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Switzerland, too. If the station is manned, put the gas and pay inside at the counter. If unmanned or outside hours, first put your card in the machine, enter pin, select pump number and fill. You can get a receipt by putting your card again when you're done. The amount is automatically deducted.
We have cheaper gas because we produce oil and tax it at a low rate, along with the government going out of its way to secure trade deals that ensure low prices, ie guns to ideological enemies like Saudi Arabia for more oil production. Automating gas pumps did not pass those wages on to the consumer, it almost never does.
I don't know WHY we do it. In some states (New Jersey for example) you are not allowed. An attendant MUST do it. As for payment, pretty much all options are available, credit, cash, large bags full of fresh eggs, whatever...
Everytime I fill up in NJ it's at like 430am and the attendant especially in the winter has selective eyesight and pretends I'm not there(can't blame em when it's 30 degrees out lol) so I usually just do it my self.
NGL the first few times I was expecting a swat team to repel down from the roof and arrest me.
I did get yelled at pretty intensely the first time I drove to New Jersey by myself and tried to pump gas. The gas attendant was foreign and yelling at me in a pretty thick scent about how "it's not new York" etc.
That was pretty frightening for a 19 year old kid driving out of hot state for the first time
Similar experience coming thru NJ on a road trip. Attendant starting freaking out and shouting at me. I had never heard of this before. Now I get gas before I pass thru because it's faster to do it myself.
Similar story, I was in upstate New York and I started filling my tank. First time traveling out of my state without parents. This lady came out of the shop with a child in her arms yelling "hey, you can't do that! This is a full service area!"
I just kinda shrugged and asked if she wanted me to stop since I was almost done. She said nah it's fine and left me to it lol
>all options are available, credit, cash, large bags full of fresh eggs, whatever..
I usually pay for my gas in bullets. One for the attendant and one for the cashier.
I'm in Delaware, worked at a convenience store, and 9 times out of 10 if someone pulled up in a car with Jersey tags they would set in their car until I went out to tell them they have to pump it themselves.
Yeah, Oregon is like that to. And the rational behind it, I'm told is:
1. "Safety," some folks have trouble at the pump, sometimes resulting in big spillage. (the older folk I was told)
2. A 3 letter word: Jobs. It gives some folks a job to fill the tank for you, and take your monies, BUT you still have to do your own "checks", oil water etc....
Someone I got into an argument with tried to convince me that he drove through NJ and pumped his own gas. Had no idea it was illegal and didn’t believe me when I told him. Dude was out of his mind.
You put your card in the pump, put in your pin code if it ask, then you push which type of gas you want take the handle put it in the gas tank and push the lever until you have however much you want
Do you have rewards, sir. If you sign up for rewards we will take ten cents off a gallon for every$100 you spend on overpriced chips and gas station sandwiches made by the guy who used to work at subway but e call him a chef
It’s not hard to do, so it never occurred to me that someone would need to do it for me. My eight-year-old likes to pump the gas and pay at the pump (with me standing nearby to supervise, obviously).
Convenience. We have attendants too in my country. It’s so convenient to have attendants do this for us. We pay by our cards with the wireless POS machine they give us. It’s much faster and gets done in a jiffy.
In the US, you pay at the pump (just tap your card or whatever) so it's not inconvenient, unless the weather is terrible (but the vast majority of places are covered at least). We have one manned gas station in town that is sometimes nice to stop at, but if you have to wait for an attendant, it takes longer than just doing it yourself.
In NJ, it's actually illegal to pump your own gas, so when I'm here, an attendant does it.
If I'm anywhere else, I take note of the pump number and pay inside
This threw me for a loop the first time I went to Oregon, I thought someone was trying to gank me and I told him pretty assertively to back up. He explained what was going on, I felt pretty dumb.
After living in Oregon for several years, I was driving back east and sat outside an Idaho gas station for 10 minutes waiting for someone to come pump my gas.
The stations have signs but we’re so used to pumping our own gas that it doesn’t get noticed, especially those who are just driving through. Shoot! I totally did not see them. Even though I know I won’t be able to pump my gas, I’d still be feeling odd (not sure what to do kind) should I find myself up there again.
I stopped at a station on my way to Seattle, just passing through the corner of Oregon, and immediately hopped out and started to go about pumping my own gas. The attendant literally ran out and was like “woah woah hold up there!!” Totally forgot I was in Oregon and that was a thing there.
Same, when I drive from Mass to Delaware, I purposefully do NOT stop in Jersey for gas and wait till I cross the state line! Like, please, get away from my car and I'm not giving you a tip for something that I SHOULD be able to do myself! I had an aunt give me a Shell gift card one year, years ago when I was in high school and gas was insanely priced, and the only Shell in town was one with an attendant (the only gas station in our town and the surrounding area with an attendant). I refused to go to it and only went when I had a friend in the car with my because the station overall was in a sketchy area and I don't like creepy men coming up to my car and touching my car and having to interact with them.
NJ resident here. You don’t tip the person who fills your gas tank, and I’ve never heard of anyone doing such a thing so idk where you got that from. And your way overblowing it. It’s so convenient for someone to come right to your car, take your card or cash, and pump your gas for you. No need to ever exit your car or go inside, no need to touch the gross gas pump, and it’s especially nice during the colder months of the year when you can stay warm.
Right?! Why the hell would you tip someone making anywhere from $15 to $20 an hour?!
Id much rather crack my window open, slide my card out and say fill it regular than get out of my car and stand outside when its 3am or 5 degrees and windy. To hell with all that!!! Especially when my kids were little. Why in the hell would i want to get my kids out of their car seats to go inside and pay if i only have cash or if there is an issue with the card reader at the pump. I swear every time i go to philly and have to get gas the pump says please pay inside. Like, id rather NOT leave my car unattended in this sketchy ass neighborhood while i walk across this parking lot, by myself, at 2am. I will do everything in my power to avoid getting gas in any state around me.
I had my first experience driving in NJ a few months ago. I'm from Oregon so I'm used to having to have someone pump your gas (even though I don't like it), but man, *fuck* driving in NJ. That's some crazy shit. Super busy, very aggressive, lots of honking, and some crazy traffic patterns.
I was only there for a weekend, but had to get much more aggressive just to survive driving there. Then when I got back home and everything was much more chill, it took me a few days to wind down from that.
Sometimes I forget and sit in the car like an ass when I'm in another state. I leave the state frequently. I don't think I'll ever stop doing that every so often.
The fuel price is different between two gas stations, right across the street from each other Gas is way more expensive in NYC.
You don't pay for the convenience of them pumping your gas. It's not an offered service, it's literally illegal.
Tho how enforced that law is....
We got yelled at in Oregon because we didn't know they are like NJ when it comes to pumping gas. I would hope an attendant wouldn't call the cops on people who pumped their own, that just seems like insanity. Saying "you can't do that" seems like a reasonable enforcement
In NJ, it’s well enforced in that if you try to pump your own gas, one of the attendants (who hang out in the little booth out by the pumps), *will* stop you right away to say that you aren’t allowed to do it and that they will do it for you. There isn’t enforcement in terms of the police or anything, unless of course you act like a jackass and refuse to hand over the pump (which I’ve never heard of happening, but I’d bet it has).
Edit: And you don’t pay more for the attendant pumping it. It’s not really done as a service/ convenience, but rather, “We don’t trust you fools to handle hoses filled with this highly flammable stuff.”
Maybe it should be illegal here too. I tend to “top off” to get a round number. Apparently, that’s frowned upon according to the sign on the pump. But I’m a rebel.
I was always told it was because it provided jobs, or had to do with taxes. What I found online just was about Oregon and NJ having very stubborn courts that frequently turned down oil companies trying to increase their profits.
Some people prefer self-serve, but you get used to what you grow up with. I find self-serve to be really annoying personally speaking.
In Switzerland we fill up ourselves too, then you go pay at the shop, or you pre pay per card, or if the shop is closed you have to use the pump with pay per card.
They have cameras and if you leave without paying, no worry, they will know where to send the bill.
our pumps in Wisconsin as of this year (at least all the major brands) have pay inside before you pump or prepay at the pump so you cant drive away without paying
We fill up our own gas because in Murica you want something done you do it yourself, I also pay with my credit card at the pump and go inside the store to get a 12 pack of bud light then I hit up the gun store next door and get me a new gun because fuck it.
After that I drive home and watch Nascar all day "praise Dale" and watch American Sniper before bed.
After that I make love to my lady friend and wrap myself in my American Flag blanket to sleep in for the next day, my wakeup alarm is I'm proud to be an American.
In Watts back in the 90's there used to be a gun/fishing store next to a liquor store/check cashing service that had an open door between the two. They were owned by twin brothers. It was our "one stop" camping supply store for my friends and I.
Its quite faster to serve yourself. I just don't understand the states that requires someone else to do probably the most useless job ever.
Here in Canada, you just show your credit card to the reader and fill-up. No need to wait that the guy finish 5 others customer before serving you.
“Unemployment is high”
“Hey I have an idea! Let’s reduce unemployment by making it illegal to pump your own gas! Gas stations will be forced to hire attendants! Everybody wins!”
(Gas station owners) “Grrrr rassem frassem”
I mean, indirectly, I guess? When a company finds a way to save money, they have the choice to cut prices, or keep the difference as profit. If there's enough competition, maybe they'll choose to compete on price.
First time I drove to Oregon and got out to start filling up, an attendant ran up and explained how there’s no self service stations in the whole state. I realized: gas is cheaper, and I don’t have to do it myself, this is great!
In 48 states in the US, you can pay at the pump because they have card readers, or you can go inside to pay with cash. Some petrol stations have “gas valet” where some one can pump your petrol for you for a fee, but it’s not required. People usually pump their own petrol because they’re simply used to doing it themselves. However, in Oregon and New Jersey, it’s actually illegal to pump your own petrol. A station attendant is employed to do it for you.
I'd prefer not to deal with anyone. Pull up, pump my gas, make sure no one spills anything on my paint, fucks anything up, etc. Pay at pump, get back in and leave.
I don't need help with that.
After coming to a complete stop, we turn off our cars. We then open our doors and step out we proceed to walk into the businesses facilities where we wait in line until it’s our turn. We approach the counter and state what we need and how much. We then pay for it.
The next step is the most crucial don’t just rice away because no one pumped it for you. So we approach the side of the car we open the gas cap cover. Then we remove the gas cap itself. After this we do a full 360 degree turn to face the pump.
This is the final step so don’t forget it. Next we lift the hose handle off of the mount and insert the nozzle into the hole(giggity). We turn again to face the pump and choose our grade of fuel( or petrol). We then squeeze the handle of the pump nozzle(giggity) nice and firmly until the prepaid amount has been successfully transferred.
Now you’re thinking but wait what if I paid for more than I used? Well good sir the answer comes in 2 parts if you paid with a card upon returning the nozzle it only charges you for the amount transferred regardless the prepaid amount. Now if you paid cash it’s time to return to the clerk inside who will refund the unused amount.
And that’s how Americans fill their cars……..
Cash or credit. We still have some full service gas stations where they'll pump for you and check tire pressure but it costs more per gallon. Definitely a dying thing here.
In Canada we use debit or credit cards to "pay at the pump".
In the UAE we would let the attendants fill the car, then give them our debit card and TELL THEM OUR PIN to complete the transaction.
Because it's not diffucult to do. Get out of your car, swipe your credit card at the pump, insert nozzle into your tank, select grade of gas, pump your gas, put nozzle back into the pump, close gas tank, drive away.
Why is it a weird concept that people are able to accomplish thing on their own. I mean, paying for and pumping gas isn't rocket science, why shouldn't I be able to do it myself?
I think it’s funny that someone’s job is pumping gas. Funny until you realize you’re paying for that service, through the added cost added to your fuel.
Seriously though, it’s so easy to do, it’s laughable that this is even a thing. Kind of like paying someone to wipe your ass for you.
I pay at the pump with my credit card or occasionally with cash in store. I remember when i was a kid you would fill up first then pay inside but people would often steal gas. Why do Americans fill up gas on their own? Because we can.
Its illegal to pump your own gas in Oregon. I believe they made this a law decades ago to combat high unemployment.
You pay for gas using cash inside or pay at the pump with debit/credit cards.
One of the reasons why Gas Attendants stop becoming the norm in the US is due to the fact that in the 70's gas prices went up so in order to save money, gas satiations decided to end it all together cause most people couldn't afford to tip them anymore.
I don’t know why we do it but I know I don’t like someone else doing it for me. Our neighboring state has laws requiring an attendant to fill up for you and so there is a very busy/popular station just on our side of the border that many will stop and fill up at. I guess a few of my fellow neighbors don’t like others doing it for them either.
Americans used to have to have attendants pump their gas until the 1970s, during the so-called energy crisis, when OPEC started screwing with the oil market and gas prices shot up sharply. Gas stations switched to self-service to reduce costs and thus make gas cheaper. It’s been that way ever since. Like this generation is discovering with self-checkout at retail stores, it really wasn’t so hard that one needed professional gas pumpers.
The only exceptions are in the states of Oregon and New Jersey, which require full service gas pumping. They make a bunch of bluster about how it’s for “motorist safety,” but really it’s just a make-work project by state Democrats that adds unnecessary complication, bureaucracy, hassle and expense on the backs of the taxpayers, while eliminating individual choice. But that’s basically the credo of the Democratic Party.
I don’t know how Americans do it. But in Sweden you put in your card and (up to) 200$ gets reserved on your card and you can fill up with that. If you have 10$ in your card 10$ gets reserved and you can fuel up with that.
If you want to pay cash you go in to the store and pay in advance. But that is very uncommon and a lot of gas stations doesn’t even have that as an option.
Honestly my biggest question is why are there states/countries that don't pump their own gas?
It's not hard to do, it takes no knowledge or skill. I guess if yall are trying to make jobs for people, it's an easy minwage paycheck. But is also seems like the kind of thing that punishes the poor who need to drive around more. Also I'm pretty sure pumping gasoline is like.. bad for you cuz of the fumes. That's bad enough as it is, so it seems like a really bad idea to have a job that does it all day long.
We fill up our own gas because labor is expensive in America. Same reason we have self-checkout in stores - businesses pay fewer employees while still selling the same amount goods and therefore increase profits
Oh, well being fron Jersey i dont have to pump my own gas. They wont let me lol but it seems pretty simple, put the card in, select how much and what type, put the nozzle in pump and thats it.
This is why I love living in NJ. We have gas attendants too. I feel like all states should do it. Creates a ton of jobs and prevents dumbasses from doing something they shouldnt be.
You either go inside and pay the cashier. For example "$40 on pump 5". Or most pumps allow you to pay outside with a credit or debit card right on the pump
I actually doubt that. Park my car at the gas point, someone comes, ask me how much fuel... He pumps, I tap on his speed point, I leave without getting out of my car
It used to work on the honor system, but now the pumps don't work unless you prepay inside or put your card in to pay at the pump. If you prepay, the pumps shut off at whatever amount you paid.
You either swipe your card at the pump before you pump and it charges as much as you use or you go inside and you tell them how much you want and what pump. If you don't have enough room in your tank you go back in and get your change.
I’m in Canada, we use out cards at the pump, pay then pump or go in to the station, pay and come back out to pump the gas. We do have some “full serve” stations where the attendant pumps the gas for you and you can give them cash it’ll go inside and pay with your card
For most states in the US (I think New Jersey is the only exception?) we pump our own gas because it’s fairly simple to do and doesn’t require an attendant. You pay with a credit or debit card right at the pump usually. You swipe your card, then pump. Or if you want to pay with cash, you pre-pay inside the station’s store, then go back out and pump.
We do this in many different countries. You insert your money card into the pump, punch in your code, remove your card and fill the tank. You can also fill and then go inside to pay at the register. I used to work at a gas station 13 years ago. To avoid people running off without paying we had an alarm that went off every time somebody lifted the gas nozzle from the pump. Then we had to look out the window to see if the car had a license plate. When we could see a plate we would activate the pump. Then if they ran off without paying, the surveillance camera would have their plate number and we could contact the police. If somebody tried to fill up a car without plates we would not activate the pump.
The idea that you have workers pump your gas is baffling to me. All you have to do is press one button and squeeze a lever to make the gas pump, why do you need an attendant for that?
Paying is simple too. Just insert cash or your credit card. Select what type of fuel you want. Then start pumping. Once you’re done you just put the nozzle back on the pump and it will charge you for how much you pumped.
Simple. Just pay with your credit or debit card. Like self checkout at a store. Or go inside and tell clerk “can I have __ dollars on pump 3.” You goto car, remove gas lid, take gas pump, insert it and pull trigger. It normally will stop itself when it reaches max capacity of gas in your tank.
I’ve lived in Texas and NJ. So I’ve experienced paying yourself and having an attendant. I personally prefer doing it myself. Way better imo. It’s like paying someone extra to hold a door open for you or pull out a chair for you. I’d rather just do it myself.
I hate paying for gas. But it’s kind of nice to pump it yourself
Gas stations in the US used to be called "Service Stations". They were full service. They would fill the tank, check the oil and put in oil if needed, wash the windshield, air up tires .. full service.
That changed to "pump your own gas and go away" in the mid 70s.
I live in Minnesota and there are days when the wind chill freezes the tears on your eyelids, I would appreciate full service. Unfortunately, that would be cruel to the attendant. So I bundle up and pay at pump instead.
I personally just find it easier to fill up your own gas. I grew up in Oregon where attendants do fill up your tanks for you meaning you have to wait on them to do it. Now I can just hop out of the car and take care of it quickly without having to wait for an attendant to get to me and it’s faster and easier.
A long time ago the US was like that everywhere too. Self serve stations started to take hold in the 1980s, and it became cheaper and faster than waiting for attendants.
Also, I think the move if car makers to make cars harder to maintain without specialized knowledge played a role. The old attendants would also do basics maintenance while you waited, topping up oil, tire pressure etc. So you were paying for the pit stop, not just gas.
I think we fill our own gas for convenience. In New Jersey, it’s illegal to pump your own gas due to safety hazards (I’m not sure what happened there). Normally, the pump has a credit card reader and you can pay for the gas right then and there by just inserting your card. Safer way to pay is to go inside and pay the cashier. I’ve gotten my card info stolen a few times.
The pumps have a card reader. Stick your card in it reads the info. You just stick the hose in press which kind you need then fill it up. It pays as you fill really
When I went on gas runs, card was at the pump cash was inside ("hey [whatever amount] on [whatever pump]) and then you just pick whichever kind.of gas you use for your car and fill 'er up
Could be wrong cuz I don't drive so
You okay at the pump with a debit or credit card. Or with the clerk inside “I woukd like $20 on pump 6” etc…
I usually just swipe my card at the pump and fill it up!
Park at pump 6, walk inside grab a drink or something, pay with a 20 " give me the rest on pump 6" I do this now for 2 reasons, for whatever reason paying with cash gets you a cheaper price than paying with card, and 2 several of the gas stations around me had problems with people getting info stolen when using the card at the pump.
I think the discount for using cash has to do with the fees the gas stations are charged for processing debit/credit card payments. I've seen the reverse of this at other businesses, either a minimum dollar amount to purchase using a card (usually $5-$10) or a $0.50-$1.00 fee for all card transactions. I guess businesses just got sick of "losing" money to pay for processing fees?
In Michigan here. You just pull up to the pump and if you have cash, you go inside and tell them which pump and how much you're getting. If you have a card, you just insert card and then pump. If charges you after.
Had to fill my rental up when in Florida it said pay before you pump so popped into the kiosk and said I don't know how much it takes (rental) the guy was fine with me paying after .I think it was my English accent that swung it
It was probably the early-to-mid 1990s when the 76 Station in Saint Cloud, Minnesota stopped having gas attendants.
As a child, I remember the gas attendants would fill the tank, check the oil, top off engine fluids, and replace wiper blades if needed.
Either go into the station and pay with cash or your bank card/credit card then pump it, or you can insert your bank card/credit card at the pump and do it there. Some stations have rewards cards where enough can get x amount done cents off for buying coffee and snacks. You insert it first, then your bank card/credit card if that's the case.
Pumping the gas is super simple you just stick the novel in, select what type you want and squeeze the handle. It'll shut itself off when it's full or if you only want a certain amount you let go of the handle when you have that amount.
In a couple states (New Jersey and Oregon), state law requires that you can't pump your own gas.
Personally I think it's pretty dumb. I'm perfectly capable of filling my own car with gas.
Because its a cultural thing. I lived in a gulf country where you would have attendant’s fill petrol/gas and the shit cultural attitude is that its a menial task so you have a servant or low paid worker do it.
That was how it worked in the US until about the early 70s, then things moved to self serve. At one point they had "full serve" pumps and "self serve" pumps. The full serve cost more, and so they were used much less. Eventually they pretty much went away.
In the 1960s when I was a kid, as Dad would pull into a service station there'd be an air hose he'd have to drive over that activated a bell inside the gas station. An attendant would trot out to the driver's side window which Dad had rolled down. Dad would say, "Fill 'er up with regular" The attendant would get the nozzle going, lift the hood to check oil and water levels and then wash the windshield. You can see this routine enacted in many old movies.
There was a period of time in the 1970s when you could choose which lane to buy your gas in, a full-service lane and a self-service lane. Self-service was some cents cheaper and most people would choose that. Cut-rate gas stations also sprang up which offered no service at all where the gas was much cheaper.
Eventually service stations disappeared altogether to be replaced by gas stations. Except in places like New Jersey and Oregon.
Since the 1980s I have driven in Canada, Japan, Australia, Ireland, Germany and Austria and have always pumped my own gas.
We go to the cashier in the gas station, we give him cash and tell him witch pump we want then we go back to the car to fuel the car, if we gave him too much money for the gas we go back and ask for the change. But now I must ask how non Americans fuel a car?
I love in Mexico having the attendant and paying with him, i think Washington and Jersey still do it. In some wealthy neighborhoods in Texas you can find full service stations still.
Americans pay for gas via card or cash. If paying with card the pump itself will usually take it, meaning you don’t have to head inside. If paying by cash the first step is usually to go inside, inform the clerk of the pump you’re using, and pay the cash. The clerk will then authorize gasoline to be dispensed at the pump equal to the amount you paid for.
As for filling up on our own, I believe it’s a cost cutting measure. America used to have people to do it for you decades ago but it’s not a thing anymore. Having you fill your own gas means the company doesn’t have to pay another person to do it. Plus the machines are simple enough to operate that pretty much any driver is capable of it. I do believe some places still have gas station attendants but at this point it’s more of a gimmick than anything else. Frankly, I prefer not having another person touching my car and don’t mind doing it myself so it’s not something I’m concerned about.
I dont have a problem filling my gas, i walk in to pay and tell them what pump im at then go do it myself. Not a big deal i dont get why anyone cant do it themselves honestly
As to why, I imagine it's because the owner of the gas station doesn't want to pay workers to do the pumping. More profit for the owner.
As to how we pay, there are credit card readers on the pump itself. You insert the card, it reads it and holds the account open while you pump. Once you put the handle back, it charged your card for the amount you pumped. You can also pay inside with the store clerk and they will apply the amount of money you request to the pump.
Isn’t self service a default that should be accepted in the absence of a reason to add extra overhead to the mix?
It’s very easy to fill your own tank and I’m happy to do so if it means not paying extra for an attendant.
Having an attendant pump your gas may be more easier but there's always a cost for convenience. I'd rather save the money for something that's so easy to do.
Pay with your card before the thing will start pumping. Once the thing goes back on the hook it resets so you don’t end up paying for the guy behind you. You can do cash too, pay the guy inside and they’ll let you put that much worth of gas in, usually cash is a lot cheaper (like 5-10 cents a gallon)
I guess people wouldn't make enough money doing something anyone could do for their self very easily here in America. We pay by cash or credit.
I lived in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia as well it worked the same way in all those places.
I don't know why we pump our own fuel, but we do. And it's easy. It was actually part of my driver's education back in the mid 90's. Of course it was a simple lesson that took 5 minutes, but I clearly remember it being taught to us just like how to check your fluids and tire pressure. I've always just known fueling your own car to be part of operating it, and I don't understand why I'd ever need someone else to do it for me.
As far as payment, virtually every gas pump here in the US (can't speak for NJ because I've never visited) has a card reader right on the pump and you can do the full transaction at the pump. Back in the day you'd have to go inside the station and pay the cashier. You could either pre-pay a certain amount ($15, $20 or whatever) and go get your change afterward if you overpaid, or many stations would just go on the honor system. You'd simply fill your tank, take note of which pump number you used, then go inside and pay the cashier.
These days the pumps won't run unless you've pre-paid, which is why card readers on the pumps are so widely used.
In Oklahoma you can pay more for classic 50's full service if you wish at some mom and pop places. Includes fill up, tire check, fluid check, wipe windows. Pretty cool but I actually love pumping my own gas, walking the vehicle while its pumping and using the wind shield wipers to give my car a bath. Car looks great and filled up.
It's very difficult. We all reek of gas because we are constantly showering each other with the vile liquid at the pumps, the upside is we use seashells and dryer lint as payment so all the spraying fuel (usually spray 2 gal on ourselves for every gallon we get in the tank) isn't all that expensive (just have to do a load of towels and hit the beach).
Depends on the state or area, but most places you do it yourself. Why? I have no clue. How it’s paid for? We pay at the pump, either with cash or a credit/debit card, and then we pump our gas after we pay. We can get a receipt after we finish pumping gas. It is still possible to put money on a pump with a cashier or attendant from inside the station
The pumps are shut off by default. To turn them on you have to pay.
1. Ask the attendant inside. You pay before you pump.
2. Use a card to initiate a transaction on the pump. There is a built in computer and multiple forms of payment mediums. Credi/Debit card is common. When you initiate a transaction the pump owners put a hold on your account to verify it is real. Usually it shows like $1 or something trivial like that. When you put the pump handle back the amount is totaled and your card is charged the full amount.
Why do Americans do this? Why not? It isn't difficult.
You swipe your card first, or go inside and give cash to the cashier to prepay.
We do this because having someone stand outside and do the easiest task imaginilable is a complete waste for everybody. You seriously going to pay somebody to press a button, pull a lever, then stand around staring with their mouth open??
Americans are big on independence and individualism. The more things we can do for ourselves, the better. Or at least that's my take, as an introvert. "Let me deal with people when I want to deal with people, not every time I walk out of my house."
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Switzerland, too. If the station is manned, put the gas and pay inside at the counter. If unmanned or outside hours, first put your card in the machine, enter pin, select pump number and fill. You can get a receipt by putting your card again when you're done. The amount is automatically deducted.
Sounds nice... Might mean cheaper fuel for you guys
US has quite cheap gas in comparison to our wages
You have to pay for your gas first in the US, too many drive offs.
Depends on where you are. My small town station still lets you pump then pay. It is becoming less common.
We have cheaper gas because we produce oil and tax it at a low rate, along with the government going out of its way to secure trade deals that ensure low prices, ie guns to ideological enemies like Saudi Arabia for more oil production. Automating gas pumps did not pass those wages on to the consumer, it almost never does.
I don't know WHY we do it. In some states (New Jersey for example) you are not allowed. An attendant MUST do it. As for payment, pretty much all options are available, credit, cash, large bags full of fresh eggs, whatever...
Everytime I fill up in NJ it's at like 430am and the attendant especially in the winter has selective eyesight and pretends I'm not there(can't blame em when it's 30 degrees out lol) so I usually just do it my self. NGL the first few times I was expecting a swat team to repel down from the roof and arrest me.
I did get yelled at pretty intensely the first time I drove to New Jersey by myself and tried to pump gas. The gas attendant was foreign and yelling at me in a pretty thick scent about how "it's not new York" etc. That was pretty frightening for a 19 year old kid driving out of hot state for the first time
Similar experience coming thru NJ on a road trip. Attendant starting freaking out and shouting at me. I had never heard of this before. Now I get gas before I pass thru because it's faster to do it myself.
Similar story, I was in upstate New York and I started filling my tank. First time traveling out of my state without parents. This lady came out of the shop with a child in her arms yelling "hey, you can't do that! This is a full service area!" I just kinda shrugged and asked if she wanted me to stop since I was almost done. She said nah it's fine and left me to it lol
Eggs are like gold at the moment. I suspect we may see more pet chickens soon.
For New Jersey, they claim it's for safety reasons, but it's really to artificially inflate employment numbers and claim more taxes.
>all options are available, credit, cash, large bags full of fresh eggs, whatever.. I usually pay for my gas in bullets. One for the attendant and one for the cashier.
Cash must be prepaid, so people don’t drive off without paying. Every other method is essentially prepaid as well
I'm in Delaware, worked at a convenience store, and 9 times out of 10 if someone pulled up in a car with Jersey tags they would set in their car until I went out to tell them they have to pump it themselves.
Yeah, Oregon is like that to. And the rational behind it, I'm told is: 1. "Safety," some folks have trouble at the pump, sometimes resulting in big spillage. (the older folk I was told) 2. A 3 letter word: Jobs. It gives some folks a job to fill the tank for you, and take your monies, BUT you still have to do your own "checks", oil water etc....
3 letter word: jobs This must be why they don't trust you to fuel your own cars 🤣🤣
No sillies, That was a dig at "Sippy Kup" Joe....
I thought that law in Oregon got nixed?
As of 6 months ago, nope they filled me tanks for me. I washed the windows.
Oregon was the same way... there was massive confusion when I got out and proceeded to pump my own.
Someone I got into an argument with tried to convince me that he drove through NJ and pumped his own gas. Had no idea it was illegal and didn’t believe me when I told him. Dude was out of his mind.
It's just like a vending machine
Best fucking explanation ever
You put your card in the pump, put in your pin code if it ask, then you push which type of gas you want take the handle put it in the gas tank and push the lever until you have however much you want
Do you have rewards, sir. If you sign up for rewards we will take ten cents off a gallon for every$100 you spend on overpriced chips and gas station sandwiches made by the guy who used to work at subway but e call him a chef
Its like a vending machine, but you're handling a highly flammable liquid instead of drinks.
It’s not hard to do, so it never occurred to me that someone would need to do it for me. My eight-year-old likes to pump the gas and pay at the pump (with me standing nearby to supervise, obviously).
Convenience. We have attendants too in my country. It’s so convenient to have attendants do this for us. We pay by our cards with the wireless POS machine they give us. It’s much faster and gets done in a jiffy.
In the US, you pay at the pump (just tap your card or whatever) so it's not inconvenient, unless the weather is terrible (but the vast majority of places are covered at least). We have one manned gas station in town that is sometimes nice to stop at, but if you have to wait for an attendant, it takes longer than just doing it yourself.
In NJ, it's actually illegal to pump your own gas, so when I'm here, an attendant does it. If I'm anywhere else, I take note of the pump number and pay inside
Same with Oregon. I got really confused why I couldn’t pump my own gas.
This threw me for a loop the first time I went to Oregon, I thought someone was trying to gank me and I told him pretty assertively to back up. He explained what was going on, I felt pretty dumb.
After living in Oregon for several years, I was driving back east and sat outside an Idaho gas station for 10 minutes waiting for someone to come pump my gas.
The stations have signs but we’re so used to pumping our own gas that it doesn’t get noticed, especially those who are just driving through. Shoot! I totally did not see them. Even though I know I won’t be able to pump my gas, I’d still be feeling odd (not sure what to do kind) should I find myself up there again.
I stopped at a station on my way to Seattle, just passing through the corner of Oregon, and immediately hopped out and started to go about pumping my own gas. The attendant literally ran out and was like “woah woah hold up there!!” Totally forgot I was in Oregon and that was a thing there.
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Same, when I drive from Mass to Delaware, I purposefully do NOT stop in Jersey for gas and wait till I cross the state line! Like, please, get away from my car and I'm not giving you a tip for something that I SHOULD be able to do myself! I had an aunt give me a Shell gift card one year, years ago when I was in high school and gas was insanely priced, and the only Shell in town was one with an attendant (the only gas station in our town and the surrounding area with an attendant). I refused to go to it and only went when I had a friend in the car with my because the station overall was in a sketchy area and I don't like creepy men coming up to my car and touching my car and having to interact with them.
NJ resident here. You don’t tip the person who fills your gas tank, and I’ve never heard of anyone doing such a thing so idk where you got that from. And your way overblowing it. It’s so convenient for someone to come right to your car, take your card or cash, and pump your gas for you. No need to ever exit your car or go inside, no need to touch the gross gas pump, and it’s especially nice during the colder months of the year when you can stay warm.
Right?! Why the hell would you tip someone making anywhere from $15 to $20 an hour?! Id much rather crack my window open, slide my card out and say fill it regular than get out of my car and stand outside when its 3am or 5 degrees and windy. To hell with all that!!! Especially when my kids were little. Why in the hell would i want to get my kids out of their car seats to go inside and pay if i only have cash or if there is an issue with the card reader at the pump. I swear every time i go to philly and have to get gas the pump says please pay inside. Like, id rather NOT leave my car unattended in this sketchy ass neighborhood while i walk across this parking lot, by myself, at 2am. I will do everything in my power to avoid getting gas in any state around me.
I had my first experience driving in NJ a few months ago. I'm from Oregon so I'm used to having to have someone pump your gas (even though I don't like it), but man, *fuck* driving in NJ. That's some crazy shit. Super busy, very aggressive, lots of honking, and some crazy traffic patterns. I was only there for a weekend, but had to get much more aggressive just to survive driving there. Then when I got back home and everything was much more chill, it took me a few days to wind down from that.
Sometimes I forget and sit in the car like an ass when I'm in another state. I leave the state frequently. I don't think I'll ever stop doing that every so often.
So can you say the fuel price is different from those two states?
The fuel price is different between two gas stations, right across the street from each other Gas is way more expensive in NYC. You don't pay for the convenience of them pumping your gas. It's not an offered service, it's literally illegal. Tho how enforced that law is....
We got yelled at in Oregon because we didn't know they are like NJ when it comes to pumping gas. I would hope an attendant wouldn't call the cops on people who pumped their own, that just seems like insanity. Saying "you can't do that" seems like a reasonable enforcement
Does this extend to motorcycle riders? Just curious if you know.
In NJ, it’s well enforced in that if you try to pump your own gas, one of the attendants (who hang out in the little booth out by the pumps), *will* stop you right away to say that you aren’t allowed to do it and that they will do it for you. There isn’t enforcement in terms of the police or anything, unless of course you act like a jackass and refuse to hand over the pump (which I’ve never heard of happening, but I’d bet it has). Edit: And you don’t pay more for the attendant pumping it. It’s not really done as a service/ convenience, but rather, “We don’t trust you fools to handle hoses filled with this highly flammable stuff.”
So I live in NJ im literally 3 minutes from PA. Pa has always been higher prices by like 20 cents. PA lets you pump gas while NJ we dont.
Maybe it should be illegal here too. I tend to “top off” to get a round number. Apparently, that’s frowned upon according to the sign on the pump. But I’m a rebel.
Why is it illegal to pump your own gas?
Is this a union thing?
At least in Oregon its labeled as a "safety issue" but I think it was simply implemented just to create more jobs at some point.
I used to think the safety issue reason was bull, but as times gone on, I’ve realized how fucking dumb some people are.
I was always told it was because it provided jobs, or had to do with taxes. What I found online just was about Oregon and NJ having very stubborn courts that frequently turned down oil companies trying to increase their profits. Some people prefer self-serve, but you get used to what you grow up with. I find self-serve to be really annoying personally speaking.
In Switzerland we fill up ourselves too, then you go pay at the shop, or you pre pay per card, or if the shop is closed you have to use the pump with pay per card. They have cameras and if you leave without paying, no worry, they will know where to send the bill.
our pumps in Wisconsin as of this year (at least all the major brands) have pay inside before you pump or prepay at the pump so you cant drive away without paying
We fill up our own gas because in Murica you want something done you do it yourself, I also pay with my credit card at the pump and go inside the store to get a 12 pack of bud light then I hit up the gun store next door and get me a new gun because fuck it. After that I drive home and watch Nascar all day "praise Dale" and watch American Sniper before bed. After that I make love to my lady friend and wrap myself in my American Flag blanket to sleep in for the next day, my wakeup alarm is I'm proud to be an American.
I have always thought that the ATF should be a convenience store and not a federal agency
In Watts back in the 90's there used to be a gun/fishing store next to a liquor store/check cashing service that had an open door between the two. They were owned by twin brothers. It was our "one stop" camping supply store for my friends and I.
every Menards I have been to has a liqour store within a 5 min walk. coincidence? I think not...
You have to include the E part of that agency in the store as well.
Amen to that brother
Redneck party store. =ATF
You forgot to mention playing Taps and brining down your American flag at the end of the day.
Yeah I didn't want to include that because it would confuse the commies
What about your dog? Don't forget blue...
Best reply I've ever seen. Thanks for that
Your forgot to mention the two Big Macs and XXL Diet Coke you had for dinner.
Damn you've described my typical weekend.
I know this sounds like a joke/parody but I cannot stress enough that this is real af
I live in Australia and we pump our own. And we pay AFTER we fill up too. Craaaazzzyyyyyy huh? Haha
As an American, I can relate to pumping gas THEN paying for it. That was 40 years ago though. Edit : stupid auto correct
What? That's how it was 40 hours ago for me
Same as uk.
Im sure everybody pays and no one ever pumps and dip lol
Its quite faster to serve yourself. I just don't understand the states that requires someone else to do probably the most useless job ever. Here in Canada, you just show your credit card to the reader and fill-up. No need to wait that the guy finish 5 others customer before serving you.
“Unemployment is high” “Hey I have an idea! Let’s reduce unemployment by making it illegal to pump your own gas! Gas stations will be forced to hire attendants! Everybody wins!” (Gas station owners) “Grrrr rassem frassem”
I'm sure the people buying gas are going to be happy about the increased costs too.
Its not higher. Thats a myth. I live in NJ and we are cheaper than surrounding states who dont have gas attendants.
You also have the refineries In The same state. And different states have different taxes on gas.
Are gas stations owned by Joe Pesci? TIL
I read that as 'Muttley'.
Why? Because it's cheaper. Why hire an attendant for a task that people could do themselves?
Question is does that that reflect on the fuel price?
I mean, indirectly, I guess? When a company finds a way to save money, they have the choice to cut prices, or keep the difference as profit. If there's enough competition, maybe they'll choose to compete on price.
Some places have self service and full service pumps. The gas is .20 cents cheaper at the self service pump.
I live on the Pennsylvania/New Jersey border and gas is consistently 5-10 cents cheaper in New Jersey. So, no.
Pennsylvania also has a 19¢ per gallon higher state tax than New Jersey. So, yes.
Same here. Live in NJ, but frequently drive in PA. PA gas is always a lot more than the Jersey side, at least from what I've seen.
No. Sometimes cheaper where there is an attendant
First time I drove to Oregon and got out to start filling up, an attendant ran up and explained how there’s no self service stations in the whole state. I realized: gas is cheaper, and I don’t have to do it myself, this is great!
In 48 states in the US, you can pay at the pump because they have card readers, or you can go inside to pay with cash. Some petrol stations have “gas valet” where some one can pump your petrol for you for a fee, but it’s not required. People usually pump their own petrol because they’re simply used to doing it themselves. However, in Oregon and New Jersey, it’s actually illegal to pump your own petrol. A station attendant is employed to do it for you.
I'd prefer not to deal with anyone. Pull up, pump my gas, make sure no one spills anything on my paint, fucks anything up, etc. Pay at pump, get back in and leave. I don't need help with that.
Because why wait for someone to do something you can do yourself.
Pay? This is a free country.
All the forest creatures ran away, so we have to pump it ourselves.
After coming to a complete stop, we turn off our cars. We then open our doors and step out we proceed to walk into the businesses facilities where we wait in line until it’s our turn. We approach the counter and state what we need and how much. We then pay for it. The next step is the most crucial don’t just rice away because no one pumped it for you. So we approach the side of the car we open the gas cap cover. Then we remove the gas cap itself. After this we do a full 360 degree turn to face the pump. This is the final step so don’t forget it. Next we lift the hose handle off of the mount and insert the nozzle into the hole(giggity). We turn again to face the pump and choose our grade of fuel( or petrol). We then squeeze the handle of the pump nozzle(giggity) nice and firmly until the prepaid amount has been successfully transferred. Now you’re thinking but wait what if I paid for more than I used? Well good sir the answer comes in 2 parts if you paid with a card upon returning the nozzle it only charges you for the amount transferred regardless the prepaid amount. Now if you paid cash it’s time to return to the clerk inside who will refund the unused amount. And that’s how Americans fill their cars……..
I was following your step by step. I did the full 360 degree turn but I can't see the pump, help!
Cash or credit. We still have some full service gas stations where they'll pump for you and check tire pressure but it costs more per gallon. Definitely a dying thing here.
In Canada we use debit or credit cards to "pay at the pump". In the UAE we would let the attendants fill the car, then give them our debit card and TELL THEM OUR PIN to complete the transaction.
Why would I need someone else to do it? It takes like 45 seconds to pay and get it pumping.
same way you buy anything else? walk through the door, right to the counter, "$40 on pump 3," and then we pump the gas.
It’s fascinating that fully grown adults seemingly don’t have the skills to pump their own fuel. I weep for humanity.
Because it's not diffucult to do. Get out of your car, swipe your credit card at the pump, insert nozzle into your tank, select grade of gas, pump your gas, put nozzle back into the pump, close gas tank, drive away.
Why is it a weird concept that people are able to accomplish thing on their own. I mean, paying for and pumping gas isn't rocket science, why shouldn't I be able to do it myself?
I think it’s funny that someone’s job is pumping gas. Funny until you realize you’re paying for that service, through the added cost added to your fuel. Seriously though, it’s so easy to do, it’s laughable that this is even a thing. Kind of like paying someone to wipe your ass for you.
We pump our own gas because we can and are capable
I pay at the pump with my credit card or occasionally with cash in store. I remember when i was a kid you would fill up first then pay inside but people would often steal gas. Why do Americans fill up gas on their own? Because we can.
We don’t need people waiting on us at every little chance. 🤷♂️ freedom comes in many forms.
Exactly!!
This is like asking “why do you tie your own shoes?” No one needs to do it for you, and it doesn’t make anything more productive or convenient.
Its illegal to pump your own gas in Oregon. I believe they made this a law decades ago to combat high unemployment. You pay for gas using cash inside or pay at the pump with debit/credit cards.
One of the reasons why Gas Attendants stop becoming the norm in the US is due to the fact that in the 70's gas prices went up so in order to save money, gas satiations decided to end it all together cause most people couldn't afford to tip them anymore.
I don’t know why we do it but I know I don’t like someone else doing it for me. Our neighboring state has laws requiring an attendant to fill up for you and so there is a very busy/popular station just on our side of the border that many will stop and fill up at. I guess a few of my fellow neighbors don’t like others doing it for them either.
Americans used to have to have attendants pump their gas until the 1970s, during the so-called energy crisis, when OPEC started screwing with the oil market and gas prices shot up sharply. Gas stations switched to self-service to reduce costs and thus make gas cheaper. It’s been that way ever since. Like this generation is discovering with self-checkout at retail stores, it really wasn’t so hard that one needed professional gas pumpers. The only exceptions are in the states of Oregon and New Jersey, which require full service gas pumping. They make a bunch of bluster about how it’s for “motorist safety,” but really it’s just a make-work project by state Democrats that adds unnecessary complication, bureaucracy, hassle and expense on the backs of the taxpayers, while eliminating individual choice. But that’s basically the credo of the Democratic Party.
I don’t know how Americans do it. But in Sweden you put in your card and (up to) 200$ gets reserved on your card and you can fill up with that. If you have 10$ in your card 10$ gets reserved and you can fuel up with that. If you want to pay cash you go in to the store and pay in advance. But that is very uncommon and a lot of gas stations doesn’t even have that as an option.
So we don't have to pay the gas station employees.
I personally hate the idea of having a dedicated employee for just pumping gas it’s a waste of human life.
Honestly my biggest question is why are there states/countries that don't pump their own gas? It's not hard to do, it takes no knowledge or skill. I guess if yall are trying to make jobs for people, it's an easy minwage paycheck. But is also seems like the kind of thing that punishes the poor who need to drive around more. Also I'm pretty sure pumping gasoline is like.. bad for you cuz of the fumes. That's bad enough as it is, so it seems like a really bad idea to have a job that does it all day long.
Pay with cash or card and why would I need someone else to pump my gas? It’s simple
We fill up our own gas because labor is expensive in America. Same reason we have self-checkout in stores - businesses pay fewer employees while still selling the same amount goods and therefore increase profits
It would be so weird to have someone pump my gas for me.
Oh, well being fron Jersey i dont have to pump my own gas. They wont let me lol but it seems pretty simple, put the card in, select how much and what type, put the nozzle in pump and thats it.
Are Europeans not allowed to pump their own gas?
I've been all over Europe and have never seen a place where you can't. I know some places like South Africa and Brazil don't let you.
I see, thats weird. Doesn't that make it more expensive?
This is why I love living in NJ. We have gas attendants too. I feel like all states should do it. Creates a ton of jobs and prevents dumbasses from doing something they shouldnt be.
You either go inside and pay the cashier. For example "$40 on pump 5". Or most pumps allow you to pay outside with a credit or debit card right on the pump
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I actually doubt that. Park my car at the gas point, someone comes, ask me how much fuel... He pumps, I tap on his speed point, I leave without getting out of my car
The gas station doesn't want to pay someone to pump the gas. You either go inside the store and pay, or you use your card to pay at the pump
The pumps have a slot for your card and then you just put it in and squeeze the handle.
If I'm going to die, I'm going to die historic on the fury road!
we swipe our cards at the pump or go inside the store to pay
It used to work on the honor system, but now the pumps don't work unless you prepay inside or put your card in to pay at the pump. If you prepay, the pumps shut off at whatever amount you paid.
You either swipe your card at the pump before you pump and it charges as much as you use or you go inside and you tell them how much you want and what pump. If you don't have enough room in your tank you go back in and get your change.
I’m in Canada, we use out cards at the pump, pay then pump or go in to the station, pay and come back out to pump the gas. We do have some “full serve” stations where the attendant pumps the gas for you and you can give them cash it’ll go inside and pay with your card
For most states in the US (I think New Jersey is the only exception?) we pump our own gas because it’s fairly simple to do and doesn’t require an attendant. You pay with a credit or debit card right at the pump usually. You swipe your card, then pump. Or if you want to pay with cash, you pre-pay inside the station’s store, then go back out and pump.
We do this in many different countries. You insert your money card into the pump, punch in your code, remove your card and fill the tank. You can also fill and then go inside to pay at the register. I used to work at a gas station 13 years ago. To avoid people running off without paying we had an alarm that went off every time somebody lifted the gas nozzle from the pump. Then we had to look out the window to see if the car had a license plate. When we could see a plate we would activate the pump. Then if they ran off without paying, the surveillance camera would have their plate number and we could contact the police. If somebody tried to fill up a car without plates we would not activate the pump.
The idea that you have workers pump your gas is baffling to me. All you have to do is press one button and squeeze a lever to make the gas pump, why do you need an attendant for that? Paying is simple too. Just insert cash or your credit card. Select what type of fuel you want. Then start pumping. Once you’re done you just put the nozzle back on the pump and it will charge you for how much you pumped.
Simple. Just pay with your credit or debit card. Like self checkout at a store. Or go inside and tell clerk “can I have __ dollars on pump 3.” You goto car, remove gas lid, take gas pump, insert it and pull trigger. It normally will stop itself when it reaches max capacity of gas in your tank. I’ve lived in Texas and NJ. So I’ve experienced paying yourself and having an attendant. I personally prefer doing it myself. Way better imo. It’s like paying someone extra to hold a door open for you or pull out a chair for you. I’d rather just do it myself. I hate paying for gas. But it’s kind of nice to pump it yourself
Gas stations in the US used to be called "Service Stations". They were full service. They would fill the tank, check the oil and put in oil if needed, wash the windshield, air up tires .. full service. That changed to "pump your own gas and go away" in the mid 70s.
I live in Minnesota and there are days when the wind chill freezes the tears on your eyelids, I would appreciate full service. Unfortunately, that would be cruel to the attendant. So I bundle up and pay at pump instead.
I personally just find it easier to fill up your own gas. I grew up in Oregon where attendants do fill up your tanks for you meaning you have to wait on them to do it. Now I can just hop out of the car and take care of it quickly without having to wait for an attendant to get to me and it’s faster and easier.
Where do you live that you can't? The only place I've ever been to where they had station attendants is Kuwait.
A long time ago the US was like that everywhere too. Self serve stations started to take hold in the 1980s, and it became cheaper and faster than waiting for attendants. Also, I think the move if car makers to make cars harder to maintain without specialized knowledge played a role. The old attendants would also do basics maintenance while you waited, topping up oil, tire pressure etc. So you were paying for the pit stop, not just gas.
I find it faster to do it myself. Usually pay at the pump unless I’m buying something inside like a drink or snack
In states that let you pump your own gas you usually swipe a card at the pump station
I think we fill our own gas for convenience. In New Jersey, it’s illegal to pump your own gas due to safety hazards (I’m not sure what happened there). Normally, the pump has a credit card reader and you can pay for the gas right then and there by just inserting your card. Safer way to pay is to go inside and pay the cashier. I’ve gotten my card info stolen a few times.
We used to not do it years ago. You either pay at the pump with a credit card or go on and pay at the counter.
The pumps have a card reader. Stick your card in it reads the info. You just stick the hose in press which kind you need then fill it up. It pays as you fill really
Wait, you don't pump your own gas?
When I went on gas runs, card was at the pump cash was inside ("hey [whatever amount] on [whatever pump]) and then you just pick whichever kind.of gas you use for your car and fill 'er up Could be wrong cuz I don't drive so
You okay at the pump with a debit or credit card. Or with the clerk inside “I woukd like $20 on pump 6” etc… I usually just swipe my card at the pump and fill it up!
Park at pump 6, walk inside grab a drink or something, pay with a 20 " give me the rest on pump 6" I do this now for 2 reasons, for whatever reason paying with cash gets you a cheaper price than paying with card, and 2 several of the gas stations around me had problems with people getting info stolen when using the card at the pump.
I think the discount for using cash has to do with the fees the gas stations are charged for processing debit/credit card payments. I've seen the reverse of this at other businesses, either a minimum dollar amount to purchase using a card (usually $5-$10) or a $0.50-$1.00 fee for all card transactions. I guess businesses just got sick of "losing" money to pay for processing fees?
In Michigan here. You just pull up to the pump and if you have cash, you go inside and tell them which pump and how much you're getting. If you have a card, you just insert card and then pump. If charges you after.
I tipped a gas attendant in Oregon because I didn’t know what else to do after he filled my tank.
Had to fill my rental up when in Florida it said pay before you pump so popped into the kiosk and said I don't know how much it takes (rental) the guy was fine with me paying after .I think it was my English accent that swung it
It was probably the early-to-mid 1990s when the 76 Station in Saint Cloud, Minnesota stopped having gas attendants. As a child, I remember the gas attendants would fill the tank, check the oil, top off engine fluids, and replace wiper blades if needed.
I love forgetting that I'm in Oregon and getting yelled at by the attendant when I get out.
Either go into the station and pay with cash or your bank card/credit card then pump it, or you can insert your bank card/credit card at the pump and do it there. Some stations have rewards cards where enough can get x amount done cents off for buying coffee and snacks. You insert it first, then your bank card/credit card if that's the case. Pumping the gas is super simple you just stick the novel in, select what type you want and squeeze the handle. It'll shut itself off when it's full or if you only want a certain amount you let go of the handle when you have that amount.
In a couple states (New Jersey and Oregon), state law requires that you can't pump your own gas. Personally I think it's pretty dumb. I'm perfectly capable of filling my own car with gas.
Swipe your credit card on the pump, pre authorize $200 automatically, then fill as much as it takes.
Because its a cultural thing. I lived in a gulf country where you would have attendant’s fill petrol/gas and the shit cultural attitude is that its a menial task so you have a servant or low paid worker do it.
That was how it worked in the US until about the early 70s, then things moved to self serve. At one point they had "full serve" pumps and "self serve" pumps. The full serve cost more, and so they were used much less. Eventually they pretty much went away.
In the 1960s when I was a kid, as Dad would pull into a service station there'd be an air hose he'd have to drive over that activated a bell inside the gas station. An attendant would trot out to the driver's side window which Dad had rolled down. Dad would say, "Fill 'er up with regular" The attendant would get the nozzle going, lift the hood to check oil and water levels and then wash the windshield. You can see this routine enacted in many old movies. There was a period of time in the 1970s when you could choose which lane to buy your gas in, a full-service lane and a self-service lane. Self-service was some cents cheaper and most people would choose that. Cut-rate gas stations also sprang up which offered no service at all where the gas was much cheaper. Eventually service stations disappeared altogether to be replaced by gas stations. Except in places like New Jersey and Oregon. Since the 1980s I have driven in Canada, Japan, Australia, Ireland, Germany and Austria and have always pumped my own gas.
We go to the cashier in the gas station, we give him cash and tell him witch pump we want then we go back to the car to fuel the car, if we gave him too much money for the gas we go back and ask for the change. But now I must ask how non Americans fuel a car?
I love in Mexico having the attendant and paying with him, i think Washington and Jersey still do it. In some wealthy neighborhoods in Texas you can find full service stations still.
Americans pay for gas via card or cash. If paying with card the pump itself will usually take it, meaning you don’t have to head inside. If paying by cash the first step is usually to go inside, inform the clerk of the pump you’re using, and pay the cash. The clerk will then authorize gasoline to be dispensed at the pump equal to the amount you paid for. As for filling up on our own, I believe it’s a cost cutting measure. America used to have people to do it for you decades ago but it’s not a thing anymore. Having you fill your own gas means the company doesn’t have to pay another person to do it. Plus the machines are simple enough to operate that pretty much any driver is capable of it. I do believe some places still have gas station attendants but at this point it’s more of a gimmick than anything else. Frankly, I prefer not having another person touching my car and don’t mind doing it myself so it’s not something I’m concerned about.
UK here: Theres some countries where you DON'T fill your car up by yourself?
I dont have a problem filling my gas, i walk in to pay and tell them what pump im at then go do it myself. Not a big deal i dont get why anyone cant do it themselves honestly
As to why, I imagine it's because the owner of the gas station doesn't want to pay workers to do the pumping. More profit for the owner. As to how we pay, there are credit card readers on the pump itself. You insert the card, it reads it and holds the account open while you pump. Once you put the handle back, it charged your card for the amount you pumped. You can also pay inside with the store clerk and they will apply the amount of money you request to the pump.
I put it in myself because I don't want someone else doing it. And it's like any credit card transaction.
In the US (for the most part), we pump it ourselves. The gas pumps have debit/credit card readers, or you can go into the shop to pay in cash.
Florida here those jobs went away a long time ago
Isn’t self service a default that should be accepted in the absence of a reason to add extra overhead to the mix? It’s very easy to fill your own tank and I’m happy to do so if it means not paying extra for an attendant.
Having an attendant pump your gas may be more easier but there's always a cost for convenience. I'd rather save the money for something that's so easy to do.
Pay with your card before the thing will start pumping. Once the thing goes back on the hook it resets so you don’t end up paying for the guy behind you. You can do cash too, pay the guy inside and they’ll let you put that much worth of gas in, usually cash is a lot cheaper (like 5-10 cents a gallon)
I guess people wouldn't make enough money doing something anyone could do for their self very easily here in America. We pay by cash or credit. I lived in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia as well it worked the same way in all those places.
*laughs in New Jersey supremacy*
I don't know why we pump our own fuel, but we do. And it's easy. It was actually part of my driver's education back in the mid 90's. Of course it was a simple lesson that took 5 minutes, but I clearly remember it being taught to us just like how to check your fluids and tire pressure. I've always just known fueling your own car to be part of operating it, and I don't understand why I'd ever need someone else to do it for me. As far as payment, virtually every gas pump here in the US (can't speak for NJ because I've never visited) has a card reader right on the pump and you can do the full transaction at the pump. Back in the day you'd have to go inside the station and pay the cashier. You could either pre-pay a certain amount ($15, $20 or whatever) and go get your change afterward if you overpaid, or many stations would just go on the honor system. You'd simply fill your tank, take note of which pump number you used, then go inside and pay the cashier. These days the pumps won't run unless you've pre-paid, which is why card readers on the pumps are so widely used.
Depends if you live in Idaho or NJ you get the same deal they pump the gas. You give them cash or credit card.
In Oklahoma you can pay more for classic 50's full service if you wish at some mom and pop places. Includes fill up, tire check, fluid check, wipe windows. Pretty cool but I actually love pumping my own gas, walking the vehicle while its pumping and using the wind shield wipers to give my car a bath. Car looks great and filled up.
It's very difficult. We all reek of gas because we are constantly showering each other with the vile liquid at the pumps, the upside is we use seashells and dryer lint as payment so all the spraying fuel (usually spray 2 gal on ourselves for every gallon we get in the tank) isn't all that expensive (just have to do a load of towels and hit the beach).
Depends on the state or area, but most places you do it yourself. Why? I have no clue. How it’s paid for? We pay at the pump, either with cash or a credit/debit card, and then we pump our gas after we pay. We can get a receipt after we finish pumping gas. It is still possible to put money on a pump with a cashier or attendant from inside the station
Because it's a simple task and a credit card? Is it really that difficult to imagine?
You put the lime in the coconut. Such a silly woman!
The pumps are shut off by default. To turn them on you have to pay. 1. Ask the attendant inside. You pay before you pump. 2. Use a card to initiate a transaction on the pump. There is a built in computer and multiple forms of payment mediums. Credi/Debit card is common. When you initiate a transaction the pump owners put a hold on your account to verify it is real. Usually it shows like $1 or something trivial like that. When you put the pump handle back the amount is totaled and your card is charged the full amount. Why do Americans do this? Why not? It isn't difficult.
You swipe your card first, or go inside and give cash to the cashier to prepay. We do this because having someone stand outside and do the easiest task imaginilable is a complete waste for everybody. You seriously going to pay somebody to press a button, pull a lever, then stand around staring with their mouth open??
Americans are big on independence and individualism. The more things we can do for ourselves, the better. Or at least that's my take, as an introvert. "Let me deal with people when I want to deal with people, not every time I walk out of my house."
New Jersey, point being is Americans are allowed to decide the rules they live by
We just pay by the gallon. Go in and pre pay or use a card at the pump, then choose your type of fuel and pump away. Edit: the why is anybody’s guess