For convenience stores and travel centers, spring and summer are peak travel seasons, and this means that fuel demand is at an all-time high. During this period, it is crucial to have an ample fuel supply and a reliable fuel transport provider to meet this increased demand. Filling up fuel storage tanks can provide several benefits for businesses, including increased sales, emergency preparedness, cost savings, operational efficiency and tank maintenance and compliance.
Increased sales
The largest benefit of keeping fuel tanks full—and the benefit most noticed and appreciated by investors and c-suites alike—is increased sales. During the peak travel seasons of spring and summer, the demand for fuel drastically increases. By keeping fuel tanks full, stores can consistently meet customers' increased fuel demands. Consistency is critical in a competitive market. Ensuring that a store has a reputation for always being prepared and meeting customer demands is critical to attracting new customers and retaining customers, leading to brand loyalty. Long-term brand loyalty results in repeat business and increased sales, not just for the original store location, but for all branches of a brand. Additionally, customers who come to a store for fuel are more likely to purchase other products like DEF, oils and lubricants, snacks or drinks. The data backs this up, showing that the average in-store basket size increased 6.3% in 2021 and has grown 22.4% over the past two years according to data released during the 2022 NACS State of the Industry Summit in Chicago by CSP Daily News.
Emergency preparedness
“With fuel transport services, stores always have extra fuel on hand in case of an emergency or price spike. “
By utilizing gas and petrochemical transport services, businesses can significantly improve their emergency preparedness and ensure that operations remain running even during the toughest times. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, severe storms, tornadoes and power outages can disrupt fuel supply, causing a ripple effect of panic and shortages. With reliable fuel supply, transport and management, businesses can keep their stores open and provide essential services to their customers during natural disasters or power outages. This not only helps protect businesses from any potential losses caused by such events but also provides valuable community support in the face of emergencies. Ultimately, having a full fuel tank is one way to ensure that a business is ready for anything.
Cost savings
“Save money by taking advantage of bulk pricing through regular fuel transport deliveries.”
Keeping fuel storage tanks full can also help retailers save money in the long run. By taking advantage of bulk pricing through regular fuel transport deliveries, store operators can reduce their overall fuel costs. Furthermore, an annual fuel contract with a preferred liquid transport service provider can lock in the same price per gallon for the contract's duration, allowing retailers to manage volatile fuel prices better. This helps stores budget more effectively and ensure that fuel costs remain within budget.
Operational efficiency
“Increase operational efficiency with an automated fuel management system that takes all of the guesswork away.”
Using a fuel management system can also increase operational efficiency. This system detects fuel levels and notifies operators when fuel tanks need to be filled, taking the guesswork out of fuel level management. By automating this process, retailers can focus on other important aspects of running their convenience store. This can help improve overall efficiency, reduce waste and make more informed decisions about fuel management and overall operations.
Tank maintenance and compliance
“Reduce maintenance costs and avoid costly fines and penalties by automating tanks’ inspection and maintenance.”
Lastly, liquid transport and fuel management services keep tanks full and regularly maintained, reducing the likelihood of costly tank damage such as rust and corrosion by minimizing the amount of air in the tank. The automation of fuel management services also allows c-stores to stay on top of the regular maintenance and inspections required to meet state and federal regulations. Noncompliance with these regulations can result in costly fines and can blemish a brand’s reputation. As sustainability is a growing driver behind consumer decision-making, regulatory fines can hurt c-stores in many ways, as 50% of consumers report that they have changed food and grocery store brands based on environmental, social or governance considerations, per CS News.
Keeping fuel storage tanks full is crucial for the success of convenience stores and travel centers year-round. Utilizing a fuel management system can support a store's efforts to increase sales, better prepare them for emergencies, reduce overall fuel costs, increase operational efficiency and better support tank maintenance and minimize fines from regulatory noncompliance. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize filling up fuel tanks and reaping the benefits it brings to the c-store.
This post is sponsored by Gaubert Oil Company