squeezing me for every last cent of unasked-for oil delivered, thoroughly alienating a longtime, loyal customer?? In August of 2012, I moved from my house in Whitefish Bay, WI, to a condominium in nearby Glendale, WI. When I moved, I said 'Goodbye' to Bliffert, and...GOOD RIDDANCE!