Prepay gas stations
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 343
Likes: 7
From: Arizona
Prepay gas stations
So, what does everyone think about prepay gas stations? I'm not talking about paying at the pump with a credit card, but rather, having to go inside before you pump gas if you want to pay cash. In my opinion, they are a big pain in the butt for people like myself who are unable and/or unwilling to use a card. Cash customers have to go inside, stand in line and wait a while to give the cashier some money, go back out and pump the gas, then go stand in line and wait AGAIN to get change. I would choose to avoid this even if it means paying a few cents more per gallon. What I'd like to see is a directory of no-prepay gas stations.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
How do you think the station owners feel when some bum skips out without paying for the gas they just pumped? Just sayin'......
Anyway, gas drive-offs happen all too often and this is one of the big reasons for stations doing this. I don't blame them a bit. Why take the chance on someone skipping? It's not like losing one customer that doesn't like pre-pay is going to hurt them. There are many more right behind them that will pre-pay and do.
Anyway, gas drive-offs happen all too often and this is one of the big reasons for stations doing this. I don't blame them a bit. Why take the chance on someone skipping? It's not like losing one customer that doesn't like pre-pay is going to hurt them. There are many more right behind them that will pre-pay and do.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,527
Likes: 2,831
Get a debit card and use it only for gas.
OR
Just buy a certain $ amount of gas each time so you don't have to go back for change.
As a former pump jockey I can tell you the days of fill up first, then pay on the "honor" system are gone forever. Anyone who still operates this way is either in a closed loop community or a fool.
OR
Just buy a certain $ amount of gas each time so you don't have to go back for change.
As a former pump jockey I can tell you the days of fill up first, then pay on the "honor" system are gone forever. Anyone who still operates this way is either in a closed loop community or a fool.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
There's a local chain of stores that has a special card that can be got for free, called a "pump-start card". You give them your drivers license number, address, and a few other not-so-personal info, and they will issue you a card that will start the pump, and you pay when done. Of course, they KNOW you will pay, since they already have all your info.......
In this day and age, anyone that still does stuff in a cash only manner, is way behind the times. They do sell "Pre-paid" Visa/Mastercards at just about any walmart. You put money on the card, and then you spend it by doing "credit card" transactions.
I agree, the honor system is long gone, as is any shred of honor among the masses........
In this day and age, anyone that still does stuff in a cash only manner, is way behind the times. They do sell "Pre-paid" Visa/Mastercards at just about any walmart. You put money on the card, and then you spend it by doing "credit card" transactions.
I agree, the honor system is long gone, as is any shred of honor among the masses........
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,834
Likes: 3
From: Kzoo
Prepaying has never bothered me because of paying with a card but the one time when I didn't have a card and I had to go in and wait in line to prepay was annoying. I understand why they do it though. All it takes is a couple idiots to ruin it for the rest.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,335
Likes: 6
From: Midwest
actually the pay at the pump stations are a blessing for me. I can't remember the last time I walked into a gas station to pay for gas,less tempting to buy the overpriced chips and sodas. Get my gas and get gone,don't have to wait on all the knuckleheads buying lottery tickets,either!!
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
You have to go inside to pay cash anyhow.
Why do you care whether you do it before or after pumping, unless you're intending to drive off?
Why do you care whether you do it before or after pumping, unless you're intending to drive off?
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,050
Likes: 1,524
From: Maine, Virginia
I love my local BJ's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Scan your membership card, pump then stroll over to the cash cage and pay the person inside.
I would love to see gas pumps evolve into a vending type of machine. Insert bills and pump.
I haven't bought gas on a credit card for over 10 years. I hate using my debit card period. I love cash and usually carry at least $100.
I would love to see gas pumps evolve into a vending type of machine. Insert bills and pump.
I haven't bought gas on a credit card for over 10 years. I hate using my debit card period. I love cash and usually carry at least $100.
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,606
Likes: 5,629
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
and that is why i like new jersey. no standing in the weather, having gas or diesel back splash on you at a self serve station pumping your own gas.
pull up, tell the pump jockey what you want, then pay when it is done.
pull up, tell the pump jockey what you want, then pay when it is done.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 343
Likes: 7
From: Arizona
Because if go do it before, you also have to do it AGAIN after, unless you don't want a full tank. Without prepay, you only have to do it once.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 343
Likes: 7
From: Arizona
I agree. Call me paranoid, or maybe just stubborn and idealistic, but I think everyone should have the option of paying with cash, thus not having to balance your checkbook for every transaction including the dollar you spent on a candy bar, and not having every transaction recorded in someone's database. Cash is fast, easy, and anonymous.
FTE Legend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 161,108
Likes: 8,094
From: North Bay Ont Canada
I use a club card (of sorts) for gas & it saves me about .10 per gallon, then I pay it off once a month. I dont like interest charges.
For diesel I go to the native reserve & pay less for fuel there.
For diesel I go to the native reserve & pay less for fuel there.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,243
Likes: 2
From: Chicago and Mt Carroll IL
Cash pre pays have been in place so long in Chicago I hardly remember what it was like to pull up to a pump and fill, although I usually card it.
Out in Mt Carroll (my rural small town 2nd and hopefully soon to be permanent home) the 2 fuel stations pretty much know everyone by thier vehicle so the pumps are on all the time. At one of the stations, the card reader on pump 4 broke about a year ago and you suffer the inconvenience (sarcasm intended) of having to run in and sign a charge slip. Don't think they intend to fix it anytime soon.
The RARE drive off, when apprehended (they'll call every police dept within 10 miles so they are caught)....will not likely ever do it again as the charge of "theft of services/goods or something like that" usually nets the offender a 90 day hotel stay in a civil war era jail complete with an outside cage for recreation and orange and white striped uniform.
Out in Mt Carroll (my rural small town 2nd and hopefully soon to be permanent home) the 2 fuel stations pretty much know everyone by thier vehicle so the pumps are on all the time. At one of the stations, the card reader on pump 4 broke about a year ago and you suffer the inconvenience (sarcasm intended) of having to run in and sign a charge slip. Don't think they intend to fix it anytime soon.
The RARE drive off, when apprehended (they'll call every police dept within 10 miles so they are caught)....will not likely ever do it again as the charge of "theft of services/goods or something like that" usually nets the offender a 90 day hotel stay in a civil war era jail complete with an outside cage for recreation and orange and white striped uniform.