Running a gas station is an excellent career path if you want a fast-paced way to earn money, meet new people, and assist travelers daily. Over 145,000 gas stations operate across the United States, and there’s no reason you can’t join the ranks of gas station owners and managers providing services to drivers nationwide. The oil industry is the perfect place to test yourself as a business owner.
Still, running a gas station is more than stocking snacks and gas for your customers. It involves finding ways to stay ahead of competitors and handle fluctuating gas prices in a volatile economy.
The good news is that you’ve discovered this comprehensive guide for learning the best business tips for running your gas station. Keep reading to turn your gas station into the go-to stop for locals and travelers.
1. Meet Legal Requirements
You must ensure that your gas station meets all local, state, and federal requirements when opening your doors (and pumps) to excited customers. Research what you must do to remain compliant with your gas business. Failure to comply with rules and regulations results in hefty fines and fees.
Work with your local Environmental Protection Agency office to get more details on what you should do when running your gas station. Provide them with accurate information, and they’ll do their part to help you run your gas station in a legal and compliant manner.
2. Set Your Hours
You should also know what hours you want your gas station operating when you enter the gas and oil industry. Location plays a massive role in the best operating hours. Consider a 24-hour schedule near a freeway with a high volume of truckers. You’ll get business at all hours of the day when in a prime location near the highway.
If you don’t choose a 24-hour schedule, consider opening early. Many customers want to get gas on their way to work, and your gas station provides convenience, a snack, and a cup of coffee to your regulars. Opening later in the day could push them away from your gas station and into the arms of your competitors.
3. Hire Quality Employees
Having trustworthy and reliable employees is essential when running a gas station. Ensure you have enough employees to cover all shifts and find people with kind and caring personalities. You want to provide your customers with the best experience possible when they stop at your gas station for a fill-up or bathroom break.
Creating a schedule with a trustworthy manager onsite at all scheduled hours is also best. You can trust that operations will go smoothly when hiring professional managers to help run your gas station.
4. Take Inventory
Inventory is crucial to ensure you have the supply to meet your customers’ needs. The inventory continues with the snacks and beverages for sale in your gas station. You must monitor your fuel supply to order fuel delivery when you’re getting low.
Schedule bulk fuel delivery if you’re running low on fuel and need more to meet customer demand. Cigarettes and lottery tickets are other big-money items to monitor when running your gas station. Ensure you always have enough of these items to keep your customers happy.
5. Check the Register
You should train your employees and managers to run cash register reports after each shift. This process should include counting all the money in the register’s drawer, including the change your workers have collected.
The process involves matching the financial totals from the report with the money in the register. It’s the best way to guard against theft during work shifts.
6. Run Shift Totals
Shift totals make running a gas station much easier since you’re organized and have a firm handle on your financial situation. Start each day by running a report of how much gas is in your holding tanks, your sales inventory, and the receipts from any sales. Verify the sales totals and add them to your ledger.
It’s a tedious process but will help when tax season arrives. You’ll have a firm idea of your operating finances and revenue. Indicate any losses you experience to keep accurate records for your accounting needs.
7. Promote Safety
Gas stations are dangerous since they hold thousands of gallons of flammable liquid. You must train your employees on how to handle their tasks safely. It’s best to focus on the safety of your employees working the cash registers and handling pump maintenance.
The reality is someone may attempt to rob your gas station. Teach the people working registers to keep small dollar amounts there. Invest in a drop-safe to add to the safety of your employees, and forbid smoking near the gas pumps.
8. Invest in Security
Gas stations should always have ample security measures in place. They’re a logical target for people looking to rob a business of money quickly. You should invest in 24-hour surveillance and shatter-proof glass to keep your employees and gas station safe.
It’s wise to establish a relationship with the local law enforcement services. Asking them to make consistent visits to your gas station will deter criminals from attempting to rob your gas business.
9. Place Orders in Advance
You should always remain a step ahead when ordering bulk fuel and other essentials for your gas station. Failure to keep your station stocked will result in angry customers and lost revenue.
Check your deliveries for accuracy when they arrive. Report inaccuracies to the vendor to receive the fuel delivery you paid for.
Build the Best Gas Station in Your Area
Running a gas station requires hard work and dedication, but it’s an excellent way to serve your community while earning a healthy living. Ensure you monitor your inventory and order bulk fuel when running low.
Hire reliable managers and employees you trust, and prioritize their safety with training and security systems. Set hours that work well with your community’s needs.
Do you want to fulfill your dream of owning and running a business? Check out more of our business blog content for the pointers and motivation you need to make your dream come true!
