ROCKLIN, Calif. -- 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 recent 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 [image-nocss] 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.
Other top priorities for those surveyed included:
Having a clean gasoline nozzle that operates properly. Pumps that deliver fuel quickly. Friendly employees. 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.
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