Ask A Gas Station Owner Anything

[WalterWhite]

Figured there would be some interest in this topic.
Ask away

[divx]

should we bother to care about gas prices anymore? it's pretty obvious that we gonna just bend over and take it up the a$$ anyway.

[WalterWhite]

should we bother to care about gas prices anymore? it's pretty obvious that we gonna just bend over and take it up the a$$ anyway.

This is kind of an odd question because its not like station owners make more money when the price is higher. Actually we make less because the majority of customers pay via Credit Card which costs us a certain percentage of the total dollar amount spent.

[Musiq Soulchild]

How much money do you make per year running a gas station?

[WalterWhite]

How much money do you make per year running a gas station?

Obviously I can't speak for everyone, but in my case I clear about 200k (includes salary).

[diggler649]

Is it dangerous to play with a blowtorch while filling up?

[flashy_mcflash]

How reliable is it as a front for your crystal meth business? ;)

[WalterWhite]

Is it dangerous to play with a blowtorch while filling up?

Extremely sad attempt to be funny. Try harder, I know you can do it!

[WalterWhite]

How reliable is it as a front for your crystal meth business? ;)

shhhhh

[Dano76]

What are startup costs like? What would it cost to buy an existing business rather starup a new one?

[Rehan]

Obviously I can't speak for everyone, but in my case I clear about 200k (includes salary). How much of that would be from cigarettes? What about other in-store items like snacks and drinks?

Has your gas station ever been robbed?

[WalterWhite]

What are startup costs like? What would it cost to buy an existing business rather starup a new one?

Really all depends. Ive seen stations listed as low as 100k and up to 10 million. All depends on the location, current sales, existing equipment (tanks, pumps, etc).

[WalterWhite]

How much of that would be from cigarettes? What about other in-store items like snacks and drinks?

Has your gas station ever been robbed?

In store sales are huge for me. The money I make from gas sales pretty much just covers my overhead (about 20k a month give) including my salary, mortgage, property tax, corporate tax, etc. Inside store sales on average net me a profit of roughly $300 a day.

And no, never been robbed. *Knocks on wood

[diggler649]

With so many credit cards that now have chip technology, does it make it more difficult for you to double swipe cards and steal credit card information?

[Electricute]

is there really a difference between premium, super premium and ultra preium gas? or does it all go into the same tank, and you laugh to yourself everytime somebody buys super premium gas?

[Kohanz]

In store sales are huge for me. The money I make from gas sales pretty much just covers my overhead (about 20k a month give) including my salary, mortgage, property tax, corporate tax, etc. Inside store sales on average net me a profit of roughly $300 a day.

And no, never been robbed. *Knocks on wood

How much has "pay at the pump" hurt your business?

[WalterWhite]

How much has "pay at the pump" hurt your business?

No change really. I pay more in credit card fees now thats pretty much it.

[Kohanz]

No change really. I pay more in credit card fees now thats pretty much it.

That's surprising. I thought less people coming into the store would mean less business...

[WalterWhite]

That's surprising. I thought less people coming into the store would mean less business...

It should have but I guess my situation was a little different. A couple of competing gas stations have closed which has obviously helped out my situation.

[iEyeCaptain]

How much influence does Corporate HQ have on your operations?

For example - my local Sunoco changed to Petro Canada and upgraded all of their pumps to brand spanking new ones. Who covers this cost?

[Korozive]

Do you have the obligation to sell products provided by your brand ?

Eg : you see a HOT DEAL at costco for all Cadbury chocolate bars, could you buy them and sell at your gas station ?

[NorthYorker]

Do you have the obligation to sell products provided by your brand ?For big-branded stations in GTA, usually they do. Not sure about independents out in boonies :D . However, even in GTA most gas station operators are mixing "their own" products with (usually overprised) stuff from brand-approved suppliers, and corporations are waging eternal war against such practice.

[Tiberius]

Here are a few questions for you:

1) Are you with one of the big chains (Esso, Petro Can, Shell, etc)? If so, do you have to pay higher franchise fees to them than if you were independent or with a smaller chain (Pioneer, Beaver, etc)?

2) Who is responsible for contamination/clean-up of the site (should gas leak into the soil, etc)? I'm guessing it's you, the owner?

3) When we see major renovations done to gas stations (the old station shut down, the ground dug completely up, and then the entire station rebuilt with new tanks, pumps, store location, etc) is that the owner paying for the entire renovation, or does the chain support the renovation fully and/or partially?

4) Now that we know you pull in about $200K/year (including your salary - I'm assuming this means you work a regular shift at the store - thus if you paid someone else it would dent your take home a bit?)... how much would your station be worth if you were selling it?

[sandikosh]

Obviously I can't speak for everyone, but in my case I clear about 200k (includes salary).

200k? How about reducing gas by a couple cents for a day? That should cost you pocket change.

[sandikosh]

Where is your location? I would love to support you!

[WalterWhite]

How much influence does Corporate HQ have on your operations?

For example - my local Sunoco changed to Petro Canada and upgraded all of their pumps to brand spanking new ones. Who covers this cost?
I cover the costs. They some influence but not that much. Its not like im a franchisee. They can't come into my store and mandate I do things a certain way. I am simply reselling their product.


Do you have the obligation to sell products provided by your brand ?
Eg : you see a HOT DEAL at costco for all Cadbury chocolate bars, could you buy them and sell at your gas station ?

No, I do my own shopping and have the freedom to sell any product.


Here are a few questions for you:

1) Are you with one of the big chains (Esso, Petro Can, Shell, etc)? If so, do you have to pay higher franchise fees to them than if you were independent or with a smaller chain (Pioneer, Beaver, etc)?

2) Who is responsible for contamination/clean-up of the site (should gas leak into the soil, etc)? I'm guessing it's you, the owner?

3) When we see major renovations done to gas stations (the old station shut down, the ground dug completely up, and then the entire station rebuilt with new tanks, pumps, store location, etc) is that the owner paying for the entire renovation, or does the chain support the renovation fully and/or partially?

4) Now that we know you pull in about $200K/year (including your salary - I'm assuming this means you work a regular shift at the store - thus if you paid someone else it would dent your take home a bit?)... how much would your station be worth if you were selling it?

1) Yes, I am with one of the major chains. I dont pay any franchise fees. The only thing I get dinged with is the cost for the loyalty program. That goes a pay per use basis.

2) Yup, I am completely responsible.

3) Owner pays out of pocket.

4) Around 2 Million


200k? How about reducing gas by a couple cents for a day? That should cost you pocket change.

:facepalm:

[feidailo]

I wanna own a gas station now.....but wut if it blows up?

[iEyeCaptain]

From what I hear, the company pretty much owns the gas and pumps in terms of getting all the profit. And the owner gets the profit from the store.

What about the car wash?

Does the owner get paid on a per-wash basis? Or is there some other arrangement?

I ask because I buy PetroCan's season pass and my local station keeps on cutting down on the hours of operation so it's harder to wash every day. >:(

[Rehan]

I've never seen anyone working at a major chain gas station that actually looked liked the owner. Do you owners stay undercover, or is it just an uncommon thing for the owner to be working there?

[WalterWhite]

From what I hear, the company pretty much owns the gas and pumps in terms of getting all the profit. And the owner gets the profit from the store.

What about the car wash?

Does the owner get paid on a per-wash basis? Or is there some other arrangement?

I ask because I buy PetroCan's season pass and my local station keeps on cutting down on the hours of operation so it's harder to wash every day. >:(

The situation you are referring to here is completely different. The entire station is owned by corporate and they hire a manager to run it.
As for car washes, yes its a pay per use basis.

[stuntman]

Being serious here....there are all sorts of people in the world......

Have you ever had the opportunity (taken or not taken) to trade sex for gas?

[WalterWhite]

I've never seen anyone working at a major chain gas station that actually looked liked the owner. Do you owners stay undercover, or is it just an uncommon thing for the owner to be working there?

You have probably only been to corporate owned stations. Independent owners are a dying breed.

[WalterWhite]

Being serious here....there are all sorts of people in the world......

Have you ever had the opportunity (taken or not taken) to trade sex for gas?

Nope. Never really been offered to trade gas for anything.

[yao416]

Is it safe to drink gas?

[Kris81]

What do you do if it's busy, I show up to fill up, and drive away without paying? If you didn't notice at the time, can you go back & get the guy?

Also, say I pay for a car wash, go through and i'm not happy with the job. Do you give a full refund, or just offer another wash?

[manyapples]

what are the start up costs for someone who wants to open a gas station?

[iEyeCaptain]

what are the start up costs for someone who wants to open a gas station?

how long is a peice of string?

[manyapples]

how long is a peice of string?

I saw an ad in the paper that said Esso is looking to open more stations where I live, and it said you can start from an investment of 60-80k - seems low to me, so i thought i would ask here.

[WalterWhite]

What do you do if it's busy, I show up to fill up, and drive away without paying? If you didn't notice at the time, can you go back & get the guy?

Also, say I pay for a car wash, go through and i'm not happy with the job. Do you give a full refund, or just offer another wash?

Its happened before and we always go get the guy. It might even be the next day. Check the video, get the plate number, call the cops.

[WalterWhite]

I saw an ad in the paper that said Esso is looking to open more stations where I live, and it said you can start from an investment of 60-80k - seems low to me, so i thought i would ask here.

Again, this is not owning a station. This is managing one.

[paaji]

Is there waiting list to manage Gas station?
What are requirements for managing a Gas Station?
Does your gas station has Tim Hortons or some other fast food franchise?

[thelefteyeguy]

Is it safe to drink gas?

i would restrict it to sniffing at most.

[Syne]

I know a lot of theft happens from the islands (windshield washer fluid, motor oil) - Do you bother going after people who steal these or do you even notice?

[EnyCe]

What is the % of the mark up price?
How often must your location restock on gas to keep up with the demand?
Why is that most of the time on weekends starting Friday, the price of the gas freezes until Tuesday morning?

[WalterWhite]

What is the % of the mark up price?
How often must your location restock on gas to keep up with the demand?
Why is that most of the time on weekends starting Friday, the price of the gas freezes until Tuesday morning?

Fuel markup is roughly 3-4% with diesel and premium a little more.
Tobacco markup - 10-15%
all other items - 30-40%

You dont see the change anymore because street level pricing is about a day behind 'rack' pricing. Markets dont move on the weekend so the price stays static. Monday's rack price only gets reflected at the pumps on Tuesday. Always one day behind.

[motto1997]

How many hours do you work in a week? And how many full-time employees do you have? As well are you a 24 hour station or close early?

[Rehan]

What's the hardest part about owning a gas station?

[Mir]

Do you have a problem with employee being theif ?
I have an uncle who own a shell gas station, he is in TeXas; he always
have problem with honest employee. ?
Any recomendations ?
He also said he can't lower Gas price more then 2 cent' what is in the area!

[rageking]

For smaller (unheard of) gas retailers, like mohawk and beaver and god knows what else, do they buy their gas from the same big suppliers that you do?

As an expert in gasoline, would you recommend paying more for premium gasoline? Actually what do you use, regular, or the most expensive stuff because it allegedly is better for the engine?

[WalterWhite]

How many hours do you work in a week? And how many full-time employees do you have? As well are you a 24 hour station or close early?
I put in roughly 50 hours a week. Out of that 50 I am probably on the till for about 15 hours. 3 full time employees and we are not 24 hrs.


What's the hardest part about owning a gas station?

Nothing really hard. Just a lot of minor headaches.


Do you have a problem with employee being theif ?
I have an uncle who own a shell gas station, he is in TeXas; he always
have problem with honest employee. ?
Any recomendations ?
He also said he can't lower Gas price more then 2 cent' what is in the area!

I have in the past. Nothing you can really do about it. You set up checks and balances and have video surveillance and if you catch your employee stealing you obviously let them go.


For smaller (unheard of) gas retailers, like mohawk and beaver and god knows what else, do they buy their gas from the same big suppliers that you do?

As an expert in gasoline, would you recommend paying more for premium gasoline? Actually what do you use, regular, or the most expensive stuff because it allegedly is better for the engine?

They purchase their gas from the same refineries that I do. The difference is that branded sites like Shell, Petro and Esso have additives and agents added that make them 'top-tier'. For this top tier status, dealers pay more. For example, Canadian Tire purchases their gas from Esso. But because they aren't a branded Esso site, they dont have the same fuel you would find at an Esso station.

I put in what my vehicle requires which is premium and I would suggest you do the same. You would be surprised at the amount of people who dont follow this simple guideline. This is probably why I would never purchase a performance or luxury car second hand. I have put regular in my car just to see any difference and while the driving experience wasn't terrible, my mileage really dropped off. If you can't afford the fuel, dont buy the car.

[rageking]

They purchase their gas from the same refineries that I do. The difference is that branded sites like Shell, Petro and Esso have additives and agents added that make them 'top-tier'. For this top tier status, dealers pay more. For example, Canadian Tire purchases their gas from Esso. But because they aren't a branded Esso site, they dont have the same fuel you would find at an Esso station.

I put in what my vehicle requires which is premium and I would suggest you do the same. You would be surprised at the amount of people who dont follow this simple guideline. This is probably why I would never purchase a performance or luxury car second hand. I have put regular in my car just to see any difference and while the driving experience wasn't terrible, my mileage really dropped off. If you can't afford the fuel, dont buy the car.


Are the additives that esso add to the fuel worth the extra 1-2 cent premium that esso/shell/petrocanada charges over some no-name gas station?

[Mir]

I have notice; I get better fuel mileage when I get it from ESSO, Shell, Petro canada , and cheveron (US)
But when I goto NON brand name like prremium etc etc or ever piolts , BP (US) I get significat drop in milage.
Do you have some rational reasoning ?
My Car does not recomend above 87 octane but I get better milage with 91
Also does gas get expire after some time ( month or two)

[ever1221]

2 questions.

1) Is it true that its best to fill up when its cold because the gas is more dense?

2) How can gas stations cheat with the gas? I have major issues with esso gas stations, I get 50kms less from a full tank than petro canada gas, can you explain how thats possible? And that happens every time when am forced to fill up from esso. I do long trips (4-5hrs) one shot.

[squagles]

How did you acquire the station? Where'd you get the money to purchase it?

[Billa-786]

when do you find out about the price of gas for the following day?

[XtremeModder]

From what I hear, the company pretty much owns the gas and pumps in terms of getting all the profit. And the owner gets the profit from the store.

What about the car wash?

Does the owner get paid on a per-wash basis? Or is there some other arrangement?

I ask because I buy PetroCan's season pass and my local station keeps on cutting down on the hours of operation so it's harder to wash every day. >:(

Gfs mom bought one of those season pass things for the winter, the car wash at one of the stations on my way to work in total (cause I marked down how many times it was closed) was closed a out 19 days out of the full 90 days or whatever it was, was never credited and was told to go to a different location, however all the other Ones as far as I know are touch and secondly im not going out of my way to get a wash.

[heyhey]

Have you ever had a thief fill up their car and run away?

Also, I remember a story in America a few years ago where some gas stations had fixed their pumps. That is, the per litre cost was more than what as stated (basically, charging customers more than average). How is this possible? And does it still happen at gas stations?

[Rehan]

How about we stop the bickering and let the OP choose what to answer.

Edit: Thank you, mods, for cleaning up the thread.

[webdoctors]

Interesting read, I've always known gas is like movie theater tickets, the money is made on the concession food and extras. I'm surprised the owner is even able to make $200K considering the high overhead costs in the millions for the pumps, equipment, financing for gas and taxes...

[FrogPrince]

"Where did you get the money to buy a gas station" is an excellent question. Specifically, I'd like to know how much downpayment is required and what are the typical financing options for someone who wants to buy one.

[WalterWhite]

Are the additives that esso add to the fuel worth the extra 1-2 cent premium that esso/shell/petrocanada charges over some no-name gas station?

I honestly don't know. I dont have a lab to test out the gasoline. I would imagine that is it worth it though. There is a reason why the majors supply their stations with a fuel different than they sell to non-branded sites.


I have notice; I get better fuel mileage when I get it from ESSO, Shell, Petro canada , and cheveron (US)
But when I goto NON brand name like prremium etc etc or ever piolts , BP (US) I get significat drop in milage.
Do you have some rational reasoning ?
My Car does not recomend above 87 octane but I get better milage with 91
Also does gas get expire after some time ( month or two)

Additives.


2 questions.

1) Is it true that its best to fill up when its cold because the gas is more dense?

2) How can gas stations cheat with the gas? I have major issues with esso gas stations, I get 50kms less from a full tank than petro canada gas, can you explain how thats possible? And that happens every time when am forced to fill up from esso. I do long trips (4-5hrs) one shot.

1) Gas in the tanks must be temperature corrected. So no I dont think so.

2) Only ways to cheat would be
a) have pumps calibrated improperly
b) dump regular gas into premium tank (this one i dont think is even possible though)



How did you acquire the station? Where'd you get the money to purchase it?

Google my screen name.


when do you find out about the price of gas for the following day?
9-10am the day before. So for Thursday everyone should see a DECREASE of about 1.1 cents.


Have you ever had a thief fill up their car and run away?

Also, I remember a story in America a few years ago where some gas stations had fixed their pumps. That is, the per litre cost was more than what as stated (basically, charging customers more than average). How is this possible? And does it still happen at gas stations?

Yes I have had drive offs. I think I mentioned it before, but most are honest mistakes. Occasionally someone will do it on purpose. They either think they can get away with it or have stolen license plates and planned it out.

[rageking]

Are you planning ahead by putting aside a portion of your earnings towards the day when you may have to close the gas station and decontaminate the land at a cost of i guess 6 digits?

[WalterWhite]

Are you planning ahead by putting aside a portion of your earnings towards the day when you may have to close the gas station and decontaminate the land at a cost of i guess 6 digits?

What makes you think I have any decontamination? I just did an environmental report and I'm all good.

[Kohanz]

Google my screen name.

Which one is it? :)

Walter Francis White, leader of the NAACP for nearly 25 years, civil rights activist and writer
Walter White (politician), former member of the Ohio Senate
Walter White (American football)
Walter White (Breaking Bad), a fictional character in the American television drama series Breaking Bad

[monomono]

Interesting thread WalterWhite, thanks for answering questions. Sorry if you've covered these ones already.

1. How do you pay for your inventory? When the tanker comes and fills up your underground tanks, do you get invoiced for x liters * wholesale price at that time?

2. What happens when the retail price changes? Say you paid $1.20/liter wholesale, and the retail price in your area drops to $1.20. Presumably you adjust your price accordingly and make no profit?

3. Do you decide when and how to change your retail price (if so how?) Or does your franchisor tell you, and how specific are they about timing and price?

[Dano76]

Which one is it? :)

Walter Francis White, leader of the NAACP for nearly 25 years, civil rights activist and writer
Walter White (politician), former member of the Ohio Senate
Walter White (American football)
Walter White (Breaking Bad), a fictional character in the American television drama series Breaking Bad

He's a former chemistry teacher in a battle with the big C, who goes... into business for himself. :razz:

[pupazzo]

Is being unable to communicate in English a specific requirement when hiring attendants? lol

[Mrbj]

Do you pay when you fill up at your own gas station? If no, did you include/consider that as part of your salary? Do you employees get cheaper price gas?

How much do you think the "Managers" as compare to "Owners" make?

[deltone]

Do you pay when you fill up at your own gas station? If no, did you include/consider that as part of your salary? Do you employees get cheaper price gas?

How much do you think the "Managers" as compare to "Owners" make?

I'm not the OP but I do own a gas station (which we lease out to someone else) and I get my gas at our station even though he's a bit more expensive than others. He pays us rent so I feel it's in my best interest to use his services. I did hear that he gets his fuel somewhere cheaper though. LOL

When we did run it, we did get our fuel there and we did pay whatever the pump said. The people we bought the station from never paid for their fuel. They treated the store and the station like their own personal little freebie and paid for nothing. They ran it into the ground and that`s when we came in and bought the joint. If you don`t run the place like a proper business, it`s not going to work.

[spike1128]

what the OP need to do is tell us how he got started with the gas station. Where he got starting capital. Where is he station approximately. Then we can get one started and become his competition : ).

[WalterWhite]

Interesting thread WalterWhite, thanks for answering questions. Sorry if you've covered these ones already.

1. How do you pay for your inventory? When the tanker comes and fills up your underground tanks, do you get invoiced for x liters * wholesale price at that time?

2. What happens when the retail price changes? Say you paid $1.20/liter wholesale, and the retail price in your area drops to $1.20. Presumably you adjust your price accordingly and make no profit?

3. Do you decide when and how to change your retail price (if so how?) Or does your franchisor tell you, and how specific are they about timing and price?

1. Once the load has been dropped into my tank I will usually receive an invoice for the fuel within 24 hours. After the invoice I will receive my withdrawl notification (usually a day or two after my invoice) where they automatically debit my bank account for the load.

2. That is correct. If I get a load and the next day the wholesale price drops which in turn drops the retail price, I'm **** out of luck. There are days where I have lost over $1000 on fuel sales.

3. Yes, I have complete control over my pricing. If I ever won the lottery, Id drop fuel to 10 cents a litre.


Do you pay when you fill up at your own gas station? If no, did you include/consider that as part of your salary? Do you employees get cheaper price gas?

How much do you think the "Managers" as compare to "Owners" make?

No I usually dont physically pay for my fuel. I have one of my employees cash it out and print a receipt with my name on it. And no, I dont consider that part of my salary. Employees pay the posted price.

I know a few retail managers in the industry. They range from 33k to 40k.

[monomono]

I have complete control over my pricing.

OK, here's something I can't understand. When there's one a big price jump (don't know if this happens everywhere in Canada, but stations in Toronto will increase prices up to 10% within a few hours), why wouldn't a station owner keep their price 1-2 cents below the station down the road? That way you'll get all the traffic, and still make a decent margin.

[WalterWhite]

OK, here's something I can't understand. When there's one a big price jump (don't know if this happens everywhere in Canada, but stations in Toronto will increase prices up to 10% within a few hours), why wouldn't a station owner keep their price 1-2 cents below the station down the road? That way you'll get all the traffic, and still make a decent margin.

A few reasons.

a) If you dont put the price up, yes you will pump out a few extra litres for about an hour or two but then after the corporate station down the road will reduce their price to match or go below yours which hurts you much more. The last thing you as an owner want is a gas war.

b) You aren't considering the flip side. What about when the price drops heavy and I already have fuel in the ground. I still have to follow suit and drop my retail price. In the end it all balances out by following this pricing model.

c) You dont want to piss off the corporate sites. Ive spoken to a few dealers and we all feel the same way about this. We know at any moment the corporate stations can run us out of business. Its already happened in Toronto. Why do you think gas stations in Toronto are all corporate owned and are generally 1-2 cents higher than the outskirts? These sites slash prices below rack price to drive independents out and once its all corporate, they jack up the price.

[Ottomaddox]

How much does a gas pump cost?
Have you ever had anyone drive off and pull the handle off the hose? I notice it seems to have a breakaway section, but is it easy to repair?

[WalterWhite]

How much does a gas pump cost?
Have you ever had anyone drive off and pull the handle off the hose? I notice it seems to have a breakaway section, but is it easy to repair?

About 25k plus install.
And no thankfully thats never happened.

[silicontraveler]

I was going to ask if you were worried about the risks of working with chemicals? Sounds like you work a lot and the biz is worth like 2 mill, why not retire?

[WalterWhite]

I was going to ask if you were worried about the risks of working with chemicals? Sounds like you work a lot and the biz is worth like 2 mill, why not retire?

I dont really work with chemicals so no problem. 2 Million is hardly enough to retire, plus I still have a mortgage.

[dealseeker2011]

Why did you enter in a gas station business?

[travelgeek]

At stations with pumps that are single hose for multiple grades of gas, how many liters of the previous customer's fuel do I get if they bought regular and I bought premium?

[MrKap]

Did you know that if you check the register after someone else clears their float, you will often find bills jammed down the back of it?

[DoinkTheClown]

What is procedure and what would you do if someone pumped max amount of gas then drove off without paying? (and they had no license plates)

Like, when you call the cops do they look for the car right away or they just file a paper report?

[TinyTank]

when did u buy the gas station and for how much? How much have you spent if any on renovations/repairs?

[matdwyer]

For your merchant account, what is your % that you pay? And do you pay a transaction fee?

(i.e. are the esso owners pissed that we're all pumping $3 for aeroplan points)

[Hugh Jass]

Great thread Walter, I appreciate the honesty you have shown.

[Takami]

Great thread.

2 questions:

1) How did you/Who pick your location? There are some locations in the GTA that I wish I have owned because there are also packed with cars. On the other hand, some locations are constantly deserted. What criteria/research did you go into when you first picked your location?

2) I always hear stories of weird things that happens in gas station washrooms. I knew a buddy who used to manage a gas station and he told me one time, a girl didn't have money to pay for her gas and offered sexual service to him in lieu. My buddy refused, but a some horny old dude inside the store area overheard the conversation and so he pulled her aside to speak to her. They went into the washroom and after 20 minute, she came out with fresh bills to pay for the gas. Have you seen weird things that happened in the store like that?

[travelgeek]

For your merchant account, what is your % that you pay? And do you pay a transaction fee?

(i.e. are the esso owners pissed that we're all pumping $3 for aeroplan points)

and is there any difference in fees if a gift card is used?

[rageking]

How much does it ccost (recently) to have a tanker come in to fill up your tanks for the gas station? Im asking how much money is in each of those fuel trucks that I see on the roads.

What happens if you change the gas price when someone is already pumping gas into their car, will the prices be updated upon him finishing, or immediately? What happens if you change the gas price 10 seconds before someone pumps the gas 3, will the price all of a sudden jump causing a possible argument with a customer?

[silicontraveler]

Why don't they invent a way of filling the tank without fumes/spill or having to stand there holding it?

Is it dangerous to leave your car running while you fill the car? Will i get scolded if i do?

[WalterWhite]

Why did you enter in a gas station business?

Was just looking to buy a business. I wanted something I figured would be easy. I'm not saying I made a mistake, but its far from easy.


At stations with pumps that are single hose for multiple grades of gas, how many liters of the previous customer's fuel do I get if they bought regular and I bought premium?

Not much at all. I even see some people lift up the hose so they get every last drop. Its very minuscule.


Did you know that if you check the register after someone else clears their float, you will often find bills jammed down the back of it?

This doesn't happen at my location.


What is procedure and what would you do if someone pumped max amount of gas then drove off without paying? (and they had no license plates)

Like, when you call the cops do they look for the car right away or they just file a paper report?

The cops might look around for a bit but usually nothing happens. I eat the cost.


when did u buy the gas station and for how much? How much have you spent if any on renovations/repairs?

I'm not going to answer the first part of the question. I've probably spent somewhere in the realm 300k into the site.

For your merchant account, what is your % that you pay? And do you pay a transaction fee?

(i.e. are the esso owners pissed that we're all pumping $3 for aeroplan points)

For credit cards abough 1.8%. Debit transactions for me are 10 cents per. For a sites loyalty card (i.e Petro Points, Esso Extra & Aeroplan) owners pay roughly .005 cents per point given. I dont see why owners would get pissed, it brings in customers.


Great thread.

2 questions:

1) How did you/Who pick your location? There are some locations in the GTA that I wish I have owned because there are also packed with cars. On the other hand, some locations are constantly deserted. What criteria/research did you go into when you first picked your location?

2) I always hear stories of weird things that happens in gas station washrooms. I knew a buddy who used to manage a gas station and he told me one time, a girl didn't have money to pay for her gas and offered sexual service to him in lieu. My buddy refused, but a some horny old dude inside the store area overheard the conversation and so he pulled her aside to speak to her. They went into the washroom and after 20 minute, she came out with fresh bills to pay for the gas. Have you seen weird things that happened in the store like that?

I visited quite a few sites when I was looking and this one just seemed ideal. I saw somethings I could do differently and luckily it has all worked quite well. I wanted a site that didn't have immediate competition and was on a busy road.


and is there any difference in fees if a gift card is used?

Giftcards work like credit cards. I think I actually pay a higher fee for giftcards than I do credit cards. I believe its just north of 2%.


How much does it ccost (recently) to have a tanker come in to fill up your tanks for the gas station? Im asking how much money is in each of those fuel trucks that I see on the roads.

What happens if you change the gas price when someone is already pumping gas into their car, will the prices be updated upon him finishing, or immediately? What happens if you change the gas price 10 seconds before someone pumps the gas 3, will the price all of a sudden jump causing a possible argument with a customer?

Each tanker you see on the road has a max capacity of 50,000 litres so you can do the math. There are those larger trucks which have 2 compartments, and I believe they hold around 80,000 litres.

If the customer has already started pumping, they will get the older price regardless if its going up or down. Once the pump is 'free' the computer will push down the new price. I try to only change the price when no one is pumping. General rule of thumb, if the price is going up, change the signs first then push down the price. If its being lowered, adjust price on pumps first then on the signs.

I have had it where a customer just begins pumping right before the computer sends down the price and I will always give them the difference back in cash if the price drops. For example if the price drops 3 cents and they pump 100 litres, I will give them back $3. Customer service is my #1 priority.



Why don't they invent a way of filling the tank without fumes/spill or having to stand there holding it?

Is it dangerous to leave your car running while you fill the car? Will i get scolded if i do?

Just keep your gas cap under the trigger and bam, you dont have to hold it. Yes, do not leave your car running while you fill.

[zerg00]

At stations with pumps that are single hose for multiple grades of gas, how many liters of the previous customer's fuel do I get if they bought regular and I bought premium?

i want to know the answer for this one too. thats why i try to find a pump that was just pumping premium.

[DoinkTheClown]

Yes but what I want to know is, what is the actual procedure when someone steals gas and has no license plates?

And is it even possible to charge them after even if cops find the car (how will you prove it was the car owner who stole the gas)? if he was disguised so cameras cant identify him

[sandikosh]

Do you take Canadian Tire money? I got about $50 of it and do not know what to do with it.

[travelgeek]

For credit cards abough 1.8%. Debit transactions for me are 10 cents per. For a sites loyalty card (i.e Petro Points, Esso Extra & Aeroplan) owners pay roughly .005 cents per point given. I dont see why owners would get pissed, it brings in customers.


I think they are getting pissed at this promo (the Aeroplan challenge) because customers are filling up $3 at a time until the tank is full, and the booth attendant (or owner) thought they were hogging the pump or was annoyed at having to reset the pump from inside each time.

Does the attendant have to reset the pump from inside even though a customer is paying at the pump?

[wrcfocus]

How often are the pumps calibrated? Is calibration required on a regular basis? And if so, what is the accuracy?

[jay964]

what brand of gas do you sell?

[konfusion666]

Great thread Walter, I appreciate the honesty you have shown.

agreed, great thread. although i am curious what part of the city he is serving.

[rageking]

Whta happens if you tell the gas attendant that you're paying in advance (like shell does), say $70, but you can use up only $60. Does the customer forfeit the $10 or will the gas station refund the 10 already charge to cc

[WalterWhite]

Yes but what I want to know is, what is the actual procedure when someone steals gas and has no license plates?

And is it even possible to charge them after even if cops find the car (how will you prove it was the car owner who stole the gas)? if he was disguised so cameras cant identify him

Video Evidence.


Do you take Canadian Tire money? I got about $50 of it and do not know what to do with it.

You're seriously not funny. I've read a few of your posts and they are all quite lame. Try harder or give up.


I think they are getting pissed at this promo (the Aeroplan challenge) because customers are filling up $3 at a time until the tank is full, and the booth attendant (or owner) thought they were hogging the pump or was annoyed at having to reset the pump from inside each time.

Does the attendant have to reset the pump from inside even though a customer is paying at the pump?

I would imagine they would. I have never heard of this promo.


How often are the pumps calibrated? Is calibration required on a regular basis? And if so, what is the accuracy?

I get mine done twice a year. Or if I notice I'm losing an unusual amount of fuel every month. Also, someone from the Government comes around and makes sure everything is fine.


what brand of gas do you sell?
Shell


Whta happens if you tell the gas attendant that you're paying in advance (like shell does), say $70, but you can use up only $60. Does the customer forfeit the $10 or will the gas station refund the 10 already charge to cc
It goes back onto your card.

[raps4lyfe]

Do you pay for gas or do you fill up for free??? :)

[ddp]

Why are there no cell phones stickers around the pumps- are they really dangerous, because no one ever stops you.

[__wizard__]

When did you buy this gas station? If you had the chance to do it again, would you buy some other business?

Have you ever went on a good vacation after buying this gas station?

How often do mystery shoppers come by?

You may not want to reveal your location but what city is it in?


Thanks! :D

[WalterWhite]

Why are there no cell phones stickers around the pumps- are they really dangerous, because no one ever stops you.

Small chance a spark could ignite. No one stops you because its not that serious, at least I dont think anyway.


When did you buy this gas station? If you had the chance to do it again, would you buy some other business?

Have you ever went on a good vacation after buying this gas station?

How often do mystery shoppers come by?

You may not want to reveal your location but what city is it in?


Thanks! :D

I am very happy with the decision I made several years ago to buy this place.
I have been on several vacations since buying this place.
Not that often. Ive been mystery shopped by the lottery corporation and tobacco enforcement people a couple of times.
Rather not reveal the city.

Do you pay for gas or do you fill up for free??? :)
Nothing is ever free