service station business plan south africa

• Business Plans
• Business Ideas
• Business News
• Business Tips
• Testimonials
• Terms And Conditions
• REFUND POLICY
• DELIVERY POLICY
• PRIVACY POLICY
• WHATSAPP SUBSCRIPTION

Select Page

Starting a Petrol Station Business in South Africa – Business Plan (PDF, Word & Excel)

Posted by BizBolts | All Articles , Business Ideas , Business Plans

A petrol station business is a very profitable venture to start in South Africa. A large number of people in South Africa make use of fuel on a regular basis.  As long as they are cars on the road and more are being bought, there will always be a need for filling stations. With more than 300 000 cars being sold each year, and the increase in demand for public transportation the demand for fuel will keep going up. There is no doubt that a filling station business is something that you can explore. A country that has about 30% of its households with their own vehicles is a good place to open such a business. Petrol consumption from petrol stations  in South Africa is about 8 billion liters per year, while for diesel is about 4 billion liters per year, that’s a huge market! There is also a high demand for other petroleum products such as paraffin and gas that you can also sell at your fuel station. In addition, you can add other businesses to increase your earning potential. Setting up a convenience store, a repair shop, coffee shop or restaurant in addition to your to petrol station can increase your earning potential. This article will outline how to start a petrol station business in South Africa, and the petrol station business plan – PDF, Word and Excel.

A petrol station is a lucrative business, providing income for thousands of South African entrepreneurs, but there are some essential factors you need to consider before venturing into this type of business. You need to decide on the size of your filling station; location, the various products and services you plan on providing, plus your target market. These factors will be determined by the amount of capital you have. It is therefore important to carry out a feasibility study, do market research and have a good petrol station business plan before you venture into this type of business.

The locations and premises of your petrol station is an important decision to make before you start your business. It’s also important that you locate your petrol service station close to your target market. Consider the amount of road traffic, and find an easily accessible location where people can stop and quickly get your services. There are several possible locations, including shopping centres, malls, highway , residential areas and the CBD. Opening a petrol station close to places that typically have potential for traffic will be ideal. It is important to be strategic about your neighbouring businesses because you are more than likely to feed into each other instead of competing. If you open a petrol service station business in an overly saturated area, the likelihood that your business will succeed will be low.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

You require buildings which will act as your business offices. Ideally these should be at the same premises with your filling station. If you plan to have a convenience store, then you will also need a shop building. You also require a petrol station canopy. This is the structural canopy which will house the fuel dispensers. The major equipment required for a petrol station in South Africa include fuel dispensers, storage tanks, fill pipes, gas dispensers among others. Your filling station business plan should cater for the costs of the buildings and equipment acquisition.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

The major products for your fuel station are petrol and diesel. Your target niche will determine the other kind of products and services you will provide. You can sell lubricants, heating and lighting oils as well as operate a convenience store or a car wash. Whichever facility you decide on opening, ensure that you provide quality products and services. Also, in order for your business to be profitable make sure that you invest in the right equipment and infrastructure for your petrol station. It is always best to invest in the right equipment in order for you to provide the best products and services to your customers. Your fuel station business plan should outline the various products and services you will provide.

STAFF & MANAGEMENT

As a customer-centric petrol station, it’s important that you hire employees that are friendly and efficient. Your employees should be passionate about serving your clients. If you want to hit the ground running it’s better to hire a team of people who have experience in the petrol station business. Your employees should be able to provide quality services and serve customers efficiently on a regular basis.  Inexperienced staff members may need to get extensive training before they can be given intricate tasks. The equipment and machinery used at a petrol station can cause serious injury so it is important to take proper precautions. Depending on the size of your petrol station, the actual number of your staff will vary however, you will need cleaners, security, petrol attendants, cashiers, office staff, as well as management. Your petrol service station business plan should cater for the salaries and day to day operational expenses of your business.

Some of the day-to-day operations of a petrol station include:

• Attending customers
• Communicating with customers
• Security, monitoring the facility and customers vehicles
• Managing Staff
• Operating a convenience store, car wash or any other business in addition to your petrol station

The need for petrol stations is driven by car purchases and mostly by the transportation industry as well as the general increase in consumer spending. A lot of individuals have cars and they all need fuel. Since more cars are bought yearly, the need for petrol stations will also increase. There has been a lot of cars on the South African roads and a large number of the population make use of public transportation such as taxis, and buses. There is a lot of companies and organisations with a fleet of vehicles that need fuel on a regular basis. Also, there are plenty of courier services companies , car rental companies, taxis and bus companies in addition to individuals that will require fuel on a regular basis.

PETROL STATION FRANCHISES IN SOUTH AFRICA 

Operating a petrol station business in South Africa can be done either as an independent petrol station or as part of a franchise. As a franchisee, you will be managing your business while benefiting from the expertise, training programs and operational support from the franchise network. Each petrol station franchise brand has unique requirements for the application process. There are many petrol station franchise brands in South Africa to choose from. Some petrol station franchise brands to consider are

The amount of investment required by the Franchisee to purchase the business varies with each brand, as well as from site to site, and depends on variables such as turnover, location, competitors, and ownership of the property.

IS A PETROL STATION A GOOD INVESTMENT?

The petrol station industry is a competitive industry with a number of large and small companies dominating the market. However, it is still possible for you to own your own filling station or even go the less risky route by becoming a franchise. Many might find operating as a franchise limiting but being a franchisee can help you operate your business as part of an existing chain. Of course, building your petrol station own brand from scratch can be just as rewarding if done well. Whatever route you decide to take, investing in a petrol station in South Africa is a profitable venture, but obviously, this will depend on many factors such as your target market, costs and management. Apart from the obvious advantages of becoming financially independent and becoming your own boss, running a petrol station can be a rewarding way of uplifting your community.

Given that the South African market is one of the leading emerging economies on the African continent there is potential for high growth. The economy has been growing steadily over the years. Whether you are a young entrepreneur, a professional seeking to start your own business or someone who needs a retirement plan, investing in a fuel station is something worth considering. One thing that can set you apart before investing in any venture is developing a business plan. A well thought out petrol station business plan will help you in both the short and long term. Also, there are various risks associated with running a petrol station, like any other business venture, your business plan should clearly outline these risks and the different ways to minimise them.

PRE-WRITTEN PETROL STATION BUSINESS PLAN (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL): COMPREHENSIVE VERSION, SHORT FUNDING/BANK LOAN VERSION AND AUTOMATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For an in-depth analysis of the petrol station business in South Africa, purchase our petrol station business plan. We decided to introduce the business plans after noting that many South Africans were venturing into the filling station business without a full understanding of the industry, market, how to run the business, the risks involved, profitability of the business and the costs involved, leading to a high failure rate of their businesses.

Our business plan will make it easier for you to launch and run a petrol service station business successfully, fully knowing what you are going into, and what’s needed to succeed in the business. It will be easier to plan and budget as the petrol station business plan will lay out all the costs involved in setting up and running the business. The business plan is designed specifically for the South African market.

USES OF THE PETROL STATION BUSINESS PLAN (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL)

The filling station business plan can be used for many purposes including:

• Raising capital from investors/friends/relatives
• Applying for a bank loan
• Start-up guide to launch your petrol station company
• As a petrol station business project proposal
• Assessing profitability of the fuel station business
• Finding a business partner
• Assessing the initial start-up costs so that you know how much to save
• Manual for current business owners to help in business and strategy formulation

CONTENTS OF THE PETROL SERVICE STATION BUSINESS PLAN (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL)

The business plan includes, but not limited to:

• Market Analysis
• Industry Analysis
• 5 Year Automated Financial Statements [ Income statements, cash flow statements, balance sheets, monthly cash flow projections (3 years monthly cash flow projections, the remaining two years annually),break even analysis, payback period analysis, start-up costs, financial graphs, revenue and expenses, Bank Loan Amortisation]
• Marketing Strategy
• Risk Analysis
• SWOT & PEST Analysis
• Operational Requirements
• Operational Strategy
• Why some South Africans in the petrol station business fail, so that you can avoid their mistakes
• Ways to raise capital to start your petrol station business in South Africa

The Petrol Station Business Plan package consist of 4 files

• Petrol Station Business Plan – PDF file (Comprehensive – 86 pages)
• Petrol Station Business Plan – Editable Word File (Comprehensive – 86 pages)
• Petrol Station Business Plan Funding Version – Editable Word File (Short version for applying for a loan – 45 pages)
• Petrol Station Business Plan Automated Financial Statements – (Editable Excel file)

Testimonial 5

The BizBolts poultry business plan led us down the path from start to finish. Contact details of suppliers of key requirements were included in the business plan. It helped us crystallize our strategy, and the business plan was well received by the bank.

Testimonial 3

The business plan has a highly professional look and feel. The research really helps me look deep into the market that I am targeting, it’s well suited for the South African market. The business plan clearly outlined everything I need to start the business and the costs. It’s now easier to budget and plan. Thank you very much.

Testimonial 7

Thank you BizBolts for the business plan. I received the business plan immediately after payment, it was money well spent ! I was able to easily edit the business plan. After using the BizBolts business plan, I can wholeheartedly recommend their products and skills.

Testimonial 2

I am extremely pleased with the business plan and financial statements. The business plan is very detailed & it meets my requirements. I feel better equipped with tools that can help me secure funding.  I would have no hesitation of recommending your business plans to other people.

Testimonial 1

Many thanks to the BizBolts team for putting together a fantastic business plan, I could not have done this business plan on my own. I managed to get funding from investors to start my butchery business using your business plan.

Testimonial 4

The business plan was very helpful, you did a great job of taking ideas and putting them into words as well as pointing out other aspects of the business plan I wouldn’t have thought of. I got funding using your business plan and it’s now 4 months since I started my poultry business, and everything is going well.

Testimonial 6

It is with excitement and pleasure to inform you that I have been successful in securing a loan from my bank. This would not have been possible if not for the BizBolts Business Plan. Thank you for your help, my dreams are now coming true.

GET THE PETROL STATION BUSINESS PLAN (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL) - R500 Only.

We decided to make the business plan affordable to anyone who would want to start the business, and the price for the pre-written business plan is only 500 Rand.

We have several payment methods which you can use.

Payment Method 1 (Visa card, Mastercard, Credit card, Debit Card)

Click  Buy Now  below to purchase. After you have purchased, you will instantly see the download link for the business plan package on the screen. We will also email you the download link. Get instant access to the business plan now!

If you want to purchase multiple business plans at once using Visa Card/MasterCard then  click here: Business Plans Store

The business plan package is a zipped compressed file containing the PDF, Word and Excel documents. To open the package after downloading it, just right click, and select Extract All. If you have any problems in downloading and opening the files, email us on [email protected] and we will assist you.

Payment Method 2 (Instant EFT - FNB, Absa, Standard Bank, Nedbank, CapitecBank, Investec, TymeBank and African Bank. )

If you want to purchase multiple business plans at once using Instant EFT then  click here: Business Plans Store

Other Payment Methods

• Cash deposit into our FNB Company Bank Account
• EFT Transfer to our FNB Company Bank Account

Call/Whatsapp us on +27606334830 for the other payment methods. (Whatsapp us by clicking the link https://wa.me/27606334830 ). Email: [email protected] .

About The Author

BizBolts (Pty) Ltd is a business research company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. We sell prewritten business plans for various industries including livestock production, crop farming and retail businesses. BizBolts also publishes articles on business ideas, business news, business tips, personal finance, and entrepreneur profiles.

Related Posts

PRE-WRITTEN BUSINESS PLANS FOR SOUTH AFRICA (PDF, WORD AND EXCEL): COMPREHENSIVE VERSION, SHORT FUNDING/BANK LOAN VERSION AND AUTOMATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 4, 2019

Starting A Vegetable Farming Business In South Africa

February 24, 2021

Starting a Guest House Business in South Africa – Business Plan (PDF, Word & Excel)

April 28, 2021

Starting Macadamia Nuts Farming Business in South Africa – Business Plan (PDF, Word & Excel)

June 24, 2021

Follow Us On Facebook

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

+27 72 560 8281

Complete petrol station guide.

How To Set-Up, Buy, And Evaluate A Service Station in South Africa

Petrol Station Guide

Fill out the form below to get your complete petrol station guide.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Message

Pingback: Advice for a petrol station business | Petrol Stations For Sale

Pingback: Government will Increase Fuel Prices | Petrol Stations For Sale

Pingback: Another Increase in Fuel Prices | Petrol Stations For Sale

Pingback: R1.20 petrol price increase expected for October | Petrol Stations For Sale

Pingback: shutdown over fuel price increases Blog News Petrol Stations For Sale

Pingback: The Top Myths about buying a Petrol Station | Petrol Stations For Sale

Pingback: Petrol Price Updates of Nov 2018 | Petrol Stations For Sale

Comments are closed.

Useful Links

• Entertainment
• Entrepreneur
• International
• Relationship

Mzansi Magazine

Read the news, exclusive content:, building a winning transportation business in south africa, the small business success blueprint: transforming your future, 10 things you should know before you start a business in south africa, a comprehensive guide to starting a filling station business in south africa.

Starting a filling station business in South Africa can be a lucrative venture for entrepreneurs who have an interest in the gas and energy industry. South Africa is a country that heavily relies on fossil fuels, and the demand for gasoline and diesel is consistently high. In this article, we will provide detailed information on the gas and energy industry in South Africa and how to start a filling station business.

The Gas and Energy Industry in South Africa

The gas and energy industry in South Africa is dominated by the production and distribution of fossil fuels, particularly gasoline, and diesel. These fuels are used to power vehicles, machinery, and generators. The industry is regulated by the Department of Energy , which oversees the licensing of filling stations, safety standards, and environmental regulations.

South Africa has a well-developed oil and gas industry, with several large refineries and storage facilities across the country . The majority of South Africa’s gasoline and diesel is produced by Sasol , a petrochemical company that specializes in the production of synthetic fuels.

Starting a Filling Station Business in South Africa

Starting a filling station business in South Africa requires careful planning and research. Here are the essential steps you need to follow to start a successful filling station business in South Africa:

Conduct Market Research

Before starting a filling station business in South Africa, you need to conduct thorough market research . You need to determine the demand for fuel in your target location, the competition, and the regulations that govern the oil and gas industry. You can gather this information by conducting surveys, analyzing data, and consulting with industry experts.

Develop a Business Plan

Once you have conducted your market research, the next step is to develop a comprehensive business plan. Your business plan should include a detailed description of your business, financial projections, marketing strategies, and the legal structure of your business. A solid business plan will help you secure financing, attract investors , and guide you through the early stages of your business.

Secure Funding

Starting a filling station business requires significant capital investment. You will need to secure funding to cover the cost of land, construction, equipment , and inventory. You can explore funding options such as bank loans, grants, and partnerships.

Obtain Licenses and Permits

The oil and gas industry in South Africa is heavily regulated, and you will need to obtain licenses and permits to operate your filling station business. These include environmental permits, safety certifications, and business licenses. You can consult with industry experts and regulatory bodies to determine the specific permits and licenses you need to operate your business.

Purchase and Install Equipment

The next step is to purchase and install the necessary equipment for your filling station business. This includes fuel pumps, storage tanks, point-of-sale systems, and safety equipment. You should work with reputable suppliers to ensure that you get high-quality equipment that meets the required safety standards.

Hire and Train Employees

Running a filling station business requires a skilled and reliable workforce. You will need to hire employees with experience in the oil and gas industry and provide them with the necessary training. This includes safety training, customer service training, and equipment operation training.

Promote and Market Your Business

Finally, you need to promote and market your filling station business to attract customers. You can use marketing strategies such as advertising , promotions , and social media to raise awareness about your business. You can also offer customer loyalty programs and other incentives to encourage repeat business.

In conclusion, starting a filling station business in South Africa requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. By following these essential steps, you can start a successful filling station business that meets the needs of your customers and contributes to the growth of the gas and energy industry in South Africa.

Festive Season Beach Photography: How to Stand Out Legally in Durban

Serious about music start with these 5 daily habits, 10 best paid survey affiliate/referral programs to earn commission, 15 simple and profitable businesses you can start with r50k.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Business and Beat the Heat!

The complete practical guide to starting a car wash

Warten weg – the best freelance graphic designer in south africa, in south africa, how can you start a fruit and vegetable business, leave a reply cancel reply.

Log in to leave a comment

• Privacy Policy
• Partnership

Most recent

Getting started in the real estate industry in south africa, 7 simple seo tips for better rankings, most popular, free graphic design online course available in south africa, the benefits of investing in professional online marketing and branding services.

© Mzansi Magazine - All rights reserved. Proudly South African

How To Start A Petrol Garage In South Africa

What is a Petrol Garage?

A filling station, also known as petrol station or gas station, is a facility that sells fuel and engine lubricants for motor vehicles. The most common fuels sold in the 2010s were gasoline and diesel fuel.

Step 1. Draw a Business Plan

You need to write a feasible business plan for your business. Not only is it important for the growth and profitability of your business, but it’s also necessary for your licensing process.

With a good business plan, you will get to know the type of marketer you wish to operate. It will also contain the modus operandi of your petrol business. A good business plan should also cover the projected amount of investment and how to source for funding.

Step 2. Register Your Business

Another important procedure you must follow in starting your own petrol station business is that you have to register your enterprise with the Registrar General’s Department. With your letter of incorporation, you can now proceed to the next step.

Step 3. Get a Location

You need to secure land in a good location to construct your petrol station. However, before you go ahead with construction, you’ll need to get a permit to construct a petroleum product retail outlet.

Step 4. Build your Petrol Station

Once you’ve gotten your permit from the National Petroleum Authority, you’ll need to employ the service of qualified personnel to construct your petrol station.

Importantly, you need to build your petrol station to meet the minimum building requirement of the NPA. Your station must have a canopy at the pump stand, oil interceptor and a forecourt that is well paved using either concrete or pavement blocks.

Additionally, the stations must have at least one of the following: a lube bay, a washing bay, a mart, or a vulcanizing centre equipped with air compressors and air gauges.

Step 5. Get a Storage Tank

Although this should fall under constructing a petrol station. You need to sink underground storage tank for your petroleum products. These tanks vary in measurements: 30,000 litres, 35,000 litres, 40,000 litres, 45,000 litres and 60,000 litres,

It is recommended that you go for high volume tank, like the 45,000 and the 60,000 litres if you intend to be storing extra fuel. If you go for 30,000 litres underground tank and you intend to be lifting full tanker of 30,000 litres, then you will have to always wait until the last drop of fuel in that tank is sold before going for another turn.

Step 6. Provide Proof of Funds

Petroleum marketing business is capital intensive and as such you need to show proof of funds. Based on the NPA guidelines, you must show evidence in writing from a reputable bank or banks licensed by the Bank of Ghana indicating willingness to provide funding not less than Four Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢4,000,000.00).

Step 7. Obtain a Petroleum Product Marketing License

With everything now in place, you can now go ahead to obtain a petroleum product marketing license from NPA. Obtaining a licence might cause as much as GH¢200,000 and GH¢30,000 for new entrants and renewal respectively. However, this depends on the type of license that you need.

Step 8. Staffing

This is the last step that you need to become fully operational. You need to employ capable hands to manage your petrol station. You’ll need to employ the service of pump attendants, a manager, and a cashier. With all these in place, you’re ready to get started with your fuel station.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

How much does it cost to open a fuel station in South Africa?

A local petrol station business set up costs range in the region of R15 million and R100 million depending on the size and site. Further to this the operation payable to the oil company ranges between R2. 5 million and R15 million, depending on the cost to develop, projected volumes and profitability.

How much does it cost to franchise a petrol station in South Africa?

In terms of the normal working capital requirements for stock as well as operational expenses, the financial need can range from R1.2 million through to R1.5 million. Due to the recent fuel price increases some of the sites now require facilities of up to R2 million.

How much profit do petrol stations make on fuel in South Africa?

There is a good reason why nearly all filling stations are shops as well; profit margins on petrol are, according to the industry, around 2%, so they make most of their profits from overpriced sandwiches and drinks.

How much does a petrol station make per month in South Africa?

How much does a petrol station make per month in South Africa? The convenience store adds to the cost of the station, but according to Engen in this case it generates R309,000 in average monthly turnover. At the top end of the scale, you can expect to pay closer to R7 million for an Engen.

Is buying a petrol station a good investment in South Africa?

The country’s continued reliance on fossil fuel means that petrol stations represent fairly low-risk investments, delivering a steady flow of rent over a typically long lease. But would-be investors need to approach potential purchases with caution, as fuel leaks can be costly.

How many Shell garages are there in South Africa?

The data shows that Engen has the largest network in the country with just under a thousand stations across South Africa. It is followed by Caltex (683 stations) and Shell (637) stations.

How do I sell petrol in South Africa?

You must apply to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy for a site and a retail license if you want to buy or sell petroleum products to members of the public. Please note: A retailer is allowed to purchase petroleum products from a licensed manufacture or wholesaler only.

How does a petrol station work in South Africa?

Fuel is stored underground at filling stations until sale, when pumps lift the petrol from the tanks to above ground level, at the same time metering the amount of fuel sold. Petrol and diesel are kept separately from one another, as are normally the different grades of petrol.

Are Shell garages franchise in South Africa?

As a self-employed retailer, they have an opportunity to become part of a world-class company. Franchising with us can give potential partners an opportunity to grow their business and exceed estimated sales. At the end of it all, they can look forward to getting huge returns on their investment.

How many Sasol garages are in South Africa?

Sasol has the highest visit ratio of 4,221 visits to each of its 294 service stations over the past three months, reflecting its superior site location, Lightstone said.

What is the difference between fueling station and filling station in South Africa?

Filling Station: (service station or gas station) – Any building or premises used principally for the dispensing, sale or offering for sale at retail of automobile fuels or oils. Fueling Station (Retail) – Also known as a filling station, gas station, service station or petrol station.

How To Run A Successful Petrol Station

Here are 5 tips on how to run a successful petrol station! Learn what the pros and cons are of running a petrol station and if you can make a success out of it!

The bigger picture

In South Africa there are approximately 4,600 service stations which pump approximately 300,000 litres of fuel per month nationally. Petrol stations not only offer consumers the essential service of filling up their vehicles, but they also offer a wide variety of additional products and services which are key contributors to their bottom line.    

Is running a petrol station profitable?

Fuel provision is an essential service (at least for the time being) and contributes more than 6% to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP). It is also one of the most resilient South African industries and armed with a particular mindset, can see healthy profits during economic slumps.

How much does it cost to open a petrol station business?

A local petrol station business set up costs range in the region of R15 million and R100 million depending on the size and site. Further to this the operation payable to the oil company ranges between R2.5 million and R15 million, depending on the cost to develop, projected volumes and profitability. Then in addition to this, the normal working capital requirements for stock and operational expenses can range between R1.2 million and R1.5 million. Contrary to popular belief, when the fuel price increases, the petrol station doesn’t reap the rewards. In fact for every R1 increase in the fuel price, the average service station needs R100 000 in additional working capital. The retailer margin, determined by the Department of Energy, called RAS (short for Regulatory Accounting System) doesn’t make sufficient provision and there is an under recovery of nearly seven cents per litre. What this all boils down to is that the mammoth set up costs of a petrol station business are one thing, but a successful petrol station also requires ongoing access to   quick working capital   to manage all the financial demands.

Here are our 5 tips to owning and running a successful petrol station

1. join a franchise benefit.

There are various divisions in the franchise model ranging from independent fuel retailers to semi- independents as well as franchises. While owning a franchise means that operations are strictly monitored for high standards, being a franchisee means that start-up assistance is given, as well as mentorship and operational guidance and support. It also gives you access to franchise benefits and corporate partnerships that could benefit the growth of a petrol station like Woolworths partnerships with Engen or Seattle Co with Caltex.

2. Open up additional revenue streams

While fuel retailers specialise in petrol, South Africans are constantly on the go and need fast and efficient services to keep up with their busy lifestyles. This is where petrol stations fulfil an important public service. By joining forces with other service providers they increase their basket size, which is very necessary because fuel margins are fixed. In other words the only way to increase turnover on the forecourt is to increase volumes in the form of additional service offerings.

Traditionally this has come in the form of convenience stores, but this is also extended in ATM and courier services, grocery stops, artisanal coffee, pharmacies, online depots and carwashes. There are also many loyalty schemes in place to entice the consumer to be brand loyal thereby gaining market share.

3. Keep an eye open to future opportunities

While fuel will continue to be a necessity, under estimate change at your peril. It is essential that petrol station owners keep on top of fuel and   energy trends   and embrace change as an opportunity for new ideas. For example introducing an electric charging and biodiesel stations (an immediate alternative to diesel).

Another evolving trend is that fuel stations are no longer just about the car, but rather about the person driving the car. Meaning that all attitudes must revolve around making the customer’s life better and fuller. As already explained above goes beyond fuel. This could also extend to offering hot desks and WIFI services so that customers will start to associate petrol stations with experience rather that just services.

4. Fight the margin and squeeze where you can

General circumstances (and now COVID-19) has forced petrol station owners to think out the box and offer differentiated services and leaner operation. It has also accelerated creative thinking in this space. While fuel margins are fixed, other costs like card swipe fees and supplier costs are not. So it is vital to negotiate with all your suppliers and service providers to ensure you are getting the absolute best deal for your establishment.

5. Use funding for the right reasons

Being a petrol retailer is no different to other entrepreneurial businesses. Access to working capital is an essential service and can make an enormous difference to your overall profitability if used correctly. For example using a Merchant Capital Cash Advance to to fund the build of a car wash or hot desk base will bolster your existing convenience store turnover and set you apart from the competition.

The bottom line

If you want to run a petrol station, you need to think like an entrepreneur and work your business from every angle. This comes down to streamlining efficiencies around fuel, but then bolstering services and products in clever relatable ways to ensure higher basket sizes and return customers. This often requires working capital so it is essential that you have these reliable relationships in place. To find out how we can help fuel your petrol station’s future, contact Merchant Capital today.

PREVIOUS ARTICLE

MERCHANT STORIES:...

Apply for funding

NEXT ARTICLE

Five Lessons From...

Related articles, marketing for the holiday season: 7 tips to start preparing.

Ensure that you are putting out the correct messaging and marketing in the right spaces to take full advantage of Black Friday and the holiday...

Cybercrime – Are Your Protecting Your Healthcare Practice?

Ensure the safety of your practice and your patients health information by considering these key points of data protection against cybercrime

How To Start A Medical Practice In South Africa

Setting up a private medical practice is a big task. But if you take the time to do this well, you will enjoy the long-term benefits of running a...