Starting a fuel station business and managing it successfully can be a wonderful career but getting things off the ground can be downright frustrating.
It’s difficult figuring out where to begin and if you’re doing things the ‘right’ way. When you’re a member at ServoPro, we can help you every step of the way! Here are some tips to help you as you begin your journey to successful business ownership.
Choose Your Location
Once you’ve made the decision to start your own service station, the first step is determining the quality of the location. If you’re building a new site or purchasing an existing petrol station you need to do your research. You want somewhere that will optimize the number of customers you have, so generally anywhere with lots of traffic is a great place to start.
If you plan on expanding your business beyond supplying fuel (i.e., snacks, drinks, lottery, etc.), consider a high-traffic area near highways. Customers always want somewhere convenient for whatever they need on the go, especially snacks!
Build a Team
You could opt to run an entire business on your own, but in the fuel service business you’ll need help. Building a team of strong, capable employees to manage daily operations takes a lot of pressure off you and provides time to do the behind-the-scenes work. As the owner, you don’t want to get bogged down in the business of doing business. Your responsibilities are much greater than that.
Track Inventory
Your petrol station will have plenty of products to keep track of, but you also need to track the financial data like sales made, expenses, profit, etc. Keeping a tight record of products and finances will help you spend wisely and sell successfully. It also helps you understand the supply and demand for certain products to keep shelves stocked and customers happy.
Ensure Business Safety
The safety of your customers, employees, and the store itself is a top priority. Taking certain measures like keeping small amounts of money in the register, putting proper procedures in place, installing security cameras and systems are all great ways to protect your business and everyone in it.
Get Proper Insurance
There is no one-size-fits-all insurance plan for business. A service station in particular needs coverage for a wide array of things since situations like fires or gas leaks are possible and can result in serious damage or injury. Navigating the right provider and package for you can be difficult, but if you don’t want to run the risk of major out-of-pocket costs it’s highly recommended to get some.
Our Services
ServoPro’s members have access to a wide range of services such as finding the right insurance and security systems for your property. We strive to assist service station business owners in training staff, forming effective policy procedures, and more. We’re here for you and your business from beginning to end, so contact us today.