Paying for air at gas stations

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by Bleeding Red

The money may be inconsequential, and yes, the machines cost money.....but offering free use of the compressor might mean that that customer will come back and make a purchase. So, I guess a good question would be does absorbing the cost on a free to use air compressor lead to customer loyalty and to repeat business.

Finally, someone that understands. But now the oil companies realize that they've got us by the short and curlies, so heck, why not charge for air? I'll probably have to swipe my credit card to go inside the store next.

I bet gas retailers took a huge hit with the installation of pay-at-the-pump technology. I never go inside to pay at the service counter anymore.

Sure, they had a capital expenditure. It would've showed up as an expense, and now they get to amortize the equipment. It's not as horrible as you think it is.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Torture

Also, Superstore buys a lot more chips than your local gas bar, therefore they get a better price, and therefore they can sell their chips for less.

I think you completely missed my point. What I am trying to say is that as a retailer if they only make 3¢ on a $1 bag of chips then they are buying them from the wrong place.

Me- or anybody for that matter, can buy them for 55¢ from a grocery store. If I owned a store of my own I could sell them for $1, and make 45¢ profit on each bag. Basically I am calling bullshinguard on the guy who claimed that gas stations only make 3¢ on a bag of chips; because I know what retail is on them and I know what the public's wholesale price is on them.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by Shazam

You didn't answer the question. Is the 25 cents enough to pay for maintenance?

They charge what the market will bear. Many things are priced higher than the cost of production. That's capitalism.

If you pay your quarter, you have every right to expect a functional machine, otherwise it's consumer fraud. Just like any other service, regardless of price.

[White Doors]

Originally Posted by pepper24

Lotto and Tobacco are the money makers.

Lotto, maybe, but cigarettes are sold with about a 10 cent mark-up on a pack.