If you are a gas station owner, you probably want to create a profitable business model. Due to the increasing competition, it may seem impossible to increase your profits. Drivers want fast and affordable gas stations to ensure that their time is well managed. With this in mind, you can develop a strategy to market your gas station. Here are some tips for improving your profits as a gas station owner.
1. Service Beyond Gas
Gas prices are never fixed. Global events and speculators impact the availability of gas, which then affects the price. As a gas station owner, you probably know that you make little profit on fuel sales. The rising gas prices result from the cost of this commodity and not the profit of the gas station. If you want to make money, provide other services at a fee. You can offer a repair shop or car wash services to motorists. You can also provide motorists with a one-stop store for hot food, toiletries, and other fast-moving items.
2. Marketing
For you to draw traffic to your gas station, you have to make people love your services. Create a unique experience. You can begin by offering loyalty cards that can earn your customers a free tank of gas after some fill-ups. Take advantage of the amenities you have to retain and attract new customers. For instance, you can offer a free hot dog from your convenience store for any customer who fills up during the lunch hour. You can also implement traditional advertising methods such as electronic and print media, flyers, and posters.
3. Mobile Technology
When finding an ideal gas station, drivers consider proximity, value, and reliability. With the current digital advancement, most customers opt to use their mobile phones to find a gas station and pay for fuel. Ensure that you can accept any form of payment. A gas station POS system can help you manage your transactions, store, and inventory. Implementing mobile technology also allows anyone with a smartphone to access your information through applications such as YellowPages, GasBuddy, or social media. Most importantly, ensure that people can find your station in search results.
4. Free Air Pump and Pressure Check
Install a free air pump on your gas station and let customers know that you have an air gauge. You can also direct your staff to assist those who do not know how to operate the air gauge. Use a sign to direct your customers where to check and fill their tire pressure. You can display tips on how an under-inflated tire can damage your vehicle and put your life at risk.
5. Employee Training
Excellent customer service will retain and attract new customers to your gas station. Take time to train your employees and teach them how to respond to accidents. Ensure that they are willing to help and direct customers to the gas or air pump. Your employees should also know repeat customers on a personal level. Properly trained employees can also help you save on your insurance cost because you can prove that you have a response team in place.
By implementing these tips, you can now run a profitable gas station.
