CUSTOMER UPDATE - Covid-19 ( Coronavirus )
1st December 2020
Following the latest release of lockdown measures our store will re open on Wednesday 2nd December.
Socal Distancing must be observed at all times & Face Coverings must be worn in store
Click & Collect is available at all times.
Thank you for your understanding
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2nd November 2020
In line with the latest national lockdown guidelines our showroom will close wef Thursday 5th November.
However we are still open for any gas purchases, exchanges, and deliver as per usual. You can also use our Click & Collect service.
Socal's click & collect service allows you to shop online or order over the phone and collect SAFELY from our customer collection point from our site side door. Visit socal.co.uk or call 02380 788155.
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2nd October 2020
In line with new Government regulations all our staff will be wearing Face Coverings whilst we are serving you, in addition to the details mentioned below.
With effect from 1st October we will no longer accept personal cheque payments. All payments must be made prior to delivery either by Credit Card when placing the order or by Bacs direct to our account. We do have a direct debit account facility for regular customers, please ask any member of staff for details.
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22nd July 2020:
Face Covering Guidance
SoCal will be encouraging compliance with the law and can refuse entry to our showroom. We do have a small supply of disposable masks if required
It is not compulsory for shop staff to wear face coverings, although SoCal feel it is only right that whilst in the showroom with a customer who is required to wear a covering, our staff will also be wearing a face covering.
At the trade / click & collect counter there are screens in use to protect both staff and customers therefore coverings are not compulsory.
In staff only areas, our staff will not be required to wear face coverings
When delivering to a private address, the delivery is normally left on the doorstep or suitable outside place, therefore face coverings will not be required. If our driver has to enter a private address for any reason, a face covering will be worn.
When delivering to a shop or commercial property, our driver will be wearing a face covering in line with government guidelines.
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29th June 2020:
Now we are settling into our new normal we have made a few changes here at Socal so that we can still operate efficiently & keep all of our staff safe.
Our revised opening hours are Mon - Fri 9.00 am - 5.00 Pm, Sat 9.00 am - 3.00 pm
Order Time cut off time - 2.00pm
Our drivers are now on staggered start times which means that some of them are leaving earlier than normal. This does mean that we require your order by 2pm the day prior to delivery to ensure we have time to process & load for the next day.
Stockist / Account Order Email - Gasorders@Socal.co.uk
We also have a central email address for any stockists / credit account customers wanting to place an order any time of the day. Please use the email Gasorders@Socal.co.uk instead of any personal address you currently have for any orders. We no longer accept Fax orders, but you are also welcome to phone in and speak to any member of the team.Showroom Opening 15th June
In line with Government Guidelines we are hoping to be able to open our showroom from 15th June. We will initially be operating an appointment system to ensure we have a staff member available and that you have enough room in store to browse safety.
Our appointment booking system is now available via our Facebook page, simply visit fb.com/book/SocalBBQShop/
We are still open for any gas purchases and exchanges, and Click & Collect orders. Browse at home 24/7 and collect at your leisure. Quick, simple and safe.
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Update 23rd March 2020:
In line with the more recent government requirements we will now be limiting the number of customers within our store to a maximum of 2 people to keep within the social distancing guidelines. This is to protect not only you and others visitors, but also our own staff.
Our front door is temporarily closed with access to the counter & showroom via the side door. Whilst it is quieter than normal we do ask that you check that you are ok to come into the store before entering.
We will also be reducing our current opening hours to enable our essential delivery drivers to prepare their paperwork & load their vehicles safety and again keeping within the social distancing from each other & customers.
Our new opening hours are 9.00 – 16.00.
Deliveries
If our drivers are delivering to your home or business, they no longer will be accepting cash or cheques. Unless you have an existing account, payment must be made when ordering.
Please respect the social distancing guidelines and give them space to deliver & connect where necessary. They no longer require a physical signature but will take your name & will date the paperwork.
Your usual delivery date & time may change slightly whilst we work through this current situation but we will get to you as soon as we can.
Our phone lines are also very busy at the moment, and we are on reduced staff therefore please be patient and we will get to you. If you can email any orders please send this to gasorders@socal.co.uk and we will again get to it as soon as we can.
Thank you for co-operation & if you have any queries please contact tina@socal.co.uk
Internet Order Update
We are currently experiencing high demand for our internet orders, but we are also running on reduced staff capacity therefore your order may not get to next day.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but rest assured we are trying to pick & pack as quickly as we can. We are also reliant on third party delivery companies DPD & Royal Mail and they are also very stretched at the moment.
We are also restricting the supply of Charcoal to ensure we have enough to go round for everyone.
Thank you for your understanding & co operation at this time
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20th March 2020:
As you are aware, many warnings have been issued regarding COVID-19. As we all adjust to new precautions, we want to make you aware that its business as normal here at SoCal and that we are taking all the necessary steps on a daily basis to lessen the possibility of transmission of the virus and to ensure that all of our staff members are well looked after and protected
All of our employees are fully aware of the current official guidance and are following extreme levels of health and safety to ensure that the highest possible hygiene standards are maintained, throughout every aspect of our business. We will be following developments on a daily basis with intense scrutiny and any updates will be communicated regularly, but can also be found on our website www.socal.co.uk/customer-update
Showroom & Yard
We would also request that any customers / collection drivers feeling unwell not to visit the shop or yard under any circumstances.
We are currently keeping our showroom and yard open to the public & customers alike, and continuing to follow any updates from Public Health England & NHS Guidance. The showroom will be cleaned more frequently than usual to help lessen the spread
Gas Deliveries
We want to deliver to you as safely as possible for all parties concerned, therefore please let us know if you’re in self-isolation or for business customers if you have been affected by any outbreak.
Payment upon delivery customers – To help protect our staff we will no longer be accepting payment by cash or cheque upon delivery but ask that you pay by card when phoning in.
Following the Government’s advice on preventing the spread of COVID-19, your delivery driver will leave your bottle by your door, or secure place. If you require the bottle to be connected to a portable appliance, this must be bought to the door whilst our driver has stepped back to ensure you both stay the recommend 2 metres distance apart. If you are present at the time of delivery they will ask if you’re happy with everything and then sign the order on your behalf.
We hope you understand that these measures have not been taken lightly but we need to ensure that our customers are kept safe, along with our drivers & staff to ensure we can continue to supply everyone with their gas supply for as long as possible.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and loyalty as we navigate through this unprecedented period.
If you have any further questions, please contact tina@socal.co.uk
The SoCal Team