I was treated like a criminal at BP

[ufo_investigations]

I went to BP about 30mins ago to fill my tank. I grabbed the pump to fill up and a voice came over the loud speaker saying "PREPAID ONLY".  They refused to allow me to fill up so had to go inside to prepay an amount of $80 without knowing how much I needed whether it was higher or lower. It turned out the pump stopped at $80 as the operator pre-programmed that exact amount. I have been buying fuel at this particular place for 12 years. They wont see me again!

[nicnacs_4u]

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@*pepe wrote:

you weren't treated like a crimminal, you weren't singled out as a suspicious looking character - many petrol stations do this, especially at night - not only to prevent drive aways but for the protection of the console operator too.

so many people see things as a personal slight these days.

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I have to agree with you Pepe..perhaps if you filled your car up during the day this wouldn`t have happened to you

[i-need-a-martini]

Spoiler

I am doing a design project with a fuel company and had some stats given to me on how people buy fuel. The numbers of people that DON'T pay is staggering. The statistic was 1 in 5 in certain areas. Coupled with the level of theft, abuse and robbery for station attendants, then no wonder these companies are going pre-paid.

Also, it IS a service for customers. It is obviously quicker and more efficient if you don';t have to trudge your way into a shop and wait in a queue.

I don't think you were treated like a criminal at all.

[cherry*135]

Lurker "As I understand it from my mum, in NZ there is a service station chain that is making their point of difference offering driveway service. They don't charge anymore than the others but I know she (mum) won't go anywhere else because of it. Maybe something for the smaller Independents here to think about?"

Yes, there is a few that do that, it is great. Last time I was there, as well as the smaller independents who still offer this service, there was a bigger chain that widely advt they had a service help person from 10 am to ? (can't remember finishing time, near 5pm I think). These people are always super friendly and helpful. In quiet spells they will wash the windscreen as well. Creates a job for someone. Customers leave there with a good feeling.

[lurker172602]

Yes, that's the one I'm thinking of. The end of the alphabet one.

[j*oono]

Our local servo has some prepaid pumps and some that aren't.  The ones that are not prepaid are probably closer to the security camera.

I would like some old fashioned service too.  I don't mind pumping my own petrol but I hate checking the tyres.  I tried using one of those computer things once and I nearly blew my tyres apart.

[katymatey*]

I live in a large regional city. One service station (same owners for decades) always had driveway service, and still does. That is the one I go to. Tank filled, windscreen washed, change given while I sit in the car. I am semi disabled so this is comfortable for me. If I asked they would put air in the tyres and check oil too.

[cherples]

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@katymatey* wrote:

I live in a large regional city. One service station (same owners for decades) always had driveway service, and still does. That is the one I go to. Tank filled, windscreen washed, change given while I sit in the car. I am semi disabled so this is comfortable for me. If I asked they would put air in the tyres and check oil too.

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We have one the same and that's where I go.  Their service is great and he changes the window wipers as a bonus too.

[lionrose.7]

I use that service station in nZ as well, love the service

[mugssy65]

J*oono, Lorries fuel on railway ave near the bowling ally still does in car service, I don't know about tyres though.
My Dad was at a pre pay pump once, he objected because he was going on a long trip and wanted to fill the car to the brim, he argued with the cashier but she wouldn't give in so he put $3 worth in the car (all the cash he had) and drove to the next station.

[j*oono]

Thanks Mugs.  It's just the tyres and oil that really bother me.  I'll start getting one of the boys to take it down for me.  Mostly our local hasn't even got a tyre pump because someone keeps stealing it.  I think they have a computer one now so that will be a job for one of them.