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Features to Look for When Buying a POS System for Gas Stations

  By Author February 5, 2018

Features to LookLooking for a POS system for your gas station but don’t really know where to start?

Don’t worry. We have compiled this brief guide to help you find the right solution for your service station, one that makes filling of vehicle tanks a total breeze for your customers, while also allowing you to manage your fuel retail operations conveniently.

So, let’s get started!

Compliance with ATEX Regulations

When buying a fuel POS system, the first thing that you need to make sure is that the system complies with many different industry specific requirements—the most important being ATEX regulations. These set of regulations govern the design standards of a POS system so as to make its operation safe in a potentially explosive environment.

It Should Enable Short Transaction Times

Gas stations receive high volume of customers every day – around the clock. As such, you cannot afford to spend too much time processing a sale, with the queue of cars adding up and customers honking their discontent to let you know they are getting late. Your POS system should accommodate faster transaction times with easy to access sales information and quick-to-process system functionality.

A User-Friendly Interface

The best fuel POS systems are designed for intuitive operations, having a user interface that is easy to navigate and interact with. The easier the system is to use, the greater the time savings it will offer—otherwise expended to train your staff—and the lesser the encountered human errors while processing a payment.

Designed to Accommodate Multiple Modes of Payment

Consumers today expect retailers to accommodate multiple modes of payment when they are making a purchase.

Fuel retail and convenience store purchases are not exempted. Therefore, your POS system should be able to accept payments in cash, credit and debit—while also offering discount coupons and fleet cards integration.

A Convenient Inventory Management

Fuel retail operations are resource exhaustive. As such, stock levels need to be continuously monitored to minimize outages and shrinkage—not to mention the disappointed maneuvers as customers lap the leagues to look for an alternative.

A fuel POS system should offer inventory management to ensure uninterrupted supply of gasoline to the customers.

A POS system having these 5 key features should be able to support your fuel retail operations holistically.

Buy Fuel POS Systems Online

At John W. Kennedy Company, we stock high quality service station equipment and gas station supplies, providing everything you need to run your business smoothly, efficiently and safely. You can place your order online and we will deliver it to you at your doorstep.

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Climate Change Warning Labels at Gas Stations – Yay or Nay?

  By Author February 3, 2018

Climate Change Warning Labels at Gas StationsAs affixation of climate change warning labels on gas pumps, moves towards mandatory resolution in our neighboring territorial jurisdiction, Canada, concerns have been growing among the nationwide gas station owners.

What if a similar legislation is passed here, in the United States?

What implications it could have on the sector and the businesses operating in the sector? Could it possibly deter consumers from using gasoline and prove to be another coffin in the nail for the industry, where service stations are already closing down amidst the surrounding economic volatility?

And let’s be honest here, the idea might not be very far off from being potentially implemented.

When the Seattle City Council Came Close to Passing the Legislation

Back in 2015, the Seattle City Council explored the idea of introducing a legislation, according to which it would have been mandatory for gas station owners to affix their gas pumps with climate change warning labels. But, the idea was not followed into implementation.

Nevertheless, this could be seen as a potential indicator to where things might move towards in the future—as of now, it’s not the case.

And what if such a legislation is eventually passed – then what?

The Implication

The prospect appears to be frightening for gas station owners. But if you look at the current gasoline consumption, things do not appear at all ugly.

According to the 2016 NACS Retail Fuels Report:

“Approximately 39 million Americans fill up their gas tanks on a daily basis.”

Combine this with the total number of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles in the United States, and it becomes clear that the phase-out of gasoline is beyond any realms of possibility for at least foreseeable future. As such, even if you stick those gas station warning labels on your gas pump nozzles, it would hardly serve to deter consumers from refueling their cars with gasoline.

However, what it might do is create better awareness among consumers to exercise precautions to prevent over spills so as to control environmental damage. This in itself is everyone’s responsibility — yours, ours and every other human being.

Affixing a climate change warning label, as such, could only imply that you know your responsibilities and in turn create a positive image of your business among your customers.

And whenever such a legislation is passed in your state, be assured that we will have the stock of labels for your gas station, like we stock every service station equipment and essentials to keep your gas station running smoothly and efficiently.

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Revisiting the Gas Stations of Old

  By Author February 1, 2018

Stations of OldSo, which one of you can tell us exactly, where this “very famous” gas station is located?

Hint: Arizona…

Yes, Route 66 – you have picked the right road.

Driving all the way up to the Gold Hill Grade – yes you are almost there…and?

On Route 66, climbing your way up to the Gold Hill Grade as you drive towards Oatman, Arizona.

Nailed it…

And as you might know, this is actually the restored version of the vintage Cool Springs gas station.

The original one looked something like this:

the Gas Stations

                                                          Image Source: route66coolspringsaz.com

We could only find the picture of its ruins from the archives. You might ask your grandfather or father and they might well remember how it looked like back in the day.

Interested in revisiting those old memories? Come, let’s discover!

Those Were the Days When Cars Were Fed Rather Than Their Drivers

 

Those Were the Days

Today, we have convenience stores that serve customers with made-to-order burgers, sandwiches, soft-drinks and so much more. Back in the day, it was all about cars. A complimentary windshield wash with every refuel, a free under the hood examination and a casual inspection of tires—cars were treated like the royals at gas stations in those days.

An Attendant Dressed in a Uniform Welcoming the Travelers

An Attendant Dressed

 

The clothes that might not make the man, but might make the customers come back – so to put the idea that was used by gas station service companies in those times.

Every gas station had a neatly dressed attendant, wearing the company’s uniform, with a smile on his face and a welcome in his steps. These attendants did everything.

They filled gas in our cars. They cleaned our windshields. And no matter how harsh the weather was, these attendants were always present to serve, now wearing hooded raincoats.

And, There Were Gas Stations Like This…

 

With marketing messages that sounded witty and let’s be honest – humorous!

When the Analog Was in Fashion and Four Was the New

Ah! The fuel dispenser heads. They were some giant freaks of nature, clad in analog and proudly presenting the ability to display four digits rather than the even older three.

When the Analog Was in Fashion

Image Source: The Guardian

Not only the fuel dispenser heads, but service station equipment in general looked very different to what they look now.

Gas Stations that Rented Bicycles

Yes, as one might remember, particularly the gas stations servicing the Washington D.C area.

Gas Stations that Rented Bicycles

How many of you can relate to these memories? You might have something to share of your own — don’t you?!

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A Safety Guide To Managing Fuel Storage After Hurricane Irma

  By Author January 30, 2018

Fuel StoragesIf left unattended, a flooded underground fuel storage tank can be a grave environmental liability. To protect the tank owners and their property from their probable health impact, corroded or leaky storage tanks need to be repaired or removed.

Is your fuel storage tank system one of the many things Hurricane Irma left asunder?

Below listed are some measures that can be taken to help it become functional again.

Before the System Startup

  • Ensure that the power to pumps, fuel dispensers or any other tank equipment is switched off.
  • Check areas around the tank for any possible leakages. Make sure you don’t leave out the pump sumps, or the secondary and under-dispenser containments.
  • Look closely. Do you see signs for a damaged tank cover pad? If yes, it’s advisable that you get a tank contractor to inspect it.
  • Use a gauge-stick or water-finding paste to detect water in your fuel storage tank.
  • If your tank is filled with gasoline blended with ethanol and you detect traces of water in it, you might as well run a fuel test in order to ensure that it still meets quality standards.
  • Turn the power on if you find nothing wrong with the tank’s electrical system. If there’s something alarming, get in touch with an electrician or a tank contractor.
  • Inspect valves, switches, relays, leak detection system, and all other pump equipment to ascertain they are undamaged and in a working condition.
  • Empty the sumps of possible fuel spills and clean them. Also, check all the fittings and pipelines. Do you find any damages? Are they leaking?
  • If you are still unsure about the tightness of the tank system, carry out a test before adding any more fuel to it.

Upon System Startup

  • As long as you do not detect a leaking tank system, it’s okay to return it to service, even if the leak detection system needs repair.
  • In case of a damaged leak detection system, keep track of inventory control on a daily basis. This includes tank’s contents’ measurements done manually, recording the amount of fuel pumped, and testing the presence of water at the bottom of the tank. Better yet, seek assistance from a leading fuel management systemprovider to guide you through the calibration procedures.
  • In the event of an inventory loss or a persistent collection of water, let the system be out-of-service. Meanwhile, perform a test to ensure your tank’s tightness.

Do you need help fixing your underground petroleum and chemical storage tanks? Are you considering replacing it with a new one? Contact John W. Kennedy today. We look forward to providing the best possible solution to you.

 

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Fuel Management Systems Can Save You Money

  By Author January 10, 2018

Fuel Management Systems Can Save You MoneyThe profitability of a business can be enhanced by increasing its efficiency. In the petroleum industry, fuel management systems are used to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of business processes.

Experienced owners of fleet operations and refueling services know how valuable an effective fuel management system can be. They reduce the cost of doing business and simply fuel management operations. Continue reading

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Avoid Repairs with These Simple Gas Station Maintenance Tips

  By Author November 28, 2017

Avoid Repairs with These Simple Gas Station Maintenance TipsAccording to a research published in September 2016, the total number of gas stations in the US is roughly about 121,446.

While this is a huge number, it isn’t wrong to say that running a gas station isn’t an easy job. It has its own share of responsibilities. You ought to know new techniques and have all the latest knowledge regarding the equipment to be able to spot any problem immediately.

To ensure that your gas station is fully functional all the time, it is important to provide preventive maintenance to all the equipment and keep a regular check over them in case they need repairs.

The fuel dispensers are made up of different small parts, making it essential to ensure the perfect performance of each part to be able to provide high quality and profitable service.

So, here are a few simple maintenance tips for your gas station to help you avoid repairs.

1. Check the flow rate

The flow rate at the dispenser must be approximately 9gpm. A lower than 9gpm flow rate is poor. In that case, you must…

2. Check the fuel filters

If there is fuel contamination in your tank, fuel filters will inform you by giving away warning signs.

3. Keep water away

Since water can host a lot of microorganisms, it is best to keep water out of your fuel tank to avoid fuel contamination. Also check for water at the end of your fuel tank and try keeping it out of the fill pipe sump. Water often ends up in the tank when left in the sump.

4. Use biocide

Using a soluble biocide regularly is important to eradicate microbial contamination in your fuel tank.

A few other important tips include checking oil for consistency and proper level, checking the pump for both oil and water leaks, checking for change of valves, checking the clutch and belts for proper alignment and tension, checking the micro-switch and tightening all the lose fasteners, nuts and bolts.

Since it is extremely important to maintain your gas pump, you can form a checklist as a reminder to perform maintenance of your gas station regularly.

The John W. Kennedy Company is a leading petroleum equipment company since the 1930s. We take pride in offering a wide range of items to fill your needs. So, if you are looking for the best petroleum equipment solutions in town, click here to contact now!