We're inheriting a convenience store/gas station. It's on a very busy road but it's very slow...?

Question

Our non-branded gas station had 7 owners in 5 years. The current lease ends Sept. 30th. So, we'll own & run it.
The facts: It's been poorly run / closed for long periods of time. Our fuel price is .04 cents less then Mobil. The store shelves are empty, we can fill them with whatever we want to sell. They don't have lottery, atm, air (for tires). The road, busiest in the city. Our corner has a long stop light. The current hours, 5am-11pm every day. The manager is committted to stay on. They sell 60,000 gallons of fuel monthly. Inside sales under $300.00 daily.

We've just received our occupency permit & licenses from the state. We've got a good long term contract for fuel pre-paid $30,000 and EFT going foward. We were approved for 7 day Beer/ Wine license and ordered an ATM.

Now, how do we get these cars off this busy road and onto our property? How should we market to the surrounding community? What can we do? "Under New Management" sign is still there from 2 owners ago... HELP

Answer 1

You have to make it as inviting and appealing as possible to your customers---clean appearance, pleasing colors and restrooms, well-lit and landscaped, make it efficient for people to get other daily goods like milk, OJ, bread, food, laundry, cleaning, donuts, pastry, hot food, coffee, etc as well as being competetive with gas pricing. Talk to customers about what they value in going to your station and build on that. Park employee cars by some un-used pumps on slow days...makes it look busy. Sounds like you have a great location.

Answer 2

I'm going to give you the most easiest way to make the busy est gas station.You probably think after reading this that i'm truly crazy or wacko.I have studied numerology for many years there is real proof that it works.the main reason this station did not do well is the wrong energy.every thing in this world has energy.i want you to change the address only the numbering on that address lets say it reads 190468 in numerology you add together like this 1+9+0+4+6+8=28 then reduce to a singal number =28 [2+8=10 [1+0=1 but you need the total to be number 2 if the city wont allow to change the numbers you could ad a letter this case=28+a =29 [2+9=11 1+1=2 this will change your luck.people spend more money with #2 vibration.trust me.

Answer 3

Try a radio station "remote" broadcast. Depending on the station and the size of your market area these can be affordable. I once paid $100 for a 1 hour remote broadcast. Tie in a raffle or tee shirt giveaway-- or a special extra low gas price for just that afternoon. Be creative. Lose the "under new management" sign. Get some of those long strings of flags like they put up at car lots. Look into renting an giant inflatable thing of some sort. Send a press release to the local newspaper announcing the new ownership, new attitude and your committment to the community. Stack the store's shelves with useful and wanted stuff. Don't waste shelf space on jars of mayonaisse or cat food. Focus on candy, chips, oil and anti-freeze. Think about adding deli-style foods like sausage biscuits for breakfast and/ or pizza slices. Your biggest challenge is making the community see that you are there for the long-haul, and that you have what they want to buy. Good luck.

Answer 4

sales and promotions that appeal to people.
that is the Americna way