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
2007-09-02 08:30:50 · 7 answers · asked by Mark O 1 in News & Events ➔ Other - News & Events
that's a tricky one!!, you seem to have the perfect spot and you are getting everything anyone would need!!
try a simple paint job on the outside, something very noticeable but still classy!!, that should at least help and it wont set you back an arm and a leg!!
i wish you all the luck in the world and i hope you find the help your looking for!!
oh, i just seen the first guy saying advertise, i forgot about that, its so obvious!!, ring local newspapers to put in a small ad, it shouldnt cost that much if its a local newspaper and it will really help!!
good luck (again! ha)
2007-09-02 08:38:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2007-09-02 08:42:50 · answer #2 · answered by chocolahoma 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Paint the building the brightest Yellow you can find. Sell Bud Light cheap!!!! Put up a big sign in the window = Bud Light 12 Pack $7.99 or whatever the price. you didn't say? do you have pay at the pump? I wouldn't stop unless I could pay at the pump
2016-05-19 05:26:44 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put up a sign, Service you can't afford to pass! A step above the competition, with the customer priority ONE! Who wouldn't stop just to see if you are for real? I would. Be simple, smile, and be helpful, make your customers feel they are important, you appreciate their business and give free coffee, the rewards will be obvious and pay off. Take a step back to yesteryear......see what happens! Good Luck!
2007-09-02 14:19:07 · answer #4 · answered by Sage 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eye appeal is buy appeal....make the station as clean and as modern as you can. People hate going to a filthy station, both the building and the pumps.
Go to other stations that are busy and take notes!
2007-09-02 08:41:53 · answer #5 · answered by texblueskypilot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Advertise topless cashiers.
2007-09-02 08:35:55 · answer #6 · answered by Will Mundy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok norman bates
2007-09-02 08:38:05 · answer #7 · answered by SAOIRSE 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋