Business
Clean fuel, quick pit stop top priorities of customers at modern-day gas stations

Saturday, March 4, 2006

ROCKLIN, Ca. (AP) -- Few of today's motorists can recall the heyday of the full-service gas station, where an attendant decked out in a company uniform pumped your fuel, checked your oil and cleaned your windshield. A survey conducted by National Shopping Service indicates that drivers now have other priorities when filling up at their local self-serve station.

In a nationwide survey of 3,671 gas station customers, both men and women indicated that perks like having an employee offer to check under the hood, wash the windows and be in a company uniform (with a name badge) rank near the bottom of their priority list for employee interaction.

Instead, personal safety and properly functioning pumps top the list of current concerns, as drivers expressed a preference for "getting in and getting out as soon as possible." They also indicated a preference for facilities with a "well-lit exterior."

"The data we gather in these nation-wide and global surveys produce immediate, invaluable insight for our industry-leading, customer-centric clientele," Matt Wozniak, president and CEO of National Shopping Service, said.

"These customer perceptions, often only a few hours old, allow corporate leaders to understand and focus on real-time consumer perceptions and desires. In the hyper competitive, super efficient, tight margin world we live in, understanding, measuring and focusing on the correct consumer needs is paramount."

Other top priorities for those surveyed include: having a clean gas nozzle that operates properly; pumps that deliver fuel quickly; friendly employees; and getting a receipt. The survey also found that convenience store customers placed a premium on fresh food and coffee, a well-lit interior, price tags in clear view and clean restrooms.