As a leading discount retailer with over 18,000 stores across the United States, Dollar General is known for offering a wide variety of essential goods at low prices. But did you know that many Dollar General locations also provide a convenient propane tank exchange service? In partnership with AmeriGas, one of the nation‘s top propane suppliers, Dollar General makes it easy for customers to swap their empty 20 lb propane tanks for full ones without having to refill them themselves.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into all the details of Dollar General‘s propane tank exchange, including how it works, how much it costs, how it compares to other retailers‘ offerings, and expert tips for getting the best value and staying safe when exchanging propane tanks. Whether you‘re a savvy shopper looking to save time and money on propane, or a retailer interested in the business side of propane exchange partnerships, read on for an in-depth look at this popular service from one of America‘s fastest-growing retail chains.
Propane Tank Exchange 101: The Basics of Swapping Tanks at Dollar General
Exchanging an empty propane tank for a full one at participating Dollar General stores is a quick and easy process. Simply bring your tank to the AmeriGas cage located outside the store entrance, pick up a pre-filled replacement tank, and pay for the exchange inside at the register. Most locations only accept 20 lb tanks, which are the standard size for gas grills and many other outdoor appliances.
According to Julie Roehm, a retail industry consultant and former executive at Walmart, "Tank exchange programs have become increasingly popular among convenience-oriented retailers like Dollar General. They offer a nice added value to customers already stopping in to grab other essentials."
Not every Dollar General store has an AmeriGas propane tank exchange cage on site, so it‘s best to check ahead to make sure the service is available at your preferred location. A quick phone call to your local store can confirm, or you can use AmeriGas‘ online propane locator tool by entering your zip code to find participating retailers near you.
The Cost of Convenience: Dollar General Propane Exchange Prices
So how much will a 20 lb propane tank exchange set you back at Dollar General? While exact pricing may vary slightly by region, you can typically expect to pay between $20 to $25 for a tank swap, which equates to around $5 to $6 per gallon of propane.
To put that in perspective, here‘s how Dollar General‘s propane exchange pricing stacks up against a few other top retailers as of May 2023:
| Retailer | 20 lb Tank Exchange Price | Price Per Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Dollar General (AmeriGas) | $20 – $25 | $5.00 – $6.25 |
| Walmart (Blue Rhino) | $22 – $24 | $5.50 – $6.00 |
| Home Depot (Amerigas) | $21 – $24 | $5.25 – $6.00 |
| Lowe‘s (Blue Rhino) | $20 – $25 | $5.00 – $6.25 |
As you can see, Dollar General‘s propane exchange pricing is very much in line with other major retailers, if not a touch cheaper on the low end. And when you consider the added convenience of being able to swap tanks while running other errands at DG, it‘s a fairly economical option overall.
However, it‘s worth noting that exchanging tanks is almost always more expensive per gallon than refilling them yourself. If you take your empty tank to a propane refill station, you‘ll likely pay closer to $3 to $4 per gallon. But for many consumers, the time saved and ease of swapping over refilling can be well worth the markup.
The Business Side: Why Retailers Like Dollar General Offer Propane Exchange
From a business perspective, propane tank exchange programs can be quite lucrative for retailers, even if they outsource the service to a third-party supplier like AmeriGas. Propane industry expert and consultant Gary Howe explains:
"Propane exchange is a great way for retailers to drive ancillary revenue and increase foot traffic. Even though the retailer itself isn‘t usually filling or handling the tanks, they still get a cut of each sale. Plus, customers coming to exchange a tank will often grab a few extra items in the store while they‘re at it. It‘s a small space commitment with decent returns."
For Dollar General specifically, the company‘s partnership with AmeriGas dates back to at least 2013, when the two launched a pilot program to test propane tank exchange at select DG locations. After early success, they expanded the service to hundreds and then thousands more stores in the following years.
In Dollar General‘s 2021 annual report, CEO Todd Vasos highlighted the company‘s strategic initiatives around "non-consumable" offerings, stating: "A key component of our non-consumables growth strategy is to provide customers with a broader product selection…We continue to utilize [partnerships] to expand key non-consumable categories."
While the report doesn‘t mention AmeriGas or propane exchange specifically, it‘s clear that Dollar General views these kinds of ancillary services as an important piece of its overall growth strategy and a way to position itself as a one-stop shop for customers‘ everyday needs.
Expert Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Propane Tank Exchange
Want to make sure you‘re getting the most bang for your buck when exchanging propane tanks at Dollar General or elsewhere? Here are a few insider tips:
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Let your tank run low before swapping. You‘re paying for a full tank when you exchange, so make sure you use up as much of your current tank as possible to avoid wasting any leftover propane.
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Check for promotions or coupons. Some retailers (including Dollar General) occasionally offer discounts on propane tank exchange, especially around holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day when grilling season is in high gear. It‘s worth checking the weekly ad or searching online for any current deals.
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Compare prices at a few nearby locations. While propane exchange costs are usually pretty consistent across major retailers, it doesn‘t hurt to call around or check online to make sure you‘re getting the best price, especially if you have multiple options conveniently located.
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Consider investing in a spare tank. If you find yourself frequently running out of propane at inconvenient times, it might be worth buying an extra tank to have on hand. That way you can always have a full backup ready to go and can refill or exchange them at your leisure.
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Know when to exchange vs. refill. As mentioned, refilling your tank yourself is almost always cheaper per gallon than exchanging. If you have the time and there‘s a refill station nearby, it‘s worth at least comparing the price. But if you‘re in a hurry or need propane ASAP, swapping is still a cost-effective option, especially at value-focused retailers like Dollar General.
Propane Safety 101: How to Properly Handle and Transport Tanks
Propane is a safe and efficient fuel when used properly, but it‘s important to always exercise caution when handling tanks, especially during transport. Some key safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always keep propane tanks outdoors in a well-ventilated area, never in an enclosed space like a garage or shed.
- Transport tanks upright and secured in a milk crate or tied down so they can‘t tip over or roll around.
- Inspect the tank and valve for any signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks before connecting or transporting.
- When connecting a new tank to your grill or appliance, do a quick leak test by brushing soapy water on the connections and checking for bubbles (a sign of escaping gas).
- If you ever smell gas or suspect a leak, immediately turn off the tank valve and call your propane supplier or the fire department for assistance.
While propane tank explosions or accidents are relatively rare, they can be catastrophic when they do occur. In 2019, a food truck in Philadelphia exploded when its 100 lb propane tank ignited, injuring several people and damaging nearby buildings. Investigators believed the tank had been overfilled and not properly secured.
So whether you‘re exchanging a tank at Dollar General or transporting propane for any other reason, always put safety first and follow proper handling guidelines to protect yourself and others.
The Future of Propane Exchange: Innovations and Outlook
As convenient as propane tank exchange already is, retailers and suppliers are continually looking for ways to streamline and improve the process even further. Some recent innovations in the propane exchange industry include:
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Self-service kiosks: In 2019, U-Haul began piloting self-service propane tank exchange kiosks at select locations, allowing customers to swap tanks 24/7 without needing an attendant. Users simply scan their empty tank, pay by credit card, and retrieve a full replacement from the automated locker. While Dollar General doesn‘t currently offer self-service propane swaps, it‘s possible they could explore this option in the future as the technology becomes more widespread.
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Composite tanks: Most propane tanks today are made of welded steel, but newer composite tanks made of lightweight materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber are starting to gain traction. These tanks are more durable, resistant to corrosion, and transparents so you can see the fuel level inside. While they‘re still more expensive than traditional tanks, composite options may become more common at exchange retailers in the coming years.
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Online reservations and payment: Some propane suppliers have started offering online reservation systems that let customers prepay for a tank exchange and pick it up at their convenience without having to wait in line or deal with payment at the store. AmeriGas, Dollar General‘s exchange partner, doesn‘t currently have this option, but it‘s something they could potentially implement to make the process even more seamless.
As environmental concerns around fossil fuels continue to grow, it‘s also worth noting that propane is considered a "green" alternative to dirtier energy sources in many applications. It burns cleaner than gasoline, diesel, or coal and can help reduce carbon emissions when used in place of those fuels. That green reputation, combined with propane‘s affordability and versatility, should help keep demand for tank exchange services robust for the foreseeable future at Dollar General and beyond.
The Bottom Line: Is Dollar General‘s Propane Tank Exchange Right for You?
So who is Dollar General‘s propane tank exchange service best suited for? In short, anyone who:
- Regularly uses a gas grill, patio heater, or other small propane-powered appliance
- Values convenience and doesn‘t mind paying a small premium to save time on propane tank refills
- Lives near a Dollar General store that offers AmeriGas propane exchange
- Typically only needs to swap 20 lb tanks (the most common size for exchange)
If that sounds like you, then exchanging your propane tanks at Dollar General is definitely worth considering. With thousands of locations nationwide, competitive pricing, and a quick and easy swap process, it‘s a great option for busy propane users looking to fuel up without the hassle.
Of course, Dollar General‘s propane exchange isn‘t the only game in town. Plenty of other major retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe‘s also offer similar services, not to mention local gas stations, hardware stores, and dedicated propane suppliers. It‘s always a good idea to shop around and compare your options, taking into account factors like price, convenience, and tank size availability.
But if you‘re already a regular Dollar General shopper or have a location with propane exchange just around the corner, it‘s hard to beat the combination of value and convenience that DG‘s partnership with AmeriGas provides. With a fresh tank just a quick trip to the store away, you can spend less time refilling and more time grilling, heating, or powering whatever propane appliances make your outdoor recreation complete.
