Advantage and Disadvantage of Gas Station Franchises

Advantages Of Owning A Gas Station Franchise

The hard work of starting up is eliminated. You will still need to advertise your business and work to maintain good professional relationships in the community. However, it is easier to get funding for an established franchise startup than an independent business. Also, most people prefer to buy gas from a trusted franchise name.

You have a pre-built plan for success. The franchise company has already made a plan for you to follow. You still need to monitor your financial data and customer volume. However, there is a template for comparison that will measure your success, and the company provides helpful tools and resources for improvement if necessary.

People will always need gas. Although some vehicles run partially on electric power, they still require fuel for longer periods of travel. The possibility of a world with only gas-free vehicles is an unlikely concept. If you run your station according to the franchise’s model and choose an ideal location, you will always have a steady stream of customers. Although people buy less gas when oil prices are higher, you lower your prices slowly when they come down. This still gives you a steady profit.

Disadvantages Of Owning A Gas Station Franchise

There is strong competition. Researching your competitors’ prices and in-store sales is a full-time job. You must always be aware of what they are doing and try to match or beat their deals if you want to stay on top. Also, you have to keep your bottom line in mind when you lower gas prices. You may not always be able to offer the lowest price, which means that you must focus on showing customers why you offer superior quality. This is especially true when discount gas providers such as large grocery stores are nearby.

You have to meet quotas to maintain a popular brand name. If you are hoping to open a top-name franchise, you have to do a lot of research to ensure that your location will yield enough sales to help you meet purchasing requirements. For example, some companies require you to purchase your gas from them and also have a minimum annual purchase requirement.

Insurance and legal issues can be messy. Gasoline is a dangerous product with the potential for customer lawsuits. Also, legal experts recommend having an environmental assessment done beforehand on an existing station or a potential property. It is always important to know how much environmental hazards will cost in terms of insurance premiums.

If you prefer to operate a gas station franchise, the best way to start the process is to compare franchise models and funding options for your top company choices to see which ones fit your needs.