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Even though the holidays are over, winter weather is here to stay. As a c-store owner, do you know the impact that snow and inclement weather days have on your retail fuel services station?  

In some ways, it can boost sales. At the same time, there are safety hazards that could jeopardize your business. Here are four ways the weather can affect your retail fuel station. 

More Upsell Opportunities  

If you know that a winter storm is coming, you can prepare upsell opportunities from the pump to inside your c-store. On the video display at the pump, advertise a discount for hot chocolate, or an ice scraper. If you sell milk and bread, two products that quickly go out of stock at grocery stores, advertise a combo deal when purchased together. You could also stack bags of fi

rewood or rock salt outside your store to entice customers to make more purchases. 

Possibility of Pump Fires 

Pumping gas may seem like an ordinary, safe activity for most drivers. However, static electricity fires pose a great threat to your guests, their cars, and your forecourt.  

When a driver gets out of her car, static forms between the fabric on her body and the seat. Combine that with the dry winter air and the flammable gasoline, and you have a recipe for disaster. Put signs out in your forecourt for preventative measures for static fires during the cooler weather.  

Influx of Fuel Transactions During Inclement Weather 

Especially in the south, drivers tend to panic when snow starts to fall. Before the flurries can fall, drivers are flocking to convenience and grocery stores to stock up on the basics for survival—even if it’s only a few inches that’s forecasted.  

Not only will your guests purchase items like milk and water, but they’ll also buy more gasoline for their cars, generators, and portable gas containers. Be sure you have enough deliveries lined up for this influx of fuel transactions. You may also consider staying open during “off” hours to keep up with the demand. 

Inability to Receive Fuel Deliveries 

Just as the drivers trudge through the snow to get to your station, so are the truck drivers attempting to deliver your fuel. When the weather worsens, roads will freeze or form black ice, stalling your orders. They may be so delayed that you have to close down until they can reach you.  

If you find out ahead of time that a snow storm is brewing, work with your fuel distributor to ensure you have more than enough deliveries scheduled. You may also want to investigate the extent of your vendor’s fleet, where its distribution centers are, and who’s in its network of local distributors. Knowing this information before it’s too late could save you from shutting down in the midst of a storm.  

Are you looking to improve your bottom line and save on fuel? McPherson has been serving customers with comprehensive fuel distribution and total petroleum management for over forty years. Contact us or call 1-888-802-7500 tod

ay to learn more about our products and services.  

About: McPherson Oil is proud to distribute ExxonMobil products in the southeast including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida Panhandle, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.