During the COVID-19 pandemic, gasoline stations and convenience stores have not only proven essential but resilient in ways no one identified.
So many new rules have been implemented to safely serve customers. Some of those implementations are just temporary measures, but others will likely become permanent.
As soon as the lockdown status changes and the businesses reopen, owners and operators will be forced to consider what the ‘new normal’ looks like for all of the commerce – including gasoline service stations.
Future of business
Before the shutdown, gasoline service stations were as busy as ever, even convenience stores which most likely visited by car riders when pumping for gas. As the months go by and the virus starts spreading left and right, fuel customers never step outside of their cars or even open their windows only for payment methods.
Gasoline operators offer new ways to communicate with their customers at a distance. They use the opportunity to provide important messages or advertise services like delivery, curbside pick-up, drive-thru, or full service if you offer it.
With new normal comes new ways to earn for your business, or more likely get back to the operations to start earning again. Moreover, as the outbreak starts to decline in brand loyalty, gasoline operators can use dispensers to promote their apps and loyalty programs to capture new customers.
Safe fueling
Just like windshield squeegees and paper towels are staples on most service stations, operators may choose to make disinfectants like hand sanitizers and alcohol available as a permanent essential standard.
Also, increased cleaning cycles should also become a permanent practice for all retail fuel locations.
Contactless method
Contactless has always been a growing payment method even before as they explore updating ways to lessen contact but now it’s becoming a necessity within the store. Payment methods such as Tap-to-Pay, e-wallet payment will let customers not have to touch the PIN pad at all.
As well as in the case of printing receipts, customers can receive receipts through email or messages. This eliminates almost all person-to-person contact with customers.
When consumers know a business is up-to-date with payment options, they feel more comfortable and secure going to gasoline stations in the future.
Biggest gratitude will be given to all the people working on the front lines to keep this essential industry, and the world, moving as normally as possible. We know that whatever the future brings, you will be right there helping to fuel what’s next. And by fuel, we at TOIC Solutions offer the highest quality for your gasoline service stations. From our products such as fuel pumps and dispensers to our services offering tank testing and tank calibration, we provide you high-performance for your growing service station business, now and in the future. Contact us now!
