Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise
Ken Lopez washes the windshield of George Haynes Mercedes at Johnson's Shell station in Beaumont on Friday, April 25, 2008. With record gas prices, full-service stations aren't making as much profit as some might think.
Please read, "Rising gas prices shrink profit margins for service stations" by Heather Nolan.
4 comments:
Here in Oregon, you're not allowed to pump your own gas (protecting jobs for pump jockeys, I guess). It took some time to get used to, but now it seems like a pain whenever I fill up out of state!
That's cool. I'm sure it does provide jobs.
Most Texans use self-serv, so full service is rare.
I think full service is helpful for folks who don't know how to check their auto's fluids. It also helps diagnose problems earlier and save money on repairs.
For businesspeople, it's probably cost-effective to work during the five minute fuel stop. They could probably earn the $1.30 difference during the same time.
I should add that, just because the station is required to pump your gas, doesn't mean that they are going to check your oil or clean your windows. It happens sometimes, but usually doesn't. And it sucks when you pull up to a station and the attendant is busy or inattentive and you sit there waiting.
In this is the case, there's no point in paying extra. At least full-serv means full-serv in Texas. You get your fluids and tires checked. Otherwise, the business loses customers.
Post a Comment