If you are thinking of opening a gas business, you should visit the local gas site in your area and check what they like and what they don’t like. You should take note of the mistakes of other businesses so you don’t make the same ones. The following are some things to keep in mind about running a successful gas station:
1. You need to set up your business in a place that gets a lot of traffic or in an area that is in desperate need of a gas base. One more location is close to other gas stops because the cliché is that business brings business” is often true. Many times a driver stops at a gas station, but sees a cheaper one, or one with a shorter line across the street and goes to that one instead.
2. If you are taking over an existing business, you should put up a sign that says “Under New Management” so people know it is a different owner and there will be no more problems. The key is to use marketing techniques to attract customers. Maybe consider having a “grand opening sale.” Maybe a brand of potato chips is buy one get one free. You can also give away free coffee in the mornings and in the evenings, offer customers a coupon for a free coffee per fill.
3. Negotiate discounts with your suppliers and then give part of that profit to your customers by reducing the price of something you sell.
4. You must ask your family to work for you until your gas station takes off. Just make sure you’re not breaking any employment laws. This will help you save money while looking for a stable worker you can trust.
5. You must remove products from your stores that are not selling well. This will keep your gas station from looking old and run down. Keep in mind that first impressions last and you don’t want your customers to think your items aren’t new and unique.
6. Keep a clean gas station. You must ensure that the bathroom is neat and clean. Customers like the clean restaurant. Many people choose one gas station over another just for cleanliness.
7. You must use the same retail tactics that you see other stores use. Place the best-selling items at the end of the aisle display. Place reasonable items like candy near the cash register. Put your seasonal items near the front. During the summer months, try to move your frozen drink machine closer to the front door, and during the winter months move your hot chocolate machine closer to the front door.
8. Lastly, set rules for your workers and be a role model. Put the code of conduct to sign where the rules are clearly stated. Make sure your employees know you’re in charge.
