4 Ways to beat a competing petrol station down the road

Whether you’ve opened up a new service station close to an existing one, or had one open up close to you, you may be intimidated by the new air of competition. Well don’t be. We’re here to advise you on how your service station can beat those in your area by simply implementing the following four processes. Let’s take a closer look at what they are.

Offer superior service

Service is a sure way to get more customers to your facility. If your fuel attendants and store servers deliver great service, customers will become regulars – and it’s hard to steal a regular! Fuel retail representatives like SAPRA offer management and staff training on a regular basis. Make use of this training to get the most out of your service delivery.

Hold specials relevant to the area

Is your service station close to a corporate area? Or are you in the suburbs? Bread and milk at low prices is a great way to get people to your store if you are operating in a suburban area. A pie and cool-drink combo deal is a real winner for those who need a quick lunch during work. Base your specials on the area and watch how your customer base grows!

Get serious about basic regulations

All these things are pointless if you aren’t adhering to the basics. Fuel stations have been shut down for not complying with health and safety regulations. Others have been forced to shut down because of labour disputes. Make sure your establishment isn’t counted among those. Get clued up about legal regulations and stick to them.

Be involved in every aspect of your business

Play an intimate role in your business. Get to know your staff, learn about their processes, and even serve customers on the odd occasion. The more involved you are in your establishment, the more respect you will gain from your staff. Your service station will also be better managed in general—and customers will notice.

These are just some of the steps you can take to ensure a competitive edge. For more advice like this, remember to enquire about membership at SAPRA!