Need a help with the gas station decision?

Question

I want to start own/run gas station but i do not have much experiance (only 4 months -Run register). This is what I really want to do in my life you can say that this is my goal of the life. I already have a job as coordinator in PA..
One of my close relatives who has a gas station - told me that in order to own a gas station.. I have to leave my current job and visit him in NC so he can help me find a business and teach other things that is related to the gas station..

should I do leave the job and go NC..

Answer 1

Owning and running 'A' gas station is a pain in the neck. My dad managed stations until he died (partially frm lung damage from inhaling the fumes in the place every day for 40+ years).

Do you have any small business managment training? Know how to do any accounting or business taxes? Know how to hire, train, and fire people? Know anything about marketing or growing your business? How to deal with things like shrinkage or inventorys? Know what the local business laws or or anything about jobbers and vendors?

It is easy to fall in love with a dream, but the realities are often harsh and annoying. If you can deal with ALL aspects of the job, go for it.

Otherwise... I'd probably take some classes in small business administration and talk to other people in similar businesses to get a better idea for what is going on.

You should ALWAYS go for your dreams, but with your eyes wide open and having done your research!

Answer 2

I agree with the first person that answered. I have a few other points to make. Owning a gas station requires you to carry a huge amount of insurance. You always have to be worried about the environmental issues and the condition of your tanks. If you are an independent gas station, you usually have to pay a higher price for the gas you receive, which will cause you to sell your gas at a higher price then company owned stations.If you don't sell a large enough volume of gas, most jobbers will require you to pay cash for the gas they deliver. These are some of the issues you need to consider.