Can someone who does this explain it to me?
Good Branding is the major reason for this. Branding for businesses has some benefits which majorly includes marketing your business to the public in the best way and making your business the top choice for a service or product that they can still get elsewhere. Branding registers your company name in the minds of people and make them willing to pay any amount you decide is appropriate for the service or products you sell knowing that you sell quality. One thing however is that these brands can take advantage of their names after they have made themselves known and begin to sell lesser quality products after a while of selling quality products. 
Topic: Gas prices, why do people pay that much more for a "brand" (Read 1037 times)
Well, in my opinion, these brands know how to attract people by capturing their minds and through marketing strategies and loyalty programs. Also, better customer experience plays a vital role in this regard. However, fuel remains the same and doesn't impact anything.
Some people simply are talked into believing certain kinds of gas are better.
Some people are procrastinators, or on a trip. They should have bought gas yesterday, or at the last cheap place, but now they don't have a choice. They need it right now, or run out... and the expensive place is the only one available right at the moment.
All the pumps get better gas from the tankers at one time or other. Some people happened to get some better gas at a name brand one time, so they think it is always going to be this way. And they don't think about it any longer, except when they get a noticeably poor tank full.
Some people listen to their spouse or their good buddy.
Some people fill up because of convenience... it's right around the corner from work.
Some people are procrastinators, or on a trip. They should have bought gas yesterday, or at the last cheap place, but now they don't have a choice. They need it right now, or run out... and the expensive place is the only one available right at the moment.
All the pumps get better gas from the tankers at one time or other. Some people happened to get some better gas at a name brand one time, so they think it is always going to be this way. And they don't think about it any longer, except when they get a noticeably poor tank full.
Some people listen to their spouse or their good buddy.
Some people fill up because of convenience... it's right around the corner from work.
it has become a habit that has been done for a long time, the idea of a good brand must be of quality has been applied for a long time, so not if people are more concerned with the brand than the price, because they think a good brand must be of quality.
although not necessarily.
although not necessarily.
Oh my god how can people live $6.99 a gallon for diesel and $4.49 for unleaded.
[img ]https://i.imgur.com/3D8Ehchl.jpg[/img]
Oh, wait nevermind.
[image of $4.89/gal diesel]
I would repeat what I said previously, that some people buying diesel may be buying on behalf of their company, in which they have no incentive to minimize costs. [img ]https://i.imgur.com/3D8Ehchl.jpg[/img]
Oh, wait nevermind.
[image of $4.89/gal diesel]
You had previously responded that these crazy high prices may cause some people who actually are ultimately paying for the gas (independent contractors, actual owners of rigs, etc) may bypass these gas stations, and these gas stations would lose this business. My response to this is that the larger markup is likely sufficient to make up for those lost sales.
I would also note that in many gas stations, the pump for "regular" gas, and the pump for diesel occupy the same "spot", meaning if someone is pumping regular gas, someone cannot pump diesel in the same spot, and vice versa. I am speculating about the data, but it is possible that those who buy diesel are less likely to buy items inside the gas station, which tend to be a larger source of profit than gas, so some gas stations may disincentive people from buying diesel, so they can ultimately attract more people buying regular gas into the "store".
Sometimes people have loyalty cards/discounts that make up at least part of that difference.
Loyalty cards... well sometimes but not at most becuase, there are others who consciously or unconsciously find themselves in this pool and just keep up the way.Some of the factors to this could be distance and maybe loyalty cards but if we are to take away these two factors, I'll attribute most of it to ignorance. Some customers comes up with the feeling, the fuel in other station is better than the other.
What they fail to realise is the fact that, the products are loaded from a single manufacturer (refineries) and discharged at a filling service station. Where the branding comes in is, the carriage vessels but the product stays same.
Not many acknowledges this and I think the quality of services as per customer services and also, the accuracy of its meter readings would be some other factor that promotes this but, its largely due to ignorance.
Oh my god how can people live $6.99 a gallon for diesel and $4.49 for unleaded.
Oh, wait nevermind.
The sad part is the people / person who run the speedway have figured out they don't even have to be competitive, just a chunk less then the Mobil.
There are stations a few miles away that are about $0.20 a gallon cheaper then they are, when they used to be by far the cheapest.
-Dave
Oh, wait nevermind.
The sad part is the people / person who run the speedway have figured out they don't even have to be competitive, just a chunk less then the Mobil.
There are stations a few miles away that are about $0.20 a gallon cheaper then they are, when they used to be by far the cheapest.
-Dave
Bit of a necro bump here, but...it's getting worse.
$2.99 vs $4.59 for diesel.
Or to put it another way, more then 50% more between stations across the street.
For diesel, I would think a lot of people who are buying diesel are not personally paying for gas, but rather their company is (or they are going to get reimbursed after putting it on their card). An employee filling up may simply not care about paying the lowest price, or if they are going to put it on their credit card, they may want the higher price so they can get more credit card rewards and will get reimbursed regardless of what they pay. I can't think of any other reason why someone would be willing to pay that much more, assuming there is actually gas available at the lower price. $2.99 vs $4.59 for diesel.
Or to put it another way, more then 50% more between stations across the street.
As for the "regular" gas, I suspect some gas stations figure that people will be willing to pay the higher price rather than wait in line to pay a lower price, especially if they are filling up to/from work and waiting in line would make them late.
On the same note, people who are buying gas for themselves; truck owner / operators, contractors, small biz, etc. are going to avoid you so you loose that business.
And with a look at gas buddy, every station that has reported diesel pricing in a ~5 radius is at the $2.99 level give or take.
In my city there are two gas stations on the same road right opposite of each other, one is Shell and the other one is a no name gas station. The no name one is offering cheaper prices than Shell but still most people go for the brand. It's a really wierd phenom and might be related to advertising of Shell. The fuel is exactly the same, except for the high premium one which are most people mit buying anyway. I read in an article that 80% of the cars don't really see an performance increase from the premium fuel.
That I have seen for years, but between 2 "name" brands, it's usually at least close.
-Dave
In my city there are two gas stations on the same road right opposite of each other, one is Shell and the other one is a no name gas station. The no name one is offering cheaper prices than Shell but still most people go for the brand. It's a really wierd phenom and might be related to advertising of Shell. The fuel is exactly the same, except for the high premium one which are most people mit buying anyway. I read in an article that 80% of the cars don't really see an performance increase from the premium fuel.
That’s crazy...
I’ve never seen anything like that..
I’ve never seen anything like that..
Bit of a necro bump here, but...it's getting worse.
$2.99 vs $4.59 for diesel.
Or to put it another way, more then 50% more between stations across the street.
For diesel, I would think a lot of people who are buying diesel are not personally paying for gas, but rather their company is (or they are going to get reimbursed after putting it on their card). An employee filling up may simply not care about paying the lowest price, or if they are going to put it on their credit card, they may want the higher price so they can get more credit card rewards and will get reimbursed regardless of what they pay. I can't think of any other reason why someone would be willing to pay that much more, assuming there is actually gas available at the lower price. $2.99 vs $4.59 for diesel.
Or to put it another way, more then 50% more between stations across the street.
As for the "regular" gas, I suspect some gas stations figure that people will be willing to pay the higher price rather than wait in line to pay a lower price, especially if they are filling up to/from work and waiting in line would make them late.
Bit of a necro bump here, but...it's getting worse.
$2.99 vs $4.59 for diesel.
Or to put it another way, more then 50% more between stations across the street.
WTF
And although you can't see them in the picture there are people putting fuel in their cars at the Mobil.
I really wanted to walk over and ask them why?
-Dave
$2.99 vs $4.59 for diesel.
Or to put it another way, more then 50% more between stations across the street.
WTF
And although you can't see them in the picture there are people putting fuel in their cars at the Mobil.
I really wanted to walk over and ask them why?
-Dave
I always buy gas at wholesale clubs.
15 cents cheaper than outside. I always have their cards as I get more in savings from holding them. Some items you can get for an absolute steal at Costco and Sam's.
Add cash back from credit card 5% usually and I stretch my dollar to the max.
I would never stop and fill at a more expensive gas station unless I absolutely had to.
Here's why I think people do it. Maybe it's just slightly more convenient for them to park there and they're that lazy.
Maybe the store attached sells what they wanna buy and again they are that lazy.
Maybe it's psychological, they think the gas is better.
Potentially they like the owner or some of the employees and want to support that business instead.
Maybe the cheaper gas station has really slow pumps and is generally harder to use them.
15 cents cheaper than outside. I always have their cards as I get more in savings from holding them. Some items you can get for an absolute steal at Costco and Sam's.
Add cash back from credit card 5% usually and I stretch my dollar to the max.
I would never stop and fill at a more expensive gas station unless I absolutely had to.
Here's why I think people do it. Maybe it's just slightly more convenient for them to park there and they're that lazy.
Maybe the store attached sells what they wanna buy and again they are that lazy.
Maybe it's psychological, they think the gas is better.
Potentially they like the owner or some of the employees and want to support that business instead.
Maybe the cheaper gas station has really slow pumps and is generally harder to use them.
That's funny because no oil company suggest to change the oil after certain months, they will always recommend to change it after certain millage. How can one be so ignorant ?
Those aren't their cars so they don't care. They lease them for a few years (usually between 2 and 5) and return them to the dealer.
Most manufacturers advise to change oil before a given mileage is reached. When I've been shopping for a used car, I demanded them to show me the service history. If the oil changes were being done at the last possible moment just to fit in the scheduled maintenance it was obvious the car was part of a fleet. Also, the first oil change is a good indicator. Normal owners know you should do it ahead of sechdule (like with half the mileage given by the manufacturer) but a rental will always have it at or even after the max mileage. They always want to save a buck and do as little of them as possible in those few years when the car is in their hands.
but usually, even though we rent it monthly or maybe annually, they will also be responsible for what happens when we use it, so if the matter of changing the oil is clear it must be according to the schedule that has been made. based on the company's experience in the place where I work, vehicle rental has been followed with responsibility for all damage or anything that occurs with the vehicle we rent.
it is clear that the matter of attention will be different if we rent it with what we have, obviously we will pay more attention to what we have. but if we rent it too, if we are not comfortable using it, we will definitely complain so that it is fixed immediately.
That's funny because no oil company suggest to change the oil after certain months, they will always recommend to change it after certain millage. How can one be so ignorant ?
Those aren't their cars so they don't care. They lease them for a few years (usually between 2 and 5) and return them to the dealer.
Most manufacturers advise to change oil before a given mileage is reached. When I've been shopping for a used car, I demanded them to show me the service history. If the oil changes were being done at the last possible moment just to fit in the scheduled maintenance it was obvious the car was part of a fleet. Also, the first oil change is a good indicator. Normal owners know you should do it ahead of sechdule (like with half the mileage given by the manufacturer) but a rental will always have it at or even after the max mileage. They always want to save a buck and do as little of them as possible in those few years when the car is in their hands.
When you get oil changes every 7500 miles and someone asks you "weren't you her this month already?" and you just nod and head for the free coffee & donuts you start to care...a lot.
Isn't that what rentals are for? I've done 4-5k on two-week rentals, far cheaper than maintenance and depreciation on your own car. Oil change warning comes up, call Hertz, they tell you to ignore it LOL.
And then some poor guy buys a 3 year old car and finds out the engine is basically dead because they were doing one oil change a year regardless of the distance it covered.
That's funny because no oil company suggest to change the oil after certain months, they will always recommend to change it after certain millage. How can one be so ignorant ?
I don't live in the US but I usually choose those cheaper, local brands. We have all those big ones like Shell and BP here, but it's the same gas. Some guys were even testing it in a lab for a YT video to see if they aren't cheating and giving you a bit less or mixed old gas with "fresh" and the results were more or less the same. The same amount (no cheating), all clean and fresh. I don't know why some people choose expensive gas. BP has a special offer for companies so I see a lot of busses and trucks there and small places don't have all that fuzz with fresh coffee and snacks.
Isn't that what rentals are for? I've done 4-5k on two-week rentals, far cheaper than maintenance and depreciation on your own car. Oil change warning comes up, call Hertz, they tell you to ignore it LOL.
And then some poor guy buys a 3 year old car and finds out the engine is basically dead because they were doing one oil change a year regardless of the distance it covered.
When you get oil changes every 7500 miles and someone asks you "weren't you her this month already?" and you just nod and head for the free coffee & donuts you start to care...a lot.
Isn't that what rentals are for? I've done 4-5k on two-week rentals, far cheaper than maintenance and depreciation on your own car. Oil change warning comes up, call Hertz, they tell you to ignore it LOL.
And then some poor guy buys a 3 year old car and finds out the engine is basically dead because they were doing one oil change a year regardless of the distance it covered.
thats funny...and kinda of a good thing. Where I'm at gas stations collude and all prices are the same and move at the same time. Cops and anti-competition feds busted some a few years back but its a rigged market. We had a price war 20 years ago where the 3 big refiners dropped prices to kill off the independent gas sellers. Since they refine the gas they sold it at a higher price wholesale than they sold retail at their stations...small guys all died. Since then, collusion and oligopoly. which translates into higher average prices and higher price volatility (jumps before weekend, etc). all proven with the power of mathematics and comparative statistics...
The brand always takes extra from your pocket only because of their names. In most of the cases, why you buy a branded product you actually pay high not for the quality but for the name that brand has gained over the years and this is true for the gasoline industry too. Also people have trust in brands as they will never compromise on quality.
Saw another one the other day and actually got a picture.
$.54 spread on unleaded for going across the street.
There was one in I passed in Wilkes-Barre PA last weekend that was also $.50 spread but the sun was glaring through the windshield and all I got was reflection / blur.
-Dave
$.54 spread on unleaded for going across the street.
There was one in I passed in Wilkes-Barre PA last weekend that was also $.50 spread but the sun was glaring through the windshield and all I got was reflection / blur.
-Dave
Ok maybe I'm confused..
When I say "prepay gas stations" I mean ones that FORCE you to prepay..
Yes, the gas stations around me you can pay at the pump with a card, or go in and prepay, but you can also just pump your gas and then walk in and pay for it after you grab drinks or whatever..
Right?
Pump all the gas you want, walk in and shop for snacks or whatever, pay for everything, leave..
Actually a lot of them will stop at $100, but I've rarely pumped more than $100 at a time..
Non-prepay = they don't force you to prepay..
So with prepay... You don't mind paying twice at a gas station? Like pay for your gas, then go swipe a card inside for a $1.50 drink separately from your gas purchase?
Makes no sense..
I figure if you live around prepay only gas stations, you probably live in a shitty area full of criminals.. Sorry..
I feel like prepay-only gas stations assume I'm a criminal, so I really don't like them..
When I say "prepay gas stations" I mean ones that FORCE you to prepay..
Yes, the gas stations around me you can pay at the pump with a card, or go in and prepay, but you can also just pump your gas and then walk in and pay for it after you grab drinks or whatever..
Right?
Pump all the gas you want, walk in and shop for snacks or whatever, pay for everything, leave..
Actually a lot of them will stop at $100, but I've rarely pumped more than $100 at a time..
Non-prepay = they don't force you to prepay..
So with prepay... You don't mind paying twice at a gas station? Like pay for your gas, then go swipe a card inside for a $1.50 drink separately from your gas purchase?
Makes no sense..
I figure if you live around prepay only gas stations, you probably live in a shitty area full of criminals.. Sorry..
I feel like prepay-only gas stations assume I'm a criminal, so I really don't like them..
When you get oil changes every 7500 miles and someone asks you "weren't you her this month already?" and you just nod and head for the free coffee & donuts you start to care...a lot.
Isn't that what rentals are for? I've done 4-5k on two-week rentals, far cheaper than maintenance and depreciation on your own car. Oil change warning comes up, call Hertz, they tell you to ignore it LOL.
2 reasons. 1st and main reason is that I like my creature comforts. Heated & ventilated seats, Bluetooth and setup the way I like it, etc. If I am spending that much time in the car I might as well be comfortable. Most rentals are not that great and the ones that are are stupid $$$. 2nd reason is you cannot deduct / declare rental car mileage on your taxes. So it's actually a bit of a wash.
Yeah.. My cars are more my hobby than just transportation tools.. I beat on them pretty good, but don't really put on a lot of miles.. I don't commute for work or anything like that..
That's what I have motorcycles for.
Prepay gas stations are just the ones where when you put your card in they authorize for a larger amount then you purchase, and then refund you, right? Pretty sure that's just done with debit cards though, I know Credit Cards are typically just charged in the amount that was done afterwards -- with maybe just an authorization for more if they're checking you can pay for gas.
Literally don't think I've ever seen a nonprepay gas station EVER.
Most of them do an authorization for anywhere between $75 to $100 to make sure you can pay for it. They then let you pump up to that amount. Once you are finished you get charged what you used. If you go over the authorized amount the pump stops and you have to re-swipe your card.
As eddie13 pointed out they are out there,they are just getting really rare. It's just a security thing too. This way they know you can pay for the gas before you pump it.
When you think about it, it is kind of logical. You can't walk into Walmart put a bunch of things in your cart, roll it to your car, put them in your trunk and then walk back in and pay for them. You have to pay for your stuff before you leave the store. Why would someone let you put their gas in your car before they know you have the money to pay for it?
Anyway, back to the original point of the thread. I saw another one yesterday, 2 stations on one side of the road that were next to each other at the exact same price. $2.09 / unleaded. If you went a few hundred feet and made a right onto the cross street and then a few hundred feet more....$2.49. So yeah it's 1/4 mile or so away from the cheaper places but really?? if I'm ever back in that area I might just do a 15 second video...
-Dave
Wow, you must really be in the middle of nowhere. I have barely seen a non prepay station in 15 years. Not counting the full serve ones.
And I have receipts from 35 of the 48 continental states. A lot of them from some very rural places. I have fueled up in towns with a smaller population then the office building I work in and they even had the pre-pay pumps.
As for the fuel economy, it's just what you want to spend $$ on. I (pre covid) put on too many miles to have a non fuel efficient car at the moment. Or, as my accountant put it. "Compared to the car before this you are just about saving more in gas then the car costs"
When you get oil changes every 7500 miles and someone asks you "weren't you her this month already?" and you just nod and head for the free coffee & donuts you start to care...a lot.
-Dave
Prepay gas stations are just the ones where when you put your card in they authorize for a larger amount then you purchase, and then refund you, right? Pretty sure that's just done with debit cards though, I know Credit Cards are typically just charged in the amount that was done afterwards -- with maybe just an authorization for more if they're checking you can pay for gas.
Literally don't think I've ever seen a nonprepay gas station EVER.
When you get oil changes every 7500 miles and someone asks you "weren't you her this month already?" and you just nod and head for the free coffee & donuts you start to care...a lot.
Isn't that what rentals are for? I've done 4-5k on two-week rentals, far cheaper than maintenance and depreciation on your own car. Oil change warning comes up, call Hertz, they tell you to ignore it LOL.
Might not be able to call Hertz once these bankruptcy proceedings are done, lol.
Wow, you must really be in the middle of nowhere. I have barely seen a non prepay station in 15 years.
I guess..
That Shell, about 15 miles away, did go to prepay only for a few days around the 4th of July, I noticed..
Even the 2 closest "cities" to me don't have prepay.. About 40 and 50 miles in either direction..
I never realized this wasn't the norm.. Out of state I always had those gas cards where you even have to type the odo mileage into the pump so always paid at pump with them.. I guess I don't travel all that much personally..
I even went trucking through 4 states twice this year and the truck stops aren't prepay... Hmmm...
As for the fuel economy, it's just what you want to spend $$ on.
Yeah.. My cars are more my hobby than just transportation tools.. I beat on them pretty good, but don't really put on a lot of miles.. I don't commute for work or anything like that..
When you get oil changes every 7500 miles and someone asks you "weren't you her this month already?" and you just nod and head for the free coffee & donuts you start to care...a lot.
Isn't that what rentals are for? I've done 4-5k on two-week rentals, far cheaper than maintenance and depreciation on your own car. Oil change warning comes up, call Hertz, they tell you to ignore it LOL.
I don't think I have ever noticed a gas station charge more if you use cash or a credit card... ??
Where do you live? It's all over the US. Mostly in smaller stations
Well, put it this way..
Where I live gas stations aren't even prepay..
I hate that crap too..
Drive a long ways and I'm trying to pump gas smacking the machine for not working until I read "prepay only", say a few cuss words, go in, gripe to cashier about nonsense prepay, damn city folk, finally get gas, spin tires on way out..
I really don't pay that much attention to the cost of gas..
I only buy premium, because my cars need it, and I almost always fill up completely..
Hurts less to not even look..
I definitely don't get no 47mpg.. I'm lucky to get 20mpg..
I like to buy cars that are designed to burn fuel as fast as possible, and then do what I can to make them burn fuel even faster..
Gotta feed the trees some yummy CO2 ya know..
The only "brand" of gas I prefer is Shell V power 93... Other than that any old 91 will do just fine, but I feel the 93 is a little more det safety..
Wow, you must really be in the middle of nowhere. I have barely seen a non prepay station in 15 years. Not counting the full serve ones.
And I have receipts from 35 of the 48 continental states. A lot of them from some very rural places. I have fueled up in towns with a smaller population then the office building I work in and they even had the pre-pay pumps.
As for the fuel economy, it's just what you want to spend $$ on. I (pre covid) put on too many miles to have a non fuel efficient car at the moment. Or, as my accountant put it. "Compared to the car before this you are just about saving more in gas then the car costs"
When you get oil changes every 7500 miles and someone asks you "weren't you her this month already?" and you just nod and head for the free coffee & donuts you start to care...a lot.
-Dave
I can't really answer that question for Germany, because here it seems different. People prefer to buy the cheapest gas for their cars. On a big street overhere we have a the big name gas stations and normally a few hundred meters further we have the low budge gas station with lower prices. Everytime I pass the gas stations there are more cars for the budget gas. But in the end it's probably all the same gas anyways and they just try to sell more.
The only difference is that the brand gas stations have a premium gas for high end sports cars. But I barely see people actually using it. I guess the Germans are looking more to save money than anything else.
The only difference is that the brand gas stations have a premium gas for high end sports cars. But I barely see people actually using it. I guess the Germans are looking more to save money than anything else.
I don't think I have ever noticed a gas station charge more if you use cash or a credit card... ??
Where do you live? It's all over the US. Mostly in smaller stations
Well, put it this way..
Where I live gas stations aren't even prepay..
I hate that crap too..
Drive a long ways and I'm trying to pump gas smacking the machine for not working until I read "prepay only", say a few cuss words, go in, gripe to cashier about nonsense prepay, damn city folk, finally get gas, spin tires on way out..
I really don't pay that much attention to the cost of gas..
I only buy premium, because my cars need it, and I almost always fill up completely..
Hurts less to not even look..
I definitely don't get no 47mpg.. I'm lucky to get 20mpg..
I like to buy cars that are designed to burn fuel as fast as possible, and then do what I can to make them burn fuel even faster..
Gotta feed the trees some yummy CO2 ya know..
The only "brand" of gas I prefer is Shell V power 93... Other than that any old 91 will do just fine, but I feel the 93 is a little more det safety..
well heres one for you
even after the fuel drop due to the stock market goof a few months ago
fuel in the UK is
~£1 a litre
=£3.78(uk) a gallon
=$4.72(us) a gallon
enjoy that thought when next complaining that US is expensive.. its not
even after the fuel drop due to the stock market goof a few months ago
fuel in the UK is
~£1 a litre
=£3.78(uk) a gallon
=$4.72(us) a gallon
enjoy that thought when next complaining that US is expensive.. its not
It is not so much that gas ⛽️ is costly. It is that on a road that has 50 gas stations in a 20 mile stretch .
The price variation can be 40%
In UK 🇬🇧 if you drive past 5 petrol ⛽️ stations in a 20 klick drive.
are they all one price 1 pound per litre or do they vary as low as 80p and as high as 120p?
£0.99-£1.11 as 12% variance
they dont do 'full service' or any 'tips' or try to charge extra for using a card vs cash
the 12% variance it is very much based on factors of what 'company' its associated with which dictates how much control they have over costs. sometimes about convenience. sometimes about custmer loyalty
EG petrol station would charge the higher end but then offer £0.05 a lire discount if they show they shopped in the affiliated store that day
others are cheaper because they are affiliated with a super market and just want people to use them more often(bulk buy&loyalty)
Thank you so you get variance in price but around 12% tops. This seems more "normal"
While here in New Jersey or New York we can get 45-60% variance
In stations less than 10 miles apart.
well heres one for you
even after the fuel drop due to the stock market goof a few months ago
fuel in the UK is
~£1 a litre
=£3.78(uk) a gallon
=$4.72(us) a gallon
enjoy that thought when next complaining that US is expensive.. its not
even after the fuel drop due to the stock market goof a few months ago
fuel in the UK is
~£1 a litre
=£3.78(uk) a gallon
=$4.72(us) a gallon
enjoy that thought when next complaining that US is expensive.. its not
It is not so much that gas ⛽️ is costly. It is that on a road that has 50 gas stations in a 20 mile stretch .
The price variation can be 40%
In UK 🇬🇧 if you drive past 5 petrol ⛽️ stations in a 20 klick drive.
are they all one price 1 pound per litre or do they vary as low as 80p and as high as 120p?
£0.99-£1.11 as 12% variance
they dont do 'full service' or any 'tips' or try to charge extra for using a card vs cash
the 12% variance it is very much based on factors of what 'company' its associated with which dictates how much control they have over costs. sometimes about convenience. sometimes about custmer loyalty
EG petrol station would charge the higher end but then offer £0.05 a lire discount if they show they shopped in the affiliated store that day
others are cheaper because they are affiliated with a super market and just want people to use them more often(bulk buy&loyalty)
I am beginning to see some other stores also charge a credit card fee. Mostly restaurants / take out places but some other stores are starting too do it.
I think it used to be against the law and/or against Visa/Mastercard rules to do so. Visa still doesn't allow to change extra for CC but allows to offer a discount for cash. Meaning the advertised price must be the higher one. Not sure about MC.
well heres one for you
even after the fuel drop due to the stock market goof a few months ago
fuel in the UK is
~£1 a litre
=£3.78(uk) a gallon
=$4.72(us) a gallon
enjoy that thought when next complaining that US is expensive.. its not
even after the fuel drop due to the stock market goof a few months ago
fuel in the UK is
~£1 a litre
=£3.78(uk) a gallon
=$4.72(us) a gallon
enjoy that thought when next complaining that US is expensive.. its not
It is not so much that gas ⛽️ is costly. It is that on a road that has 50 gas stations in a 20 mile stretch .
Route 9 from Lakewood to Oldbridge.
crosses 3 counties in NJ
The price variation can be 40%
In UK 🇬🇧 if you drive past 5 petrol ⛽️ stations in a 20 klick drive.
are they all one price 1 pound per litre or do they vary as low as 80p and as high as 120p?
Most of my driving is NJ then NY then CT
since NJ is cheapest and I am served by an attendant I effort to fill up in NJ using the lowest price I can find.
Do I tip yes
the Months of Dec and Jan for Holidays I tip 2 usd
now with covid I tip 1 usd.
Do we have gas discount some gas stations ⛽️ have a cash discount.
The lowest price for gas is BJ’s about 1.89 a gallon.
Wawa is about 1.95 a gallon.
NJ has quite a few Wawa locations.
Less BJ wholesale clubs.
both have discounts.
I am older 63 and don’t need to drive 40,000 miles a year anymore.
I drive about 15,000. The kia optima can do 400 miles per tank. so 40 gas ⛽️ fills a year.
And with covid restrictions I am down to driving 400-500 miles a month. so only 12-15 fills a year.
well heres one for you
even after the fuel drop due to the stock market goof a few months ago
fuel in the UK is
~£1 a litre
=£3.78(uk) a gallon
=$4.72(us) a gallon
enjoy that thought when next complaining that US is expensive.. its not
even after the fuel drop due to the stock market goof a few months ago
fuel in the UK is
~£1 a litre
=£3.78(uk) a gallon
=$4.72(us) a gallon
enjoy that thought when next complaining that US is expensive.. its not
If you own a none performance cars like I do.
Chevy Malibu 2009 to 2014
Kia Forte 2014 to 2018
Kia Forte 2018 to 2020
Kia Optima 2020.
Chevy Malibu 2009 to 2014
Kia Forte 2014 to 2018
Kia Forte 2018 to 2020
Kia Optima 2020.
Accord Hybrid. 47 MPG +/- a bit depending on how I am driving.
So, yeah fill up rarely and look for the cheaper place.
OK this is just nuts:
Ok, I must apologize for not believing you
I haven't seen such a blatant ripoff myself.
You might have, just did not notice. If you didn't need gas, and were not looking at prices, you could have driven past a pair of stations like these not had it hit you.
As I said in the 1st post it's everywhere, and getting worse.
Once (if?) I'm back the road more often I'll get some more pictures.
oh to suchmoon shame on you knocking one of NJ’s shining examples of law.
“Full service only no pump“
“Full service only no pump“
TBH I avoid gas stations in NJ - last time I did it maybe 10 years ago and it scarred me for life - so I don't even know how it really works. Does the pump person ask for your zip code or do the pumps not require zip codes with credit cards? Do they carry change and/or run to the cash register if you pay cash? Is it customary to tip the poor schmuck who's breathing fumes for a living? Does the whole thing work 24/7?
Since Phil is from there he can probably answer better. But from the ones I have been to.
1) Some do ask for your zip, most don't. Since you are handing your card to an attendant it's a different processing fee & fraud prevention setup then self serve.
2) Once again depends, from what I have seen the busier places usually carry cash, the slower ones have a central register or 2.
3) I only tip in crappy weather. But I am cheap.
4) 24 / 7 / 365
I don't think I have ever noticed a gas station charge more if you use cash or a credit card... ??
I don't think I have ever seen it around me, and if it was out of state it was probably a work card so I didn't care anyway..
Never heard of it though..
I don't think I have ever seen it around me, and if it was out of state it was probably a work card so I didn't care anyway..
Never heard of it though..
Where do you live? It's all over the US. Mostly in smaller stations who:
1) Have owners that have no idea how business works and think they are "getting back the credit card fees"
2) Are under-reporting the cash for tax reasons
3) Have no real idea how much cash costs to handle and deal with
4) Just don't care.
-------------------------------------
Another rant based on eddie13's comment
I am beginning to see some other stores also charge a credit card fee. Mostly restaurants / take out places but some other stores are starting too do it.
You can tell that they either have a captive customer base like a beach or other secluded area, have no idea how business works, or are committing some kind of fraud with the not wanting traceable money.
*once again based on US studies I can't comment on other places but it has been proven (by both sides pro and anti credit card) that:
1) people who pay with cards tend to spend a lot more (even when getting breakfast) then those paying with cash
2) credit card fraud / charge-backs cost a business less then stolen cash / wrong change / counterfeit bills
3) general time cost of counting cash / going to the bank / dealing with having enough change / etc. is a larger cost to the business then the 3% CC fee.
-Dave
I don't think I have ever noticed a gas station charge more if you use cash or a credit card... ??
I don't think I have ever seen it around me, and if it was out of state it was probably a work card so I didn't care anyway..
Never heard of it though..
I don't think I have ever seen it around me, and if it was out of state it was probably a work card so I didn't care anyway..
Never heard of it though..
OK this is just nuts:
Ok, I must apologize for not believing you
I haven't seen such a blatant ripoff myself.
oh to suchmoon shame on you knocking one of NJ’s shining examples of law.
“Full service only no pump“
“Full service only no pump“
TBH I avoid gas stations in NJ - last time I did it maybe 10 years ago and it scarred me for life - so I don't even know how it really works. Does the pump person ask for your zip code or do the pumps not require zip codes with credit cards? Do they carry change and/or run to the cash register if you pay cash? Is it customary to tip the poor schmuck who's breathing fumes for a living? Does the whole thing work 24/7?
If you own a none performance cars like I do.
Chevy Malibu 2009 to 2014
Kia Forte 2014 to 2018
Kia Forte 2018 to 2020
Kia Optima 2020.
always new alway trade them in to same dealer.
you find the cheapest gas you can and buy it as often as you can.
I get bj’s wholesale gas ⛽️
Or Wawa Gas ⛽️.
Or is a really am low on gas ⛽️ Five dollars 💵 and drive to the cheap places.
My wifes cousin lives in Commack LI I have drive thousands of miles on Jericho Turnpike and seen hundreds of gas stations with stupid prices.
So Dave I can realate.
oh to suchmoon shame on you knocking one of NJ’s shining examples of law.
“Full service only no pump“
Chevy Malibu 2009 to 2014
Kia Forte 2014 to 2018
Kia Forte 2018 to 2020
Kia Optima 2020.
always new alway trade them in to same dealer.
you find the cheapest gas you can and buy it as often as you can.
I get bj’s wholesale gas ⛽️
Or Wawa Gas ⛽️.
Or is a really am low on gas ⛽️ Five dollars 💵 and drive to the cheap places.
My wifes cousin lives in Commack LI I have drive thousands of miles on Jericho Turnpike and seen hundreds of gas stations with stupid prices.
So Dave I can realate.
oh to suchmoon shame on you knocking one of NJ’s shining examples of law.
“Full service only no pump“
many factors at play
1. if the fuel is mined/refined in country vs imported
2. how many gas stations to dilute the HQ profits. EG 100 vs 1000 means the thousand can offer slight cheaper prices.
3. location of the gas station. even a quarter mile might have a different lease value
4. tax amounts. again state by state and also if imported or locally refined.
5. distance from nearest distribution point
EG if shell is just 50 miles from nearest local point. and mobil is 150miles. it costs mobil slightly more to refiill
6. how busy the station is
a gas station that only requires one tanker a week vs gas station that requires 3 tankers a week can get better deals for bulk buying
1. if the fuel is mined/refined in country vs imported
2. how many gas stations to dilute the HQ profits. EG 100 vs 1000 means the thousand can offer slight cheaper prices.
3. location of the gas station. even a quarter mile might have a different lease value
4. tax amounts. again state by state and also if imported or locally refined.
5. distance from nearest distribution point
EG if shell is just 50 miles from nearest local point. and mobil is 150miles. it costs mobil slightly more to refiill
6. how busy the station is
a gas station that only requires one tanker a week vs gas station that requires 3 tankers a week can get better deals for bulk buying
Very true indeed!
Simply because it's a free market and customers literally get what they're paying for (as mentioned and enumerated already above).
And as long as the customer is always willing to pay for it, the law of supply and demand may not hold true sometimes when comparing "Gas Station A" versus "Gas Station B, C, D, and E for example.
many factors at play
1. if the fuel is mined/refined in country vs imported
2. how many gas stations to dilute the HQ profits. EG 100 vs 1000 means the thousand can offer slight cheaper prices.
3. location of the gas station. even a quarter mile might have a different lease value
4. tax amounts. again state by state and also if imported or locally refined.
5. distance from nearest distribution point
EG if shell is just 50 miles from nearest local point. and mobil is 150miles. it costs mobil slightly more to refiill
6. how busy the station is
a gas station that only requires one tanker a week vs gas station that requires 3 tankers a week can get better deals for bulk buying
1. if the fuel is mined/refined in country vs imported
2. how many gas stations to dilute the HQ profits. EG 100 vs 1000 means the thousand can offer slight cheaper prices.
3. location of the gas station. even a quarter mile might have a different lease value
4. tax amounts. again state by state and also if imported or locally refined.
5. distance from nearest distribution point
EG if shell is just 50 miles from nearest local point. and mobil is 150miles. it costs mobil slightly more to refiill
6. how busy the station is
a gas station that only requires one tanker a week vs gas station that requires 3 tankers a week can get better deals for bulk buying
OK this is just nuts:
60 cents more for unleaded (and that is the cash price) add another $0.14 for using your credit card.
No CC charge at the cheaper station.
And $1.22 spread on diesel. WTF?
I am thinking that the other station is either a front for a money laundering business, or is run by someone who does not understand how things really work.
On the other hand there is actually a car at the pumps getting gas so could just be me.
Bit of a ramble here but........
Reminds me of something that happened at the end of 2019 with someone screaming at the TV.
Bit of background. I live in Long Island NY, never hid that fact.
There is a road called Jericho Tpke, state road 25 that just about runs the length of the island (east - west).
We are going to concentrate on a 12 mile stretch between a town called Syosset ( where it crosses RT 135 a major north - south route) and another town called Commack (where it crosses the Sunken Meadow parkway another major north south route)
Now, for the most part it's a 2 lane road in each direction, with a bunch of lights. Probably will take you 30 to 40 minutes to do it if there is traffic. With no traffic, hitting a few lights it's 20.
So, we were sitting around watching the local news when you had one of those "local business in trouble" segments.
It was a small Greek restaurant that has been there for years.
The owner was complaining on and on about how the high rents, the cost of insurance, the high cost of labor, etc. Was driving him out of business.
I Just thought to myself boo hoo, adapt or die. The person next to me fucking lost it. Screaming (at the TV mind you) "well maybe if your prices were not so fucking high and your had better food life would not suck so much you looser"
OK perhaps a bit harsh but whatever.
No, he was pissed (still over a 90 second or so TV news blip) so we hopped in the car and went for a drive (lucky me).
In that 12 mile stretch of road that the restaurant was more or less in the middle of (5 mile spot) there are 8 Greek Restaurants / take out places. If you go north or south on a few of the major roads a mile you add about another 5 or so places.
So, 3 hours and 2 gyros later we had the conclusive proof that you can't just charge what you want because no matter how much you like to blame others for your business failing, it can all comes back to you and what you charge for your stuff. Especially if your product can be obtained elsewhere.
So how long (if they are not a front for the mob laundering money) till we see the segment on the poor owner of the Mobil station.
-Dave
60 cents more for unleaded (and that is the cash price) add another $0.14 for using your credit card.
No CC charge at the cheaper station.
And $1.22 spread on diesel. WTF?
I am thinking that the other station is either a front for a money laundering business, or is run by someone who does not understand how things really work.
On the other hand there is actually a car at the pumps getting gas so could just be me.
Bit of a ramble here but........
Reminds me of something that happened at the end of 2019 with someone screaming at the TV.
Bit of background. I live in Long Island NY, never hid that fact.
There is a road called Jericho Tpke, state road 25 that just about runs the length of the island (east - west).
We are going to concentrate on a 12 mile stretch between a town called Syosset ( where it crosses RT 135 a major north - south route) and another town called Commack (where it crosses the Sunken Meadow parkway another major north south route)
Now, for the most part it's a 2 lane road in each direction, with a bunch of lights. Probably will take you 30 to 40 minutes to do it if there is traffic. With no traffic, hitting a few lights it's 20.
So, we were sitting around watching the local news when you had one of those "local business in trouble" segments.
It was a small Greek restaurant that has been there for years.
The owner was complaining on and on about how the high rents, the cost of insurance, the high cost of labor, etc. Was driving him out of business.
I Just thought to myself boo hoo, adapt or die. The person next to me fucking lost it. Screaming (at the TV mind you) "well maybe if your prices were not so fucking high and your had better food life would not suck so much you looser"
OK perhaps a bit harsh but whatever.
No, he was pissed (still over a 90 second or so TV news blip) so we hopped in the car and went for a drive (lucky me).
In that 12 mile stretch of road that the restaurant was more or less in the middle of (5 mile spot) there are 8 Greek Restaurants / take out places. If you go north or south on a few of the major roads a mile you add about another 5 or so places.
So, 3 hours and 2 gyros later we had the conclusive proof that you can't just charge what you want because no matter how much you like to blame others for your business failing, it can all comes back to you and what you charge for your stuff. Especially if your product can be obtained elsewhere.
So how long (if they are not a front for the mob laundering money) till we see the segment on the poor owner of the Mobil station.
-Dave
Eh. I think a lot of people are stuck in the line of thinking that the brand name is more reliable because they're using 'x companies gas' and they think that other companies may not be as reliable. There may be some truth to this -- as some no name companies may use more bio fuel in their blend of gasoline / diesel (I know this is more present in regards to diesel though)
I think a lot of it is that people have just picked 'their' gas station. I typically go to the same gas station over and over just because of the convenience and how close it is to me, unsure if I'd even save a few bucks by going somewhere else.
Name brands and their marketing does work on people though, rewards programs and all that keep people invested in the brand by using it.
Yeah I saw this happen a few times near me as well -- only because of the massive volatility in the market which causes some to just not change their prices for a few days and be able to reap the high margin rewards of that.
GasBuddy works though, amazing app. But only when I'm outside of where I live. Not gonna chase a buck or two when I'm coming home tired from work.
I think a lot of it is that people have just picked 'their' gas station. I typically go to the same gas station over and over just because of the convenience and how close it is to me, unsure if I'd even save a few bucks by going somewhere else.
Name brands and their marketing does work on people though, rewards programs and all that keep people invested in the brand by using it.
Sometimes people have loyalty cards/discounts that make up at least part of that difference. I haven't seen differences of 20% except for a brief period recently when prices dipped to $1.30 at some gas stations and others held higher, around $2.00, but that's just pandemic panic. Normally the differences are within 5-10% and if you add a loyalty discount and a discounted car wash it becomes negligible or at least enough to make people think it's worth it (the cheaper gas station might have discounts too).
Me personally... cheapest gas from GasBuddy + 5% CC cashback is what I usually do.
"full serve" sounds like NJ, haven't seen that nonsense anywhere else LOL
Me personally... cheapest gas from GasBuddy + 5% CC cashback is what I usually do.
"full serve" sounds like NJ, haven't seen that nonsense anywhere else LOL
Yeah I saw this happen a few times near me as well -- only because of the massive volatility in the market which causes some to just not change their prices for a few days and be able to reap the high margin rewards of that.
GasBuddy works though, amazing app. But only when I'm outside of where I live. Not gonna chase a buck or two when I'm coming home tired from work.
Sometimes people have loyalty cards/discounts that make up at least part of that difference. I haven't seen differences of 20% except for a brief period recently when prices dipped to $1.30 at some gas stations and others held higher, around $2.00, but that's just pandemic panic. Normally the differences are within 5-10% and if you add a loyalty discount and a discounted car wash it becomes negligible or at least enough to make people think it's worth it (the cheaper gas station might have discounts too).
Me personally... cheapest gas from GasBuddy + 5% CC cashback is what I usually do.
"full serve" sounds like NJ, haven't seen that nonsense anywhere else LOL
Me personally... cheapest gas from GasBuddy + 5% CC cashback is what I usually do.
"full serve" sounds like NJ, haven't seen that nonsense anywhere else LOL
I have always see a 10%+ swing all over the place for the 30+years I have been driving. Even with discount cards I can't see it making up that much.
The 20%+ I have seen for years in the middle of nowhere where your choices were a bit more limited but now it seems to be creeping to more populated areas.
There are places on Long Island that are still full serve by order of the town. There are others that are in more expensive areas that have it because it's what people want.
And, it also cuts down on credit card fraud. For some reason people are less likely to use a stolen card when they have to hand it to someone as opposed to just putting it in a card reader.
-Dave
Sometimes people have loyalty cards/discounts that make up at least part of that difference. I haven't seen differences of 20% except for a brief period recently when prices dipped to $1.30 at some gas stations and others held higher, around $2.00, but that's just pandemic panic. Normally the differences are within 5-10% and if you add a loyalty discount and a discounted car wash it becomes negligible or at least enough to make people think it's worth it (the cheaper gas station might have discounts too).
Me personally... cheapest gas from GasBuddy + 5% CC cashback is what I usually do.
"full serve" sounds like NJ, haven't seen that nonsense anywhere else LOL
Me personally... cheapest gas from GasBuddy + 5% CC cashback is what I usually do.
"full serve" sounds like NJ, haven't seen that nonsense anywhere else LOL
Not sure where this topic belongs but I figure I'll post it here.
I have been seeing this more and more over the last 10 years or so with people paying 20%+ more for a gallon for a "real name" brand of gas vs something else.
Now I am not talking "Bob's Gas" vs Shell, but well known but not one of the biggies.
Big ones:
Exxon / Mobil
BP
Shell
Sunoco
2nd tier but still just as good (if not better)
Speedway / Marathon
Valero
Chevron
QuikTrip
Sometimes it's even between the big ones there is a Sunoco station near me @ 2.39 a gallon full serve cash +$0.10 / gallon credit
From that station if you stand on the sidewalk you can SEE a Shell station probably a bit less then a 1/4 mile away $1.99 a gallon full server cash / credit same price.
Seriously???
Just thinking about this today when I was at a Speedway that was $2.09 cash / credit looking across the street [just a regular street no divider 2 lanes in each direction] at a Mobil that was $2.59 cash and even more for credit. With cars at the pumps. Why?
Can someone who does this explain it to me?
Funny part it is seems to be across the US. I have seen the same in NY, PA, KY, WV, CT, OH, AZ, NV, UT and others over the years.
Just off major roads tends to be close if not the same in price. Go local and WTF???
-Dave
I have been seeing this more and more over the last 10 years or so with people paying 20%+ more for a gallon for a "real name" brand of gas vs something else.
Now I am not talking "Bob's Gas" vs Shell, but well known but not one of the biggies.
Big ones:
Exxon / Mobil
BP
Shell
Sunoco
2nd tier but still just as good (if not better)
Speedway / Marathon
Valero
Chevron
QuikTrip
Sometimes it's even between the big ones there is a Sunoco station near me @ 2.39 a gallon full serve cash +$0.10 / gallon credit
From that station if you stand on the sidewalk you can SEE a Shell station probably a bit less then a 1/4 mile away $1.99 a gallon full server cash / credit same price.
Seriously???
Just thinking about this today when I was at a Speedway that was $2.09 cash / credit looking across the street [just a regular street no divider 2 lanes in each direction] at a Mobil that was $2.59 cash and even more for credit. With cars at the pumps. Why?
Can someone who does this explain it to me?
Funny part it is seems to be across the US. I have seen the same in NY, PA, KY, WV, CT, OH, AZ, NV, UT and others over the years.
Just off major roads tends to be close if not the same in price. Go local and WTF???
-Dave
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