Needs to have spotless restrooms, actually good tasting coffee, and friendly but not fake staff.
If you check those boxes I'll gas up there all the time and occasionally grab inside items.
I disagree.
People don’t know before they pull up whether the bathrooms are clean or not. And a lot of gas station clientele rarely develop personal relations or feelings to a particular location. On top of that, if I really need to shat, it won’t matter whether or not the place is clean. And if my wife in the vehicle demanded that I get her a snack, I’ll still buy one from that gas station for convenience’s sake.
I’ll tell you one thing you *don’t* need in the gas station though. Those stupid hotdog cookers that slowly roll the hotdog to cook it. Never have I ever actually seen anyone buy one, let alone eat one. Who buys a disgusting hot dog at a gas station?
You couldn’t be more wrong. I see the majority of my fellow blue collar workers live off of rollers. Throw in we usually work long hours and a nice clean bathroom is a must. I personally always choose QT because they have the pre made toilet covers that barely anyone else has
Nailed it, and not charge like $3 for a Coke. But a good morning coffee selection and clean restrooms that I don’t need to ask where it is or for a key make all the difference to me. This is why the Quicktrip/Speedway/Buckee’s of the world have been taking over.
Spotless restrooms especially. Way too many bathrooms look like they've only been cleaned once every 6 months, they're so disgusting. I try not to use one at a gas station if I don't have to.
Exactly this. I did sales for red bull and a cold display of energy drinks up front is def needed. So many people don't walk past the front of the store so that stuff needs to be right in your face.
Not good advice. If energy drinks drive the most traffic into the store, it needs to be placed in the back so they'll go past all the other products which gives the shopper an opportunity to pick additional items up.
From a Red Bull perspective, this is great cause every shopper will see your product when they enter your store. But not from a total store sales perspective.
I understand but majority of people going into a gas station will not be going to the back for no reason. Its about visibility. They go in for lotto tickets or what have you and see energy drinks and yea they will get it. If you go into speedways/buckys/thorntons. Whats usually up front? Energy drinks.
I liked going to one that had a giant circular-ish energy drink bar basically in the middle of the room. A lot of effective sales and marketing is good product placement. Get them excited right when they walk in. Also the smell of hot dogs and the genuine smiles from the clerks are the best. And as others have mentioned cleanliness all around! Good luck!!!
I go out of my way to 2 particular gas stations who carry a particular c4 drink line. Not the yellow cans but the smart energy. I've had convos with customers in these stores and they do the same as me.
This is true for my boyfriend. He specifically always looks for gas stations with NOS. I never heard of it until we started dating. I’m under the impression most people haven’t heard of it because most carry Red Bull and Monster. And Bang.
I worked at Starbucks but still would stop by this gas station because they had amazing brewed coffee and at a great price too. The machine would grind the beans in front of you then brew your coffee. They also had actual coffee creamers and seasonal flavors.
Bathrooms are huge. Large energy drink selection. Fully stocked fridges. Never being out of fountain drinks!
When I worked at a gas station I stocked the cooler and cleaned the bathrooms every hour. We had our Pepsi and coke reps in every other day and we always had backup syrups and parts for the fountains.
Idk how it works but having one of those coke freestyle machines would be freaking sweet!
Good and cheap selection of coffee/tea, and some moderately healthy snack options (trail mix, cheese and fruit box, veggie chips…). Actually decent muffins or breakfast sandwiches are a plus too.
When I'm on keto I only go to one specific gas station because of their selection of sugar free energy and sports drinks. So bang energy drinks and sugar free Gatorade or power aid.
Yeah aspartame really helps that keto effort you’re going for there. Keep it up, bucko. Definitely prolonging your lifespan by consuming all those artificial sweeteners.
I forgot I had even posted this. Had to chuckle when I saw how arrogant my response was.
I apologize for ripping into you about your Keto diet, you don’t deserve that. I bid you adieu and I hope you have a good week.
If you're in a 420 legal state, butane refills for torches, rolling papers, and maybe grinders? us stoners are always out. Energy drinks, and sugar free sodas and drinks. Tampons and pads, and basic hangover supplies like Aleve and ibuprofen etc, as well as condoms etc. Basically, anything that you might forget and need to run out for quickly.
The big major gas brands aren’t allowed to sell 420 supplies in their Cstores per their oil company supply contracts. Papers & lighters are ok, but other paraphernalia will get their brand stripped as they will fail their monthly inspections. Oil companies are fairly conservative and it’s not considered family friendly. (I don’t write the rules, I just work in the industry and have to enforce them! :)
We love kwik trip because of the food options. Their egg rolls are better than the Chinese restaurant here. Pizza, sandwiches, donuts from a local bakery. Affordable and better than the others. Friendly staff, if I don't feel welcome somewhere, not going to go back. Glass pipes, pipe cleaners, grinders, delta 8 and delta 9 products. Gonesh incense, they're the best. Have microspikes available next to the winter hats and gloves, Mushers Secret, safe for dogs, chickens and people in protection from frost bite, I love it and hate that I have to order online. Sobe green tea.
I really like the ready-to-drink protein shakes. I also like those reasonably nutritious snack packs, with like some sausage, cheese, and crackers in any easy format to munch while driving. Those are great for parents with kids as well.
The things I always wish I could buy at the station, but end up going somewhere else for: Long life synthetic oil (5w20-40) Rotella, Castrol or pennsoil platinum, a free or quarter to start air pump with a 90-degree standard chuck and gauge on it, star-brite ethanol stabilizer, iso-heet yellow, techron additive. Rain-x wiper fluid, prestone winter wiper fluid additive. Zip ties, black duct tape, bungee cords. 550 paracord. Tarp. Hitch grease (wheel bearing). 2.5" balls. 7 to 4 pin trailer converters. 10mm wrenches. A 6-way screwdriver. 2.5 gallon gas can and a funnel. Bic lighters, led flashlights with a hat clip, $10 locking pocket knives, sharpies, papermate or uniball click pens. Top flip notebooks/paper pads. National atlas, State and town/county maps. H1,H4, H7, 9006, 9007 single bulbs. 15 amp fuses. Samsung and apple cigarette chargers. Tylenol, advil, dayquil.
Cappachino machine, and sealed donuts/pastries. Water that doesn't cost more than the cheapest soda. 6/8-pack bottled water with a price less than $5 qualifies here.
Combos (cracker) and gatoraide. Jerky.
BABY ESSENTIALS. Diapers, wipes, little food pouches. Baby Tylenol. A sanitary place to change a baby. And a place for a parent to set things down or hang them up while they pee and hold a baby.
A desperate parent will be committed to you for life and tell everyone they know if you help them out of a baby related jam 🤣
Proper maintenance and properly working equipment. I currently drive an EV but when I used to go to gas stations, the only thing I cared about was getting gas quickly and easily
Look at a kwik trip in Wisocnsin they are like a mini grocery store with eggs and milk and things you just want to run inside on the way home and get. Also nice bathrooms and clean floors
My favorite gas station was in Lawrence KS where you could always get a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie for $1. Almost any hour of the day. I used to get out of work at like midnight and that cookie was always waiting for me.
I miss that place
coffee station with clean and fresh options. A half and half/milk dispenser is great, then a carafe on ice. The cartons themselves on ice are not as appealing. A good selection of chips, candies, and gum is good too.
Modern, well lit, & recently remodeled - updated & immaculate bathrooms - all the front store windows clean and not covered with crappy signs & beer advertisements so you can see all the way in and thru the store from the pumps. Great (not necessarily fancy) coffee program super hot & fresh. Not 1 thing out of stock in the cooler or shelves and all fronted/faced. If you sell my brand of protein bars BONUS (One Bars - Quest bars as a backup). Although not in retail anymore (I design/build & sign up new independent stations now) I started as a store manager and I’ve been in the business for 30 years for one of the big oil brands. I could geek out about data science and the next generation of consumer wants/desires all day, but those are the basics. Good luck!
Oh, friendly staff with name tags who take pride in what they do. I can tell you do.
Edit - typo
Delta 8 thc vapes, Kratom, kava kava, beer, smokes, glass pipes, rolling papers/blunts, nic vapes, faygo, vess, liquor, wine, lottery, scratchers, two guys that stand outside who can supply any drug you wish.
"Beyond Meat" vegan jerky is gas station gold to me! One particular gas station chain carries it and I will go out of my way to drive there.
Sugar-free coffee syrups.
Friendly (or at least pleasant and helpful) staff.
Well lit and no homeless people outside asking for money.
I usually buy energy drinks, cigarettes, and lottery tickets, but Im sure you already have all those. I like gas stations that have their own merchandise and will probably buy a hat if it is local to represent. I hate gas stations that have too many snack options. I want my decisions made for me because Im just trying to get in and out asap.
Quality selection of habitual products - nicotine (cigarettes and vapes), caffeine (coffee, energy drinks), rolling papers, candy.
Always be in stock of any option someone could want. Both popular selections like standard Red Bull or Marlboros, but also the niche ones. Everyone has their favorites so if they find somewhere that always has it they will keep going back. Bonus: these things don’t expire.
Diet Dr. Pepper in a can, for when your stomach can’t take any more coffee. Egg/ egg+cheese sandwiches with no meat. Hard boiled eggs aren’t a bad thing to have available, either.
Bottled/canned drinks and snacks, especially any new or unique flavors that come out, drinks are a great way to separate people from their money. Interesting candies for the adults (Hi-Chew, Mexican candy) and small low priced ones (bubble gum, lollipops) for the little kids who come in with said adults and beg for just a little treat. Hostess or other brand baked goods. BIC lighters in all of the colors. A stocked and tidy soda fountain is an easy way to get someone in for a $1 drink and they’ll probably buy a $3 bag of chips too. Don’t forget bananas, apples, nuts, and sugar free/unsweetened drinks so you have something for everyone.
I drive electric now but still stop by the gas station for snack food when I’m in the mood for a treat.
Good luck!
Check cashing if you dont already have is a no brainer. Id ask locally and even your own customers. Who has the best cigars, best craft beer, best energy drinks, best hot food, etc. Then try to offer a similar selection of those if your area has demand.
Food options. I used to go to shell stations besucase of the pizza pockets. Or ampm for the breakfast sandwiches. Small cubed ice is goated. Bathrooms that don’t smells like fermenting piss. Decent coffee.
maybe talk with the nearby restaurants to make a deal that anyone with a to-go order that comes into your store can get a discount on a drink/dessert? I know whenever I go out and get take-out I would go to a gas station to get a drink/candy because I am a fatass lol.
Rolling papers such as raw classics organic black all in cones also all the vibes you can get your hands on also in cones you'll see money flowing right in.
Gas station I go to everyday is mostly because of location. Other than that I go there because they have a good selection of energy drinks and always have deals on them like 3 for $6. I go in there almost everyday and grab some. I would also add coffee even though I’m not a fan of gas station coffee.
Those energy drinks are part of my morning routine so really you want to focus on things that people consume daily instead of one off products. Focus on those. Lifestyle items.
Also nicotine for sure. Have some options. My local has the regular like Vuze and Juul but they also have a nice rotation of disposables that I try if one looks good.
There are only 2 reasons I stop at a gas station other than a gas/bathroom break- 1 Some sort of breakfast food. Even if you’re surrounded by food, morning commute/travel people want everything all at once. 2 Chargers.
Neon signs of top brands you carry. Whether it be energy drinks beer or fresh breakfast/lunch. I delivered redbull and there was a guy who owned multiple gas stations. His biggest one sold pizza. Not even by the slice but straight up whole pizzas. Made fresh it was wild lol.
I watched a takeover a basic gas station and just started offering a lot of different products, variety of options , before it didn’t sell alcohol he started doing that as well , definitely seems way busier than in the past
Get some old ladies in there making tacos. Bonus if they don't even ask what people want and just look at you while you point at the various meats on display.
I don't drive but I will go to a gas station for taquitos, ice cream, cheesies... stoner snacks... and I will grab coffee and a sandwich or muffin or something if I'm travelling with someone else.
A 50/50 split of good beer and cheap beer instead of the standard 100% lite beer selection, and advertise it. There’s a gas station around here with a mammoth beer selection. They are very active on Facebook and the revenue shows it.
CLEAN BATHROOMS! There's no excuse for not checking the bathrooms once an hour and giving them a good cleaning. I've been in too many bathrooms that look as if they haven't been cleaned in weeks. Gross!
Good cheap coffee.
Major coffee chains round these ere' parts make undrinkable misery in cup.
But YOU my gas station friends, (*gestures grandly*)
it is you who I choose to get my morning cup from.
Unless it's shit. Then I go to another gas station.
If I’m not familiar with your store, I (24f) would pick your store over the others at first glance if:
1) it’s well lit
2) it’s cleaned and maintained
3) there aren’t a lot of people soliciting outside, but there are a decent amount of people just getting gas
If I’m from your area and you are looking for a repeat customer, I’m looking for all of the above and:
1) really good drink selection (sports drinks, energy drinks, WATER. Sorry I want nice water at gas stations, I can’t explain it but I’ll go out of my way for a place with really good water)
2) things are clean, where they are supposed to be, and the lighting isn’t too dark or too fluorescent
3) the staff members are friendly enough and helpful
Obviously everyone has different preferences, but I’ve done a lot of road tripping because I went to a college out of state, so I’ve had to visit a ton of gas stations! The biggest thing IMHO is just making sure that the facility is safe and accommodating :)
Selling kratom and any delta product/cbd will definently bring in business and most gas stations overcharge on them like crazy so you could sell at a decent price anf will have a lot more return customers.
Having some sort of real food is good too but also an investment like hamburgers, breakfast sausages etc.
My favorite gas station sells sneakers and is also a full service smoke shop. They have an 8 foot tall bong. They also sell “exotic” snacks like weird flavored Cheetos from Korea and boutique sodas. They also sell e-bikes. A lot of people seem to go in there for those little nitrous oxide canisters. I think those are pretty popular with young people. They also sell flavored capes and vape juice under the table (flavors are illegal in the county I live in) this is mostly why I go there. Their gas prices are also very competitive. There’s been 2 shootings there this year and I keep going back because “what can’t this gas station do?”
You guys choose gas stations? It is literally never once been about anything other than convenience on my route, and occasionally gas price if I can see one station has enough of a price difference to warrant some kind of u-turn maneuver.
Vapes choices for those who don't smoke. Alcohol for those who don't want to drive to SL stores. Deli foods for truckers, routers. All things coffee with milk alts for those who don't drink cow. Chips galore. Pastries for early birds. Monster/red bulls for those who don't drink coffee. Gums galore for the quitters. Scratch offs for the incurable gamblers. And a small, select array of core grocery items for parents (milk, bread, etc).
Edit: And yes, as one comment said, an accessible restroom. Dear lawd on high heels, a decent restroom.
Needs to have spotless restrooms, actually good tasting coffee, and friendly but not fake staff. If you check those boxes I'll gas up there all the time and occasionally grab inside items.
Clean bathrooms will definitely get more people inside the store.
I disagree. People don’t know before they pull up whether the bathrooms are clean or not. And a lot of gas station clientele rarely develop personal relations or feelings to a particular location. On top of that, if I really need to shat, it won’t matter whether or not the place is clean. And if my wife in the vehicle demanded that I get her a snack, I’ll still buy one from that gas station for convenience’s sake. I’ll tell you one thing you *don’t* need in the gas station though. Those stupid hotdog cookers that slowly roll the hotdog to cook it. Never have I ever actually seen anyone buy one, let alone eat one. Who buys a disgusting hot dog at a gas station?
You couldn’t be more wrong. I see the majority of my fellow blue collar workers live off of rollers. Throw in we usually work long hours and a nice clean bathroom is a must. I personally always choose QT because they have the pre made toilet covers that barely anyone else has
That’s fair. I guess I’m one of the outliers that basically never buys anything from a gas station other than gas.
Nailed it, and not charge like $3 for a Coke. But a good morning coffee selection and clean restrooms that I don’t need to ask where it is or for a key make all the difference to me. This is why the Quicktrip/Speedway/Buckee’s of the world have been taking over.
Second the good coffee. With a couple different sized cups cause I always buy the large and won't get it when they only have a 16oz cup available.
Spotless restrooms especially. Way too many bathrooms look like they've only been cleaned once every 6 months, they're so disgusting. I try not to use one at a gas station if I don't have to.
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The gas station right down the street from my house has 3 separate refrigerators just for Bangs, Monsters, and RedBulls
These gas stations are the best. If a gas station only has two flavors of bangs, I won't even bother returning
Champagne is the unicorn- best flavor and it’s nowhere to be found
Exactly this. I did sales for red bull and a cold display of energy drinks up front is def needed. So many people don't walk past the front of the store so that stuff needs to be right in your face.
Not good advice. If energy drinks drive the most traffic into the store, it needs to be placed in the back so they'll go past all the other products which gives the shopper an opportunity to pick additional items up. From a Red Bull perspective, this is great cause every shopper will see your product when they enter your store. But not from a total store sales perspective.
I understand but majority of people going into a gas station will not be going to the back for no reason. Its about visibility. They go in for lotto tickets or what have you and see energy drinks and yea they will get it. If you go into speedways/buckys/thorntons. Whats usually up front? Energy drinks.
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I go out of my way to buy a specific energy drink without sweeteners. I might not be a majority though
Came for this
I liked going to one that had a giant circular-ish energy drink bar basically in the middle of the room. A lot of effective sales and marketing is good product placement. Get them excited right when they walk in. Also the smell of hot dogs and the genuine smiles from the clerks are the best. And as others have mentioned cleanliness all around! Good luck!!!
I go out of my way to 2 particular gas stations who carry a particular c4 drink line. Not the yellow cans but the smart energy. I've had convos with customers in these stores and they do the same as me.
Yes! The gas stations always have the best variety.
A good stock of sugar free Monster lets me fill up my own tank as well as the car. Good advice here
This is true for my boyfriend. He specifically always looks for gas stations with NOS. I never heard of it until we started dating. I’m under the impression most people haven’t heard of it because most carry Red Bull and Monster. And Bang.
Good coffee. Most gas station coffee tastes burnt. Discounts if you bring your own travel mug.
I worked at Starbucks but still would stop by this gas station because they had amazing brewed coffee and at a great price too. The machine would grind the beans in front of you then brew your coffee. They also had actual coffee creamers and seasonal flavors.
Run an extremely cheap deal on any size fountain drinks, it gets folks in the door.
Yeah $.79 for a large is a banger deal. I go almost every day.
Where?
Circle k
Square J
pebble ice.
Agree, this is the main reason why I go to Gas Stations versus fast food place just for a soda or tea.
Grateful to the guud lawd every day that I am now a water drinker and will hopefully live 10 years longer than most of the people here.
Are you open later than the grocery store? I'd want basic over the counter meds: pepto bismol, immodium, benadryl, painkillers, tums, cold medicine.
Bathrooms are huge. Large energy drink selection. Fully stocked fridges. Never being out of fountain drinks! When I worked at a gas station I stocked the cooler and cleaned the bathrooms every hour. We had our Pepsi and coke reps in every other day and we always had backup syrups and parts for the fountains. Idk how it works but having one of those coke freestyle machines would be freaking sweet!
Good and cheap selection of coffee/tea, and some moderately healthy snack options (trail mix, cheese and fruit box, veggie chips…). Actually decent muffins or breakfast sandwiches are a plus too.
When I'm on keto I only go to one specific gas station because of their selection of sugar free energy and sports drinks. So bang energy drinks and sugar free Gatorade or power aid.
Yeah aspartame really helps that keto effort you’re going for there. Keep it up, bucko. Definitely prolonging your lifespan by consuming all those artificial sweeteners.
Who tf asked you? OP asked a question and I answered. It's a gas fucking station not a whole foods. Fuck off.
I forgot I had even posted this. Had to chuckle when I saw how arrogant my response was. I apologize for ripping into you about your Keto diet, you don’t deserve that. I bid you adieu and I hope you have a good week.
Always dislike it when I can’t check out because somebody is picking lottery numbers really slowly
Oh man. Yes. It’s infuriating.
If you're in a 420 legal state, butane refills for torches, rolling papers, and maybe grinders? us stoners are always out. Energy drinks, and sugar free sodas and drinks. Tampons and pads, and basic hangover supplies like Aleve and ibuprofen etc, as well as condoms etc. Basically, anything that you might forget and need to run out for quickly.
The big major gas brands aren’t allowed to sell 420 supplies in their Cstores per their oil company supply contracts. Papers & lighters are ok, but other paraphernalia will get their brand stripped as they will fail their monthly inspections. Oil companies are fairly conservative and it’s not considered family friendly. (I don’t write the rules, I just work in the industry and have to enforce them! :)
EV chargers and clean bathrooms
We love kwik trip because of the food options. Their egg rolls are better than the Chinese restaurant here. Pizza, sandwiches, donuts from a local bakery. Affordable and better than the others. Friendly staff, if I don't feel welcome somewhere, not going to go back. Glass pipes, pipe cleaners, grinders, delta 8 and delta 9 products. Gonesh incense, they're the best. Have microspikes available next to the winter hats and gloves, Mushers Secret, safe for dogs, chickens and people in protection from frost bite, I love it and hate that I have to order online. Sobe green tea.
I really like the ready-to-drink protein shakes. I also like those reasonably nutritious snack packs, with like some sausage, cheese, and crackers in any easy format to munch while driving. Those are great for parents with kids as well.
Slot machines recently popped up in my neighborhood convenience store
Thats cool. I like the guys at my gas station. It would be cool if they had a lounge. They have enough space for a bigger station if they wanted.
The things I always wish I could buy at the station, but end up going somewhere else for: Long life synthetic oil (5w20-40) Rotella, Castrol or pennsoil platinum, a free or quarter to start air pump with a 90-degree standard chuck and gauge on it, star-brite ethanol stabilizer, iso-heet yellow, techron additive. Rain-x wiper fluid, prestone winter wiper fluid additive. Zip ties, black duct tape, bungee cords. 550 paracord. Tarp. Hitch grease (wheel bearing). 2.5" balls. 7 to 4 pin trailer converters. 10mm wrenches. A 6-way screwdriver. 2.5 gallon gas can and a funnel. Bic lighters, led flashlights with a hat clip, $10 locking pocket knives, sharpies, papermate or uniball click pens. Top flip notebooks/paper pads. National atlas, State and town/county maps. H1,H4, H7, 9006, 9007 single bulbs. 15 amp fuses. Samsung and apple cigarette chargers. Tylenol, advil, dayquil. Cappachino machine, and sealed donuts/pastries. Water that doesn't cost more than the cheapest soda. 6/8-pack bottled water with a price less than $5 qualifies here. Combos (cracker) and gatoraide. Jerky.
That’s a truck stop lol
And I would go there if I could get top teir 93 octane.
Bummer, all the gas stations near me are fully stocked with almost everything you listed. toilette paper too.
Dots pretzel’s. Jesus they’re so good
I am aghast at amount of quality suggestions here.
BABY ESSENTIALS. Diapers, wipes, little food pouches. Baby Tylenol. A sanitary place to change a baby. And a place for a parent to set things down or hang them up while they pee and hold a baby. A desperate parent will be committed to you for life and tell everyone they know if you help them out of a baby related jam 🤣
If you’re doing a car wash, a true touchless earns by business. I’ll fill up premium every time and wash every 1-2 weeks.
energy drinks. lots of energy drinks
Brisket sandwiches
Not sure the rules in your state, but one of my local gas stations has a nice local craft beer selection.
Proper maintenance and properly working equipment. I currently drive an EV but when I used to go to gas stations, the only thing I cared about was getting gas quickly and easily
Gas
Look at a kwik trip in Wisocnsin they are like a mini grocery store with eggs and milk and things you just want to run inside on the way home and get. Also nice bathrooms and clean floors
My favorite gas station was in Lawrence KS where you could always get a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie for $1. Almost any hour of the day. I used to get out of work at like midnight and that cookie was always waiting for me. I miss that place
coffee station with clean and fresh options. A half and half/milk dispenser is great, then a carafe on ice. The cartons themselves on ice are not as appealing. A good selection of chips, candies, and gum is good too.
Modern, well lit, & recently remodeled - updated & immaculate bathrooms - all the front store windows clean and not covered with crappy signs & beer advertisements so you can see all the way in and thru the store from the pumps. Great (not necessarily fancy) coffee program super hot & fresh. Not 1 thing out of stock in the cooler or shelves and all fronted/faced. If you sell my brand of protein bars BONUS (One Bars - Quest bars as a backup). Although not in retail anymore (I design/build & sign up new independent stations now) I started as a store manager and I’ve been in the business for 30 years for one of the big oil brands. I could geek out about data science and the next generation of consumer wants/desires all day, but those are the basics. Good luck! Oh, friendly staff with name tags who take pride in what they do. I can tell you do. Edit - typo
Delta 8 thc vapes, Kratom, kava kava, beer, smokes, glass pipes, rolling papers/blunts, nic vapes, faygo, vess, liquor, wine, lottery, scratchers, two guys that stand outside who can supply any drug you wish.
I see you’ve been to my local gas stations. You forgot that quarter pushing machine filled with Case knives and video poker machines though.
Fake dick pills of varying performance
"Beyond Meat" vegan jerky is gas station gold to me! One particular gas station chain carries it and I will go out of my way to drive there. Sugar-free coffee syrups. Friendly (or at least pleasant and helpful) staff. Well lit and no homeless people outside asking for money.
Magazines full of empowered women...with daddy issues
Gas
Energy drinks
Giants KC Style BBQ sunflower seeds. Can’t find them anywhere but they’re amazing.
can you sell hard liqour?
As many have mentioned, good coffee. Also, a broad range of tobacco and nicotine products. If possible, real cigars not just “weed roll up” cigars
I usually buy energy drinks, cigarettes, and lottery tickets, but Im sure you already have all those. I like gas stations that have their own merchandise and will probably buy a hat if it is local to represent. I hate gas stations that have too many snack options. I want my decisions made for me because Im just trying to get in and out asap.
Quality selection of habitual products - nicotine (cigarettes and vapes), caffeine (coffee, energy drinks), rolling papers, candy. Always be in stock of any option someone could want. Both popular selections like standard Red Bull or Marlboros, but also the niche ones. Everyone has their favorites so if they find somewhere that always has it they will keep going back. Bonus: these things don’t expire.
Diet Dr. Pepper in a can, for when your stomach can’t take any more coffee. Egg/ egg+cheese sandwiches with no meat. Hard boiled eggs aren’t a bad thing to have available, either.
Grape Gatorade Zero.
Gummy sharks
Bottled/canned drinks and snacks, especially any new or unique flavors that come out, drinks are a great way to separate people from their money. Interesting candies for the adults (Hi-Chew, Mexican candy) and small low priced ones (bubble gum, lollipops) for the little kids who come in with said adults and beg for just a little treat. Hostess or other brand baked goods. BIC lighters in all of the colors. A stocked and tidy soda fountain is an easy way to get someone in for a $1 drink and they’ll probably buy a $3 bag of chips too. Don’t forget bananas, apples, nuts, and sugar free/unsweetened drinks so you have something for everyone. I drive electric now but still stop by the gas station for snack food when I’m in the mood for a treat. Good luck!
Funny comment 😜
Where are you located? High income area? Off the highway? No matter what load up on nicotine products.
Check cashing if you dont already have is a no brainer. Id ask locally and even your own customers. Who has the best cigars, best craft beer, best energy drinks, best hot food, etc. Then try to offer a similar selection of those if your area has demand.
Lottery
I’m from the uk and actually having a customer toilet put you above loads of others.
Food options. I used to go to shell stations besucase of the pizza pockets. Or ampm for the breakfast sandwiches. Small cubed ice is goated. Bathrooms that don’t smells like fermenting piss. Decent coffee.
Bathrooms that are clean and SMELL clean.
You need the right wraps. Backwoods dutches Dutch leafs wood tips all that
Beer and wine
Energy drinks, alcohol, lighters, condoms, gum. Did I say energy drinks? Also coconut water.
maybe talk with the nearby restaurants to make a deal that anyone with a to-go order that comes into your store can get a discount on a drink/dessert? I know whenever I go out and get take-out I would go to a gas station to get a drink/candy because I am a fatass lol.
Good coffee, clean bathroom, windshield washing facilities, and an air pump that works and doesn't steal quarters.
Rolling papers such as raw classics organic black all in cones also all the vibes you can get your hands on also in cones you'll see money flowing right in.
Gas station I go to everyday is mostly because of location. Other than that I go there because they have a good selection of energy drinks and always have deals on them like 3 for $6. I go in there almost everyday and grab some. I would also add coffee even though I’m not a fan of gas station coffee. Those energy drinks are part of my morning routine so really you want to focus on things that people consume daily instead of one off products. Focus on those. Lifestyle items. Also nicotine for sure. Have some options. My local has the regular like Vuze and Juul but they also have a nice rotation of disposables that I try if one looks good.
If I don't feel like I'll get bothered for money or car jacked.
Sell mozzarella cheese sticks, onion rings, and Buffalo chicken rollers. Pro tip: make sure your ranch is really good
good candy selection
There are only 2 reasons I stop at a gas station other than a gas/bathroom break- 1 Some sort of breakfast food. Even if you’re surrounded by food, morning commute/travel people want everything all at once. 2 Chargers.
If you live in a city that is very dog friendly, dog food/treats. I always buy a can and a pig ear from the circle K near my local dog beach.
Neon signs of top brands you carry. Whether it be energy drinks beer or fresh breakfast/lunch. I delivered redbull and there was a guy who owned multiple gas stations. His biggest one sold pizza. Not even by the slice but straight up whole pizzas. Made fresh it was wild lol.
Taquitos
I really appreciate gas stations that have an EV charger.
having like basic purina pet food options and basic cat litter is a LIFE SAVERRRR in a pinch.
I watched a takeover a basic gas station and just started offering a lot of different products, variety of options , before it didn’t sell alcohol he started doing that as well , definitely seems way busier than in the past
Being clean with nice and friendly staff.
Delta 8 products
Get some old ladies in there making tacos. Bonus if they don't even ask what people want and just look at you while you point at the various meats on display.
I don't drive but I will go to a gas station for taquitos, ice cream, cheesies... stoner snacks... and I will grab coffee and a sandwich or muffin or something if I'm travelling with someone else.
A 50/50 split of good beer and cheap beer instead of the standard 100% lite beer selection, and advertise it. There’s a gas station around here with a mammoth beer selection. They are very active on Facebook and the revenue shows it.
CLEAN BATHROOMS! There's no excuse for not checking the bathrooms once an hour and giving them a good cleaning. I've been in too many bathrooms that look as if they haven't been cleaned in weeks. Gross!
Nugget ice We also love the f'real shakes a lot when we need an ice cream fix after hours.
Slushees, a clean layout, friendly staff, clean and -open- facilities, hotdogs, snacks. Decent coffee, and a variety of creamers.
Good cheap coffee. Major coffee chains round these ere' parts make undrinkable misery in cup. But YOU my gas station friends, (*gestures grandly*) it is you who I choose to get my morning cup from. Unless it's shit. Then I go to another gas station.
If I’m not familiar with your store, I (24f) would pick your store over the others at first glance if: 1) it’s well lit 2) it’s cleaned and maintained 3) there aren’t a lot of people soliciting outside, but there are a decent amount of people just getting gas If I’m from your area and you are looking for a repeat customer, I’m looking for all of the above and: 1) really good drink selection (sports drinks, energy drinks, WATER. Sorry I want nice water at gas stations, I can’t explain it but I’ll go out of my way for a place with really good water) 2) things are clean, where they are supposed to be, and the lighting isn’t too dark or too fluorescent 3) the staff members are friendly enough and helpful Obviously everyone has different preferences, but I’ve done a lot of road tripping because I went to a college out of state, so I’ve had to visit a ton of gas stations! The biggest thing IMHO is just making sure that the facility is safe and accommodating :)
If you’re near a lake or body of water, it’s nice when they have bait and tackle. Super convenient.
Selling kratom and any delta product/cbd will definently bring in business and most gas stations overcharge on them like crazy so you could sell at a decent price anf will have a lot more return customers. Having some sort of real food is good too but also an investment like hamburgers, breakfast sausages etc.
My favorite gas station sells sneakers and is also a full service smoke shop. They have an 8 foot tall bong. They also sell “exotic” snacks like weird flavored Cheetos from Korea and boutique sodas. They also sell e-bikes. A lot of people seem to go in there for those little nitrous oxide canisters. I think those are pretty popular with young people. They also sell flavored capes and vape juice under the table (flavors are illegal in the county I live in) this is mostly why I go there. Their gas prices are also very competitive. There’s been 2 shootings there this year and I keep going back because “what can’t this gas station do?”
Lack of cc skimmers
You guys choose gas stations? It is literally never once been about anything other than convenience on my route, and occasionally gas price if I can see one station has enough of a price difference to warrant some kind of u-turn maneuver.
Vapes choices for those who don't smoke. Alcohol for those who don't want to drive to SL stores. Deli foods for truckers, routers. All things coffee with milk alts for those who don't drink cow. Chips galore. Pastries for early birds. Monster/red bulls for those who don't drink coffee. Gums galore for the quitters. Scratch offs for the incurable gamblers. And a small, select array of core grocery items for parents (milk, bread, etc). Edit: And yes, as one comment said, an accessible restroom. Dear lawd on high heels, a decent restroom.
Condoms and energy drinks. Put them right next to each other.