A gas station could be a great business.
If you dream of working for yourself, considering taking the plunge into small business ownership. A gas station could be a lucrative business endeavor. Because it is small, you don't have to worry about a large staff. This is a plus for any new owner. While it could be stressful to hold your future in your own hands, it can also be freeing to be your own boss and set your own schedule. If you are considering opening up a gas station, you should visit local gas stations in your area and determine what you like and what you don't like. Make note of the other business' mistakes so that you don't make the same ones.
Instructions
1. Place your business in a location that receives a lot of traffic or in an area that is in desperate need of a gas station. Another good location is near other gas stations. The cliche' "business brings business" is often true. Many times a driver will pull into one gas station, but see a cheaper one, or one with shorter lines across the street and go to that one instead.
2. Put up a new sign that reads "Under New Management" if you are taking over an existing gas station. This lets people know that if there were problems before, a different management company is behind the station now, and hopefully those problems are gone. The key is to use marketing strategies to attract customers. Perhaps consider having a "Grand Opening Sale." Maybe one brand of potato chips is buy one, get one free. You could also give away free coffee in the mornings, and in the evenings, offer customers a coupon for a free coffee for every fill up.
3. Negotiate with your vendors for discounts and then turn part of that profit over to your customers by reducing the price on something you sell.
4. Ask your family to work for you until you get your gas station off the ground. Just be sure that you don't violate any labor laws. This will help you save money while you look for a permanent worker who you can trust.
5. Remove any items from your store that do not sell well. This will prevent your gas station from looking old and decrepit. Remember, impressions matter, and you don't want your customers to think that your items are not fresh.
6. Maintain a clean gas station. Ensure that the restroom is especially clean. Customers appreciate a clean restroom. Many people choose one gas station over the other just because of cleanliness.
7. Use the same retail tactics you see other stores use. Put the items that sell the most on the end of the aisle display. Put inexpensive items like candy near the register. Put your seasonal items near the front. During the summer months, consider moving your frozen drink machine near the front door, and during the winter months move your hot chocolate machine near the front door.
8. Set rules for your workers and establish roles. Give them a code of conduct to sign where the rules are clearly stated. Make sure your employees know that you are in charge.
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