For mom-and-pop gas stations, surviving in the fuel retail industry can be a tough task. Rising gas prices, increasing regulations, and ever-evolving equipment needs can push the business sanity of even the savviest to the limit.
Then, there are those big boys owned companies who have unlimited resources to smoothly navigate their way through the many challenges that fuel retailers have to face. They’re like casinos; no matter what you do, what you try as a mom-and-pop gas station owner, you can never put them out of business.
That doesn’t mean you can’t put up a fight, though.
There are many success stories around us that do indeed prove that mom-and-pop gas stations can successfully compete against the big boys. Yes, you may never be able to hit the profits that they do, but you can establish a firm foothold in the industry.
Not everyone is a loser at the blackjack table, right?
So, how do you drive success at your mom-and-pop gas station given the operational constraints you have to work under?
Simple solution: leverage technology at your gas pump.
Technology has the ability to transform your operation. It can help deliver results, irrespective of how big or small your gas station is.
The key to successfully using technology at your gas station? Employ solutions that improve the experience of your customers.
For instance, you can deploy media solutions at your forecourt for marketing and advertising purposes. Using these solutions, you can immediately grasp the attention of your customers and sell them products and services on the go.
Another way to use technology to drive success at your gas station is by offering your customers flexible and secured payment options. There are multiple payment options that you can offer, including cash, card, mobile, and contactless payments.
You can also use technology to keep your forecourt and restrooms clean and tidy, which can help create a positive impression on your customers. According to numerous surveys, fuel customers highly value cleanliness at gas stations. So much so, that if they find a gas station untidy, they may not even purchase gas from there. Gas station POS systems can help you keep your gas station clean. Using a gas station POS system, you can set up programmed reminders for cleaning duties and streamline the cleaning process at your gas station.
There are so many ways technology can help you drive success at your gas pump that it’s hard not to get tempted by the idea of leveraging it for your business.
So, will you be using technology at your mom-and-pop gas station?
John W. Kennedy Company is your one-stop shop for gas station equipment and supplies. We sell gas station canopies, lighting, breakaways, pipe fittings, service station hardware, and everything else you need to keep your gas station operational, safe, and efficient. Visit our online store to learn more about our product range.