When opening a gas station, whether it is your first one or tenth one, there are a few things you will always need to think about and have on your mental checklist. Most gas stations will have a wide variety of handy snack-size treats for their customers, which is always a handy way to make bonus money.
How you dispense your treats and foods will always make a difference. Advertising food does make a big difference in sales. Companies that can make their food look appetizing and portray the way to food will taste in the image and will always get more sales than companies that don’t, even if their food doesn’t taste as good.
Also, switch out different food options for the seasons, like maybe having a summer punch or a Christmas chocolate. New things will always draw in some people as we are naturally curious. Here are a few appliances you will want at your gas station to display and dispense your food items.
It doesn’t matter what appliance you buy; always get the nicer one! You don’t have to get the option that has more ridiculous features that make it cost a fortune but get one that is good quality. These will last a lot longer, and you won’t have to worry about repair fees nearly as much.
Slushy/Drink Dispensers
Slushy and drink dispensers are a must-have at gas stations. As a kid, I have many memories of going to the gas station and choosing my favorite slushy flavor; gas stations are almost known for having the best slushies. Plus, who doesn’t want a cool drink to cool down in the summer? Gas stations are a cheaper option than most other places that offer them as they don’t specialize in them.
Another thing you can offer in your drink dispenser is hot chocolate (during cold months) and coffee. You would be surprised how many people would rather get their morning coffee from a gas station than a Starbucks. Whether it is because of the price or they happen to like the taste better, lots of people enjoy coffee.
Walk-in Coolers
A walk-in cooler is another thing that people commonly have in gas stations. It is almost a must-have. With them, you can keep lots of drinks cool and also keep any frozen desserts frozen and delicious. However, walk-in coolers will become one of your more expensive investments, but going for a high-quality one rather than a used one off a classified one will always help you in the long run. Also, make sure you research ahead of time and find a company that can repair your walk-in cooler in case anything goes out. This way, you can have time to choose a trustworthy company with a good price.
Food Heater and Grill
A food heater and grill is an appliance you don’t have to have in your gas station, but many people will love them. Most gas stations use this to keep chimichangas or hot dogs hot until a customer wants to eat them. This will also spread the aroma of hot food, which is another good way to draw hungry customers in to buy your product.
There are so many options you can choose from when you get appliances for your gas station. But when deciding which ones are perfect for you, be sure to think about the long run more than the upfront price; think about how many people will enjoy it. You would rather pay a lot of money on something that will sell out and pay you back in profit than buy something cheap that people won’t be interested in.
