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!

[azureline**]

Too many drive offs without paying? You can't expect them to do anything else now.

[cq_tech]

If they employed pump jockeys they wouldn't have to worry about drive offs. The oil companies have brought this on themselves by trying to cut costs by employing just one console operator and making everybody pump their own petrol. A bit of old-fashioned driveway service would benefit everybody, especially the elderly and disabled who would no doubt appreciate a bit of help filling their cars.

[azureline**]

Old fashioned driveway service comes at a cost and most of us wouldnt want to pay more. Mine offers service to those who need it and ask.

[annies_fancy_dress]

I'm sorry you felt insulted UFO, it's not your fault.

It's an unfortunate result of our lifestyle, too many things needed and not enough money being earned.

I think this is where are headed, the prepay system.

Most places expect you to pay first when you want something, it's just that at petrol stations you get the goods in your possession and are in a position to abscond before you pay.

I hope the service person was polite when you went in.

[*pepe]

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.

[harley_babes_hoard]

I suspicious looking character that has been going to the same BP for 12 years.

I would be peeved off and not return either I would complain to the manager that's for sure.

[lurker172602]

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?

[*mrgrizz*]

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@harley_babes_hoard wrote:
I suspicious looking character that has been going to the same BP for 12 years.

I would be peeved off and not return either I would complain to the manager that's for sure.

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how would a console operator know who has been going there for 12 years? i could be there first shift or 300th doesn't matter

do they make a rule and put in a special UFO clause?

[lloydslights]

Our local servo, doesn't open the doors after a certain time.  It really annoyed the console operator when a young woman wanted some milk, chips, magazine and an icecream when she prepaid for the fuel.  He had to walk around to collect her goodies.

DEB