Not all document destruction providers are considered equal, especially when it comes to cost and service quality. Many providers tack-on surcharges to cover rising fuel costs and declining paper recycling revenue. When those costs shift in the provider’s favor, most often, the charges remain in client fees or contracts.

At Shred Spot our fees are provided to customers up-front; we do not have any surcharges or hidden fees in our billing.

Paper Cuts

Document destruction companies make a portion of their revenue selling shredded waste to paper mills . In 2019 the recovered paper market experienced a 10-year low in terms of price. Many shredding companies felt the impact to their bottom lines. Their solution: Pass on lost recycling revenue to clients by adding a recycling recovery surcharge.

Additionally, some document destruction companies, especially those with large fleets, include a fuel surcharge. While fuel prices have dropped in recent years, many of those providers continue to maintain the surcharge in their client billing.

The best way to ensure your document destruction rate — whether by contract or individual payor — is competitive, is to ask your provider for an itemized pricing list. Comparing prices, line item by line item will help you find the best provider at the best cost. Keep in mind cost is only one factor. Be sure to ask about service flexibility to fit your specific needs. Low cost and national providers often do so by offering limited customer service.

Although our organization has been affected by the decline in paper prices and past increases in the cost of fuel, Shred Spot is committed to providing its clients with the most responsive shredding and destruction services without hidden fees or additional surcharges. We pride ourselves on our customer service and flexibility to meet all of our client’s document destruction needs.