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View Full Version : I just love buying gas



Bluerauder
06-24-2005, 09:58 AM
Two stories ..... the bad and the good

1. Just went to the local gas station for a fill up. :D I have been buying gas there for nearly 15 years since it is conveniently near the house. About 8 months ago, the station was taken over by new management and switched from Mobil to Sunoco. Since that time, the place seems to be fraught with problems. Shortage of 93, pumps blocked off by orange cones, readings of 15-20 cents already on the meter "before" you begin to pump, and at least one bad tankful of gas. However, today was the final straw. I tried to pump gas and the pump wouldn't start and looked like it kept resetting itself. Finally, I went in and was told that from now on I have to come in and get the pump authorized. I can pay first or come back and then pay. :mad: I asked for the manager and said that they had just lost a long time customer because they just couldn't seem to figure out how to manage the business. I guess the pump authorization is in place to deter fuel theft or something. This place will be out of business within a year. Despite automation and such, it just seems that more and more of the burden is being placed on the customer in terms of time, money, and inconvenience.

2. At the second station up the road, I pull in next to a 2004 Black Impala. Very nice and very clean. The guy turns to look at my Blue MM and kinda smiles. He finishes pumping his gas and then starts to walk toward the store all the while looking at my car with a "WTF is it" look. :dunno: Finally, I guess curiosity got the best of him and he came over and said "Wow, that is really a beautiful car". :D He liked the blue and doesn't think he's ever seen a Black MM. Then he started asked questions about engine, stats, etc. He also asked whether the wheels and exhaust were after-market. He was quite shocked to hear that it was all stock except for the SS Inserts on the rear. :up:

Man, I like to buy gas ... you always run into folks wanting to ask about the car. Dayum, I forgot to look at the price of 93, again !!! :rofl:

twolow
06-24-2005, 10:28 AM
I used to hate the PrePay pumps but now I just use my credit/debit card at the pump. I don't fool with cash much at all anymore really.

I even tend to eat where I know they take the debit card.

Shaft333
06-24-2005, 10:57 AM
Seems like every station is doing the pre-authorization thing.

This week I saw that the pump even accepted cash now.

Haggis
06-24-2005, 08:33 PM
SPEED PASS.

STLR FN
06-24-2005, 08:45 PM
Yeah I was reading that in the Detroit News. I can bet most stations will keep the cash price at current prices and jack up the credit prices by .05-.08 cents. Making you think you're getting a discount.


Seems like every station is doing the pre-authorization thing.

This week I saw that the pump even accepted cash now.

LordVader
06-24-2005, 09:56 PM
:mad2: Recently on a trip to California tried to purchase gas at pump with a credit card and kept getting "see attendant" flashing at me. Went in and asked the clerk what was the problem. "We need to see the card to ensure it's not stolen". What a load of crap..maybe I just stole the whole dayum wallet!

twolow
06-25-2005, 04:43 AM
The stations would perfer you come in because thats where the money is. The gas price wars with all the stations pretty much means they don't make much off your tank of gas but if they can get you inside to buy a drink, snack, smokes, etc then they make something off you.

Lots of gas stations put off getting the credit scan pumps until they just couldn't hold out anymore without going under. I for one don't go to a station unless I see the credit scan pumps and hardly ever/never buy anything inside.