PrePay SUCKS! Name and shame the gas stations.

[idleidolidyll]

I've just sent an email to Gull as below. Twice now Gull, Gt Sth Rd Manurewa/Takanini have demanded that we prepay fixed amounts of $10 or $20 when we wanted to fill up. Prepay is bullshit!

Prepay SUCKS big time!
<o></o>
As a motorist in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1>New Zealand</st1></st1:country-region> and particularly as a motorcyclist, I despise prepay. This odious system is NOT primarily designed for security: it is designed to maximise profits by reducing staff numbers and by forcing motorists to enter gas stations more often and sometimes several times on each fill. While there they are expected to purchase products on impulse; and they do (this is not opinion, it is fact confirmed by an industry insider).
<o></o>
By forcing motorists to decide on how much they want to put in their gas tanks on a dollar basis, fuel retailers (mainly the oil companies), ensure that cars are rarely filled up and must therefore return more often to gas stations. In addition, if you do want to fill up, you are usually required to swipe your card at the station, fill up and then return to approve the final amount bought; a double entry into the station and another opportunity for the station to tempt you into buying some junk on impulse that you don’t need and probably wouldn’t have bought otherwise.
<o></o>
Some gas stations have eftpos at pump available but often these are not switched on (<st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mobil Wiri Station Rd</st1:address></st1:street>). The idea of eftpos at pump is perfect: we can fill up and pay at the pump with the least fuss. However, for the reasons above, gas stations then don’t get to maximise profits and they often don’t enable this system.
<o></o>
For a motorcyclist prepay is even more of an imposition. Many motorcycles have quite small tanks and even a large tank on a bike is just 25 litres. However, for many bikes, 8-15 litres is more often the capacity. With prepay, it is virtually impossible to guess how much fuel you will need and given that motorbikes often get just 100-200 kilometres per fill; we often want to fill up and maximise the distance traveled. My wife’s bike for example, takes just 11 litres. It gets pretty good mileage but we are never able to guess just how much fuel it will take and we always want to fill up before a trip. A Ducati Hailwood replica (newish model) takes just 8 litres and with it’s 1000cc motor, might only get 100km from that fill. To guess whether the tank needs 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 litres is virtually impossible and the rider is left having to enter gas stations twice to fill up under prepay at it’s worst. The worst offending gas station in my area is Gull Gt South Rd Takanini (near the top of <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mahia Rd</st1:address></st1:street>, Manurewa). This gas station has refused to allow us to fill up our bikes on a number of occasions demanding that we specify exactly how much we intend to use and prepay exactly that amount: their ‘suggestions’ were $10 or $20. My wife’s bike took about half a tank the first time (5.5 litres) and less the next time (about 4 litres). You can see that demanding a $10 or $20 prepay is ridiculous.
<o></o>
Now some gas stations recognise that motorcyclists are an issue and they release pumps when they see a bike arrive. It is not unreasonable for them to require us to take off our helmet for security reasons however. I applaud these gas stations and their awareness.
<o></o>
My suggestion is that we, as motorcyclists AND often car drivers too, name and shame the worst offenders and boycott them completely both for motorbike and for car purchases. I also suggest we name and praise those stations that DO recognise that prepay is an imposition and release pumps for motorcycles. Those gas stations should be promoted and pat5ronage should be encouraged. Likewise gas stations that have pay at pump AND turn it on.
<o></o>
As a start I offer the following:
<o></o>
DON’T use <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Gull Gt Sth Rd</st1:address></st1:street> near Mahia Rd Manurewa. These people are ignorant and arrogant and don’t deserve our business.
<o></o>
DON’T use <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mobil Wiri Station Rd</st1:address></st1:street> as this station uses prepay even though it has pay at pump which is usually turned off.
<o></o>
DO use Mobil Hill Rd Manurewa. These people are wonderful and even when pumps are switched to prepay, they release pumps every time they see a motorbike pull up.
<o></o>
IMPORTANT! Make sure you make a fuss whenever possible if you encounter prepay ignorance and tell them you will boycott their gas station on your bike AND in your car because of their ignorance and arrogance. Send emails to the oil companies and tell them to get their act together and stop the callous disregard they have for customers.
<o></o>

[davereid]

Yeah, prepay is a buggar when I am on the scooter ! It only needs $3-4 to top up. I can't use those stations and go to the next one, so I guess its a kind of natural boycott !

As fuel gets more expensive, petrol stations will be having more and more motorists who can't afford their fuel and have cards declined. Hard on the gas station then, easily $100-150 worth of gas in a larger car.

Not to mention the "nick a number plate, wear a hoody, get free gas" brigade.

[MisterD]

I'm going for a lie down, I seem to be finding agreement with stuff the III is saying...

BP Heading south on the MWay SH1...I've got a freaking BP fuel card and I want to fill up, just turn the pump on monkey.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eLQr3GKxC3w

[Mully]

Gull Henderson Valley Road, can suck my hairy balls. I now refuse to go there at all.

Apart from the prepay issue, which makes my blood boil for the reasons III mentioned, the station is dirty, the staff sullen and unhelpful (I saw one refuse to help a little old lady pump gas, so I did it).

Gull Swanson Rd is nearly as bad. I think they are owned by the same people. They certainly have the same hiring policy.

They used to only have prepay after 6pm, now it is permanant.

I hate most gas stations now. They have become conveniance stores, and it's become impossible to buy emergency repair stuff (light bulbs in particular)

[Usarka]

my local bp seems to have a discrimination policy. white, shirt & tie, over 25? no problems we'll release the pumps. any combination on young, brown, ricer car, hoody, mates in the car then you need to go inside and prepay.

[rainman]

If I see the Pump on Prepay signs I just roll on to the next one... within the city there are generally lots of options. But if we're naming and shaming, Mobil at the corner of Krd and Ponsonby are a DON'T, but BP Jervois will turn the pump on for motorcyclists when it's on prepay.

[Gubb]

Some gas stations have eftpos at pump available but often these are not switched on (<st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mobil Wiri Station Rd</st1:address></st1:street>). The idea of eftpos at pump is perfect: we can fill up and pay at the pump with the least fuss. However, for the reasons above, gas stations then don’t get to maximise profits and they often don’t enable this system.

Unfortunately, those Eftpos at Pumps are extraordinarily fickle, the slightest bit of moisture of dampness causes the whole unit to die (both sides of the pump). I seriously doubt that the unit has been switched off, as the said Mobil station will still be paying maintainence costs. If it is, i'll have a word to the manager next week when i'm back in Auckland.

;)

[Finn]

DON’T use <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Gull Gt Sth Rd</st1:address></st1:street> near Mahia Rd Manurewa.
<o></o>
DON’T use <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mobil Wiri Station Rd</st1:address></st1:street> as this station uses prepay even though it has pay at pump which is usually turned off.
<o></o>
DO use Mobil Hill Rd Manurewa. These people are wonderful and even when pumps are switched to prepay, they release pumps every time they see a motorbike pull up.

While I understand your frustration, there is a common theme here. All these stations are in lower socioeconomic areas full of thieving scum. Gas stations do not provide a community service. They are a business trying to make a buck in a very difficult market made even more difficult by a Government that not only hates business (much like yourself), but goes out of their way to make it difficult for them.

Don't like it? Go somewhere else.

[Fatjim]

But not Wellington.

[skelstar]

While its annoying, its not a conspiracy.

[deanohit]

If I see the Pump on Prepay signs I just roll on to the next one...

If I can, I will do this as my bike only takes 8 litres and often only takes $5 to fill it.

Caltex Whakamarama is half way between Tauranga and Katikati, pleasant helpful staff there who have prepay after I think 8pm, doesn't matter anyway as they will open the pumps for motorbikes.
They're much easier to deal with than the Shell 1.5km up the road, who have shit service, fuckers for prepay and it's a prick of a place to get into.

[Bass]

While I understand your frustration, there is a common theme here. All these stations are in lower socioeconomic areas full of thieving scum. Don't like it? Go somewhere else.


I do, and in the same general area. There are servo's out there that cope with this problem and still provide reasonable service.

Interestingly, the outstanding ones are obviously immigrant family businesses. (Caltex Elliot street, Mobil Grove Road)
What does that tell you?

[hellnback]

Why not just go into the station hand over $40, fill up both bikes, go back in and get your change??
True - you still have to have $40 (or whatever) on you in cash and you still have to go in twice...

[Finn]

Interestingly, the outstanding ones are obviously immigrant family businesses. (Caltex Elliot street, Mobil Grove Road)
What does that tell you?

Either

1. Owner Operated vs Detached Corporate or...
2. Kiwi's are lazy and only immigrants work hard.

[gijoe1313]

I've never had a problem yet, but I guess I haven't rocked up to those stations ... BP Takanini love bikers and when they see one of us pull up, they just release the pumps (conversely the only time I had a problem there was when I was in my cage and didn't recognise me without my riding gear/bike :lol:) Most times I wander in to pay without doffing helmet and I've never been queried or challenged on it (so far).

Fuel stations probably see bikers as a hassle since we don't spend up "large" compared to cagers ($3-$15 at times I guess?)

But yeah, prepay is a hassle - punishes the law abiding due to the antics of a brain dead minority (and those other cynical reasons mentioned before). :done:

[Mr Merde]

Walked away from a few petrol stations, note i never used the phrase "service stations". A few times I have voiced my objections out loud before doing so.

They are raking in the cash from us because of high prices, OPEC cut down on production therefore a world wide shortage, then they expect us to do their work for them.

I live out in the country and frequent the small service stations there as they do provide a service.

[nudedaytona]

I agree this prepay is bullshit, and the mobil on k road is the worst. Once I used the eftpos at pump there, and the idiot tried to get me to come in to the shop to pay again, saying that he had released the pump. Luckily the system prints out a receipt.

[Tonka]

We dont have that problem as such down here in Whakatane although Gull now enforce it on the the graveyard shift - however BP Whakatane pretty much know that most bikers use their fuel (98) but just ask that bikers remove their helmets for security reasons...which is fair enough!

Pre-pay sucks...I hope it doesnt filter down to our stations

[Disco Dan]

Gull Henderson Valley Road, can suck my hairy balls. I now refuse to go there at all.

Apart from the prepay issue, which makes my blood boil for the reasons III mentioned, the station is dirty, the staff sullen and unhelpful (I saw one refuse to help a little old lady pump gas, so I did it).

Gull Swanson Rd is nearly as bad. I think they are owned by the same people. They certainly have the same hiring policy.

They used to only have prepay after 6pm, now it is permanant.

I hate most gas stations now. They have become conveniance stores, and it's become impossible to buy emergency repair stuff (light bulbs in particular)

MOBIL - Don Buck Road, Massey. Pre-pay 24/7 including bikes.

Refuse to go there even though it takes twice as long to get into the next station at westgate on my way to work. Bunch of pricks.

Now dont get me wrong.. I went there a few times to give them the benefit of the doubt re bikes - explained really nicely each time but they still refused, even when I said they would lose a potential regular customer. Their loss not mine.

Shell Westgate - they are very used to bikes (atnr and awnmr + most kb rides meet there) and they always unlock the pump for me after hours.

[Tank]

This odious system is NOT primarily designed for security: it is designed to maximise profits by reducing staff numbers and by forcing motorists to enter gas stations more often and sometimes several times on each fill. While there they are expected to purchase products on impulse; and they do (this is not opinion, it is fact confirmed by an industry insider).

Confirmed by an industry insider - well in must be true them - pffftt

BTW: Chatting to a minimum wage worker who works night shift at Shell is not an industry insider.

I can imaging that there is a knock on benefit with the impulse buys, however I doubt that this is the primary reason for having pumps on prepay. It only takes a few dive aways a week for them to lose more than they would earn with the extra sales.



my local bp seems to have a discrimination policy. white, shirt & tie, over 25? no problems we'll release the pumps. any combination on young, brown, ricer car, hoody, mates in the car then you need to go inside and prepay.

That's not discrimination that's using your brains. Who do you think would be the most common group of people driving off without paying? What they are trying to do is make it easier for some people when possible. Would you prefer that they left them locked for everyone?


They are a business trying to make a buck in a very difficult market made even more difficult by a Government that not only hates business (much like yourself), but goes out of their way to make it difficult for them. Don't like it? Go somewhere else.

+1


Walked away from a few petrol stations, note i never used the phrase "service stations". A few times I have voiced my objections out loud before doing so.

They are raking in the cash from us because of high prices

Yeah - thats nice for the folk working there. They are more likely to think "what a wanker" than calling the boss and telling them they lost a sale because of prepay.

Raking in the cash - do you have any idea how little the actual service station makes per ltr? its sweet FA.

The best way to get around the 'pre-pay' issue is to become a regular customer at your local station and treat the staff with some respect. You will be amazed how easy it it and how well it works.

Tank (who never has an issue with PrePay at his station)

[UberRhys]

If I can, I will do this as my bike only takes 8 litres and often only takes $5 to fill it.

Holy cheap gas batman!! 8 litres that takes $5 to fill!! :whistle: What servo do you frequent and does it sell 98 octane?

[jrandom]

BTW: Chatting to a minimum wage worker who works night shift at Shell is not an industry insider.

Idle's right, dude. The ex-wife of a good friend of mine is in senior management at Mobil. I've discussed the subject with her in the past, and comments in this thread about gas station profitability revolving around non-petrol shop sales are absolutely correct.

FWIW, with regards the prepay issue, I agree that it's a pain in the arse, but generally I find that gas stations unlock the pump for me, and if not, they're happy to let me fill up if I drop my EFTPOS or credit card off at the desk first. Yes, it requires an extra trip to and from the counter, but I'm not usually in so much of a tearing hurry that that impacts my day to an undue extent.

[clint640]

BP Geyser in Rotorua sucks big fat arse IMHO.

I really don't give a shit why they have prepay, all I care about is that, given the choice, why should I give my money to someone who has decided to make my life more difficult & waste my time?

The Shell station up the other end of Fenton St are good - they actually often have someone on the forecourt! at a service station! who'da thought?

Cheers
Clint

[The Pastor]

i want more efpos on pump, i hate getting stranged at like 2am and having to wait till 5 or 6 am before i can go :@

[Usarka]

That's not discrimination that's using your brains. Who do you think would be the most common group of people driving off without paying? What they are trying to do is make it easier for some people when possible. Would you prefer that they left them locked for everyone?



the boys in the lane next to me didnt think it was funny when i told them it was one of the few benefits us honkys get :lol:

[Taz]

I've never had a problem really. Give the attendant a friendly wave stick the nozzle in ( In the bike not the attendant ) and away she goes. I was coming back from Tauranga the other day and the fuel light came on so I punched up the nearest gas station on the GPS. It was a small country GAS station and their price was $1.859 per litre for 91 so I carried on through the back roads to huntly and filled up there at the Mobil. Prepay was on but they turned the pump on for me without asking but the young maori couple in the car behind me had to prepay :) BTW my 24 litre tank took 23.56 litres to fill but at least I only had to pay 1.679 per litre. Cutting it a bit fine maybe. 420km on 23.56 litres not bad for an 1100cc bike.

[Bass]

The best way to get around the 'pre-pay' issue is to become a regular customer at your local station and treat the staff with some respect. You will be amazed how easy it it and how well it works.

Tank (who never has an issue with PrePay at his station)

Sounds good but......
I used to frequent my local Mobil and had done for years. I sat down and worked out that I had spent way more than $20,000 with them over 10 years - a pretty good customer you would think.

They went and rebuilt the station - you know, the general store look. I have no idea why, but they put the cashier's counters at the back of the store where they can't see what's going on out on the forecourt - so it doesn't matter whether they know you or not. The staff all change with the wind direction anyway. Of course they also went completely prepay.

The place is busy. There is always a queue. I refuse to queue twice for a single tank of petrol. It's my choice and fuck it, I just refuse.
They have eftpos at the pumps so it's all good, right? Naw, about 50% time it's unavailable.

I go elsewhere now - significantly out of my way too. But hey, that's also my choice.

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

They must be nicer in Wellington lol I go to the BP Otaki station - alot - maybe they recognise me but they turn the pumps on automatically - I have seen them do this for other motorcyclists. Same with BP Taranaki St - near Te Papa. They just turn the pumps on.

[Blimp1]

Ive never had a problem in Wellington, actually i lie, once i had to walk inside at newtown caltex and ask for the pump to be turned on and i've never had to do so since.. also the gas stations make only a few cents per barrel(according to the manager of the station i used to work at) and make all their profit from drinks/chocolate bars etc. Which could be a decent reason to just open the pumps for bikes as bikers probably buy food/drink less than cages.

[Blue Thunder]

Quote GIJOE1313: the only time I had a problem there was when I was in my cage and didn't recognise me without my riding gear/bike :lol:) Most times I wander in to pay without doffing helmet and I've never been queried or challenged on it (so far).[/quote]

Is this due to that fact that they can now see who they are dealing with:gob:
The stealth ninja is a scary thing unmasked :eek::gob:

[Fatjim]

Not one of the stations I go to has prepay. But we don't live in Wankerville do we?

[Swoop]

If the monkey dosen't want to come out of its enclosure, leave the pump nozzles on the ground as you leave...

[Krusti]

BP Geyser in Rotorua sucks big fat arse IMHO.

I really don't give a shit why they have prepay, all I care about is that, given the choice, why should I give my money to someone who has decided to make my life more difficult & waste my time?

The Shell station up the other end of Fenton St are good - they actually often have someone on the forecourt! at a service station! who'da thought?

Cheers
Clint

Hahahaha BP Geyser, the other day my mate and I out for a ride, fuelled up at said servo, place busy as like always.

Wait in line to pay...."pump 9 mate"....turned out after a long wait that some other poor soul had paid for that fuel. Luckily he was standing by me in the line and worked it out for the attendant.

I thought my idea of me getting my fuel for free was good but I seemed to be the only one with that opinion :cool:

So...........eyeballing the person on pump then authorising the fill does not always work...

[Finn]

Not one of the stations I go to has prepay. But we don't live in Wankerville do we?

I don't recall Lower Hutt ever being in the "Forbes - Best places to live in the world" report.

[Qkchk]

Up at the ATNR at Walkworth last Thursday night. Its 10pm and time to head home. Qkkid mentions something about 'need some gas' before we headed south back to Auckland. "I'll meet you there" - meaning the MOBIL station in Walkworth, while I suited up, he headed off.

After getting my shite together, I arrive at MOBIL WALKWORTH to find Qkkid extremely pissed off. "What's up" I enquire. "Went to put a $20 in the Night-Draw (the one put your money into when they dont want you in the shop afterhours) and the f$#kn prick jammed it on my hand." Not only did this jurk do it on purpose and with enough force to bruise Qkkids fingers and shave off some skin from his knuckles, he had the nerve to tell him to "wait his turn" while he was fartarsing around in the shop. To be honest he was quite lucky he only got some verbal reference thrown at him :tugger:. Seems the guy on the counter was a couple of sandwitches short of picnic and obviously had snuck out the window from his Mama.

So stay away from MOBIL WALKWORTH or risk having your head slammed in the door! :Oi:

[Winter]

They went and rebuilt the station - you know, the general store look. I have no idea why, but they put the cashier's counters at the back of the store where they can't see what's going on out on the forecourt - so it doesn't matter whether they know you or not.

All the new mobils are like that, and isn't it obvious? You now have to walk past more isles of in-store specials to pay. Supports the OP's conspiracy theory.

[ManDownUnder]

If I can, I will do this as my bike only takes 8 litres and often only takes $5 to fill it.

62.5c/litre???? WOO HOO!!!!!!!

[marty]

bp cambridge - hate going there but it's covenient. i just toot the airhorns - they turn them on. they seem to have a delay though - even when turned on they can take 10-15 secs to start pumping?

mobil cambridge is shit. they have stopped being open 24 hours for some reason - crap service following them is my guess.

challenge cambridge (just up the hill into town heading north after the bridge) is my pick - they'll always fill for me, and the pumps are always on.

BP leamington is good - pumps always on, someone often on the forecourt.

will be interesting to see what the new shell is like - they were pretty good before - nearly always had someone out on the forecourt.

like many others, i refuse to queue twice for gas.

[WRT]

Another thing petrol stations seem particularly bad for: printing your full credit card number and expiry date on your reciept - a lot of them still do it. Don't ever walk off without your reciept, or throw it in the forecourt bin. Course, this applies to any store, but seems especially bad in petrol stations.

For what it's worth, I also tend to avoid prepay only service stations.

[idleidolidyll]

Confirmed by an industry insider - well in must be true them - pffftt

BTW: Chatting to a minimum wage worker who works night shift at Shell is not an industry insider.



Nope, as confirmed by someone who provides on court distribution and stock management systems to gas stations and who is involved in developing said systems.

[idleidolidyll]

If the monkey dosen't want to come out of its enclosure, leave the pump nozzles on the ground as you leave...

Now THAT is a bloody good idea!

[Str8 Jacket]

They must be nicer in Wellington lol I go to the BP Otaki station - alot - maybe they recognise me but they turn the pumps on automatically - I have seen them do this for other motorcyclists. Same with BP Taranaki St - near Te Papa. They just turn the pumps on.

Yep, everytime I go to stations with prepay tanks in Wellington they have always unlocked them for me as well and I have never had to ask. Guess we're lucky huh!

[idleidolidyll]

Not one of the stations I go to has prepay. But we don't live in Wankerville do we?

WallyTown, Wankerville; they're all somewhere south of Pokeno aint they?

[BuFfY]

Mobil lets you choose I think. The one in Mt Eden never works for me. So I stand there and swipe my card a few times, give up and just pump it and go in. It is a pain cause I only really go there if I am empty as and then I get suck in more traffic.
Would be a pain filling up on the bike as you wouldn't know exactly how much to key in huh

[Finn]

Nope, as confirmed by someone who provides on court distribution and stock management systems to gas stations and who is involved in developing said systems.

Postec or Provenco?

[Nasty]

Mobil Paremata in Wellington is fine till it turns 9ish .. then the staff employed have no ideas .. and it goes only prepaid .. and they have eftpos at pumps turned off ... what a waste of good time I thinks ... avoid them after 9 at almost any expense ... besides four other stations within 5 kms.

[JimO]

dont think there is any preepay only pumps in Dunedin

[Monkeyboy]

Why don't you go to the bank and ask for $20 worth of 20 and 50 cent pieces, mix them up and pay the gas stations like that! Every time they see you pull up their faces will turn white. I used to work in a bank as a teller and trust me, nothing used to piss us off more than a school tuck shop or pub coming in with a million dollars worth of coin all mixed up, well that and the local fish shop who's money used to stink the whole place out!!!

[cowpoos]

I've just sent an email to Gull as below. Twice now Gull, Gt Sth Rd Manurewa/Takanini have demanded that we prepay fixed amounts of $10 or $20 when we wanted to fill up. Prepay is bullshit!

Prepay SUCKS big time!
<o></o>
As a motorist in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1>New Zealand</st1></st1:country-region> and particularly as a motorcyclist, I despise prepay. This odious system is NOT primarily designed for security: it is designed to maximise profits by reducing staff numbers and by forcing motorists to enter gas stations more often and sometimes several times on each fill. While there they are expected to purchase products on impulse; and they do (this is not opinion, it is fact confirmed by an industry insider).
<o></o>
By forcing motorists to decide on how much they want to put in their gas tanks on a dollar basis, fuel retailers (mainly the oil companies), ensure that cars are rarely filled up and must therefore return more often to gas stations. In addition, if you do want to fill up, you are usually required to swipe your card at the station, fill up and then return to approve the final amount bought; a double entry into the station and another opportunity for the station to tempt you into buying some junk on impulse that you don’t need and probably wouldn’t have bought otherwise.
<o></o>
Some gas stations have eftpos at pump available but often these are not switched on (<st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mobil Wiri Station Rd</st1:address></st1:street>). The idea of eftpos at pump is perfect: we can fill up and pay at the pump with the least fuss. However, for the reasons above, gas stations then don’t get to maximise profits and they often don’t enable this system.
<o></o>
For a motorcyclist prepay is even more of an imposition. Many motorcycles have quite small tanks and even a large tank on a bike is just 25 litres. However, for many bikes, 8-15 litres is more often the capacity. With prepay, it is virtually impossible to guess how much fuel you will need and given that motorbikes often get just 100-200 kilometres per fill; we often want to fill up and maximise the distance traveled. My wife’s bike for example, takes just 11 litres. It gets pretty good mileage but we are never able to guess just how much fuel it will take and we always want to fill up before a trip. A Ducati Hailwood replica (newish model) takes just 8 litres and with it’s 1000cc motor, might only get 100km from that fill. To guess whether the tank needs 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 litres is virtually impossible and the rider is left having to enter gas stations twice to fill up under prepay at it’s worst. The worst offending gas station in my area is Gull Gt South Rd Takanini (near the top of <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mahia Rd</st1:address></st1:street>, Manurewa). This gas station has refused to allow us to fill up our bikes on a number of occasions demanding that we specify exactly how much we intend to use and prepay exactly that amount: their ‘suggestions’ were $10 or $20. My wife’s bike took about half a tank the first time (5.5 litres) and less the next time (about 4 litres). You can see that demanding a $10 or $20 prepay is ridiculous.
<o></o>
Now some gas stations recognise that motorcyclists are an issue and they release pumps when they see a bike arrive. It is not unreasonable for them to require us to take off our helmet for security reasons however. I applaud these gas stations and their awareness.
<o></o>
My suggestion is that we, as motorcyclists AND often car drivers too, name and shame the worst offenders and boycott them completely both for motorbike and for car purchases. I also suggest we name and praise those stations that DO recognise that prepay is an imposition and release pumps for motorcycles. Those gas stations should be promoted and pat5ronage should be encouraged. Likewise gas stations that have pay at pump AND turn it on.
<o></o>
As a start I offer the following:
<o></o>
DON’T use <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Gull Gt Sth Rd</st1:address></st1:street> near Mahia Rd Manurewa. These people are ignorant and arrogant and don’t deserve our business.
<o></o>
DON’T use <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mobil Wiri Station Rd</st1:address></st1:street> as this station uses prepay even though it has pay at pump which is usually turned off.
<o></o>
DO use Mobil Hill Rd Manurewa. These people are wonderful and even when pumps are switched to prepay, they release pumps every time they see a motorbike pull up.
<o></o>
IMPORTANT! Make sure you make a fuss whenever possible if you encounter prepay ignorance and tell them you will boycott their gas station on your bike AND in your car because of their ignorance and arrogance. Send emails to the oil companies and tell them to get their act together and stop the callous disregard they have for customers.
<o></o>
I wave fuel card at the camera...they soon get the hint!!

[pritch]

there is a common theme here. All these stations are in lower socioeconomic areas full of thieving scum.

Yes, it's called Auckland!

And your welcome to it :whistle:

But seriously, this would be a real pain in the arse if you were travelling. Sure there are work arounds, but far better to give someone else the business.

Does that mean I'm agreeing with I 3 again?:sweatdrop:

[Little Miss Trouble]

Some gas stations have eftpos at pump available but often these are not switched on (<st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mobil Wiri Station Rd</st1:address></st1:street>). The idea of eftpos at pump is perfect: we can fill up and pay at the pump with the least fuss. However, for the reasons above, gas stations then don’t get to maximise profits and they often don’t enable this system.


Another thing about eftpos at the pump, if you use a creditcard Mobil reserve $100 over and above what you pay for and leave it reseved for two days:blink: which isn't a big deal most of the time but if your sailing a bit close to the wind...

Mobil Constellation Drive do unlock the pump for bikes though

[idleidolidyll]

Postec or Provenco?

yep, one of the two

[MotoKuzzi]

I use Gull Takanini from time to time and never had a problem, but generally if you use one servo regularly you get known.

[davereid]

Another thing about eftpos at the pump, if you use a creditcard Mobil reserve $100 over and above what you pay for and leave it reseved for two days:blink: which isn't a big deal most of the time but if your sailing a bit close to the wind...

Are you saying they reserve the right to debit another $100 Later if they wish ?

[Renegade]

i find that the GAS (gasaline ally) stores the best, small owned companys that have joined GAS because the other suppliers shafted them, was on tv the other week aswell, they usually have the best friendly service.

still mobil prepay drives me nuts, never works, yet pak n save always works, they dont have problems with their eftpos at pump devices, mobil is full of shit about the machines being faulty, also caltex on old hutt road is 24/7 unattended prepay and they dont have issues with thier pump devices,truckies wouldnt be happy if they did clap out.

[MidnightMike]

I've only ever had that happen to me once, but that was at a station I rarely use.

My regular one, Caltex Greerton, Is great!, whenever I pull up and its on prepay, either ill just look toward the counter inside and give them a wave/ point at the pump, and they will switch it over, or, I look over and get the thumbs up because they have already done it for me, mint.

They also dont mind me wearing my helmet inside aswell.

[Little Miss Trouble]

Are you saying they reserve the right to debit another $100 Later if they wish ?

something like that, not entirely sure though thats just what I got told when I rang the bank freaked out that someone had stolen my details!

[discotex]

Wow.. I don't have a problem with pre-pay at all now. It was shocking when they first started converting every gas station to pre-pay but as far as I can tell most have got the message and have switched to pump authorisation instead.

Basically you just pick up the pump and stare at them until they unlock it. Does help if you have the helmet off so you don't look like you'll do a runner.

Most BP stations seem to do that now as well as the Gull's I frequent (New Lynn, Rosebank, Browns Bay). Mobil aren't as good but they're usually ok. Hardly ever stop at Caltex so no idea there.

If you really get stuck you just prepay more than you want on your card and they must legally refund you the difference in cash. Handy way to get cash out on your credit card ;)

K-Rd Mobil is fine too. They almost always unlock the pump for me when the EFTPOS at pump isn't working. Takes about 20 sec for them to realise it's not just a cage wanting to nick gas. If they don't I just stroll up to the door and ask and it's never been a problem.

[Sollyboy]

Mobil St lukes is now prepay , i noticed its effecting their bottom line , people are voting with their wallets.
Btw , one station owner told me they turned pay at the pumps off because it was reducing shop sales particularly impulse items , hes probably right cause everytime i go into the gassy i have to get 4 icecreams or even more if the kids are with me

[Lteejay]

If I see the Pump on Prepay signs I just roll on to the next one... within the city there are generally lots of options. But if we're naming and shaming, Mobil at the corner of Krd and Ponsonby are a DON'T, but BP Jervois will turn the pump on for motorcyclists when it's on prepay.

Mobil on krd/ponsonby rd always turn their pumps off prepay when I wave at them from the forecourt. Never had a problem with them. Maybe its because I'm a chick

[banditrider]

Had my share of issues with prepay but you do get the odd station that will turn the pumps on with just a wave. Particularly annoying in the middle of the night on the GC, here's a couple of stories:

At a station in Wanganui: they were flat out, 3 or 4 bikes plus the local boy racers. Attendant making everyone come in and prepay & then get a refund if necessary. Talk about congestion & chaos on the pumps.

Wellsford this year: attendant couldn't even work out how to turn the pumps on - may as well have shut up shop. After 10mins or so we discovered that the station up the road was open - on prepay...

[Skyryder]

Why not just go into the station hand over $40, fill up both bikes, go back in and get your change??
True - you still have to have $40 (or whatever) on you in cash and you still have to go in twice...

Yep that'll fucks em. Get the $40 reciept and make sure you get the second reciept. That way they have two operate the till twice for one sale.

Skyryder

[Fub@r]

MOBIL - Don Buck Road, Massey. Pre-pay 24/7 including bikes.


Stopped there yesterday to pump up my tyres, poor guy on a green Kawa was there for ages, damn pump was busted and wouldn't go past 23 psi.

Also the Challenge Station across the road is 24/7 prepay

Besides Shell Westgate (which gets pretty busy) my other local fuel stop would be the Caltex on Triangle Road. In the evenings if its on prepay they always open the pump for me......not sure if its a trust thing or the fact they like chatting to me about bikes after I have filled up and paying for the gas :)

Other than that it looks like West Auckland is a dishonest bunch as a lot of the gas stations around West are 24/7 prepay :(

[Hanne]

Well, all the times I went to a petrol station that was on prepay I just gave a wave to the attendant or went in and had a word and they turned it on for me right away...

If they don't (which has happened at one station) then yeah, I just go to the next one because it is really impossible to tell how much you will need.

[Swoop]

If the monkey dosen't want to come out of its enclosure, leave the pump nozzles on the ground as you leave...
Regarding comment... No, I would never simply mix up the nozzles (diesel/91/96). Cagers are dumb and might put diesel in their ultra-powerful baked-bean-can-equipped ricer cage. OR would I.....:rolleyes:

[Jorja]

why dont start a list of service stations who use pay at the pump. One of the local mobil stations does and it is always working. Plus pac n sav down the road only uses pay at pump.

Mobil lincoin rd
Pac n sav fuel lincoin rd

[Gubb]

Why is it that quite a few people that have posted so far seem to be of the impression that just because they are on a bike, this entitles them to having the pump authorised over a car.

I can tell you from 6 years of experience, that bikes steal petrol too, and just because it's probably a smaller amount, doesn't really justify the argument for unlocking the pumps for bikes only.

[Waylander]

I've just sent an email to Gull as below. Twice now Gull, Gt Sth Rd Manurewa/Takanini have demanded that we prepay fixed amounts of $10 or $20 when we wanted to fill up. Prepay is bullshit!

Prepay SUCKS big time!
<o></o>
As a motorist in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1>New Zealand</st1></st1:country-region> and particularly as a motorcyclist, I despise prepay. This odious system is NOT primarily designed for security: it is designed to maximise profits by reducing staff numbers and by forcing motorists to enter gas stations more often and sometimes several times on each fill. While there they are expected to purchase products on impulse; and they do (this is not opinion, it is fact confirmed by an industry insider).
<o></o>
By forcing motorists to decide on how much they want to put in their gas tanks on a dollar basis, fuel retailers (mainly the oil companies), ensure that cars are rarely filled up and must therefore return more often to gas stations. In addition, if you do want to fill up, you are usually required to swipe your card at the station, fill up and then return to approve the final amount bought; a double entry into the station and another opportunity for the station to tempt you into buying some junk on impulse that you don’t need and probably wouldn’t have bought otherwise.
<o></o>
Some gas stations have eftpos at pump available but often these are not switched on (<st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mobil Wiri Station Rd</st1:address></st1:street>). The idea of eftpos at pump is perfect: we can fill up and pay at the pump with the least fuss. However, for the reasons above, gas stations then don’t get to maximise profits and they often don’t enable this system.
<o></o>
For a motorcyclist prepay is even more of an imposition. Many motorcycles have quite small tanks and even a large tank on a bike is just 25 litres. However, for many bikes, 8-15 litres is more often the capacity. With prepay, it is virtually impossible to guess how much fuel you will need and given that motorbikes often get just 100-200 kilometres per fill; we often want to fill up and maximise the distance traveled. My wife’s bike for example, takes just 11 litres. It gets pretty good mileage but we are never able to guess just how much fuel it will take and we always want to fill up before a trip. A Ducati Hailwood replica (newish model) takes just 8 litres and with it’s 1000cc motor, might only get 100km from that fill. To guess whether the tank needs 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 litres is virtually impossible and the rider is left having to enter gas stations twice to fill up under prepay at it’s worst. The worst offending gas station in my area is Gull Gt South Rd Takanini (near the top of <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mahia Rd</st1:address></st1:street>, Manurewa). This gas station has refused to allow us to fill up our bikes on a number of occasions demanding that we specify exactly how much we intend to use and prepay exactly that amount: their ‘suggestions’ were $10 or $20. My wife’s bike took about half a tank the first time (5.5 litres) and less the next time (about 4 litres). You can see that demanding a $10 or $20 prepay is ridiculous.
<o></o>
Now some gas stations recognise that motorcyclists are an issue and they release pumps when they see a bike arrive. It is not unreasonable for them to require us to take off our helmet for security reasons however. I applaud these gas stations and their awareness.
<o></o>
My suggestion is that we, as motorcyclists AND often car drivers too, name and shame the worst offenders and boycott them completely both for motorbike and for car purchases. I also suggest we name and praise those stations that DO recognise that prepay is an imposition and release pumps for motorcycles. Those gas stations should be promoted and pat5ronage should be encouraged. Likewise gas stations that have pay at pump AND turn it on.
<o></o>
As a start I offer the following:
<o></o>
DON’T use <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Gull Gt Sth Rd</st1:address></st1:street> near Mahia Rd Manurewa. These people are ignorant and arrogant and don’t deserve our business.
<o></o>
DON’T use <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mobil Wiri Station Rd</st1:address></st1:street> as this station uses prepay even though it has pay at pump which is usually turned off.
<o></o>
DO use Mobil Hill Rd Manurewa. These people are wonderful and even when pumps are switched to prepay, they release pumps every time they see a motorbike pull up.
<o></o>
IMPORTANT! Make sure you make a fuss whenever possible if you encounter prepay ignorance and tell them you will boycott their gas station on your bike AND in your car because of their ignorance and arrogance. Send emails to the oil companies and tell them to get their act together and stop the callous disregard they have for customers.
<o></o>
Guess America can't be all bad then huh?
You would be hard pressed to find a gas station anywhere in the entire country that didn't have a pay at the pump set up. Even the little po-dunk towns population of about 50 have it.

[Jorja]

Why is it that quite a few people that have posted so far seem to be of the impression that just because they are on a bike, this entitles them to having the pump authorised over a car.

I can tell you from 6 years of experience, that bikes steal petrol too, and just because it's probably a smaller amount, doesn't really justify the argument for unlocking the pumps for bikes only.

I think you are missing the point.

You have to go in and pre pay $20 petrol, the bike then takes $14 petrol, You then need to get a refund. Each time you have to line up.

Most petrol stations have eftpos at the pump. They don't use it because they want you to go into the shop. That way you might spend money on other things.

[Fub@r]

Why is it that quite a few people that have posted so far seem to be of the impression that just because they are on a bike, this entitles them to having the pump authorised over a car.

I can tell you from 6 years of experience, that bikes steal petrol too, and just because it's probably a smaller amount, doesn't really justify the argument for unlocking the pumps for bikes only.

But then from your experience you would also know that a large percentage of car drivers don't fill up when they go to a servo. They get their $5, 10, 15, 20 and so on amounts.

On the flip side what..80-90% of bikes that got to a servo will fill up? Especially seeing not all bikes have a fuel gauge and people need to go by the trip counter vs a full tank of gas.

So you either have the choice of putting an exact dollar amount in and not filling the tank, or end up not being able to get the fuel you did prepay for in to the tank and then have to go back in to change from the dude behind the counter.

Best way is to try and become a regular at a servo so they get to know you and you won't have a problem with prepay anymore :)

[Max Preload]

my local bp seems to have a discrimination policy. white, shirt & tie, over 25? no problems we'll release the pumps. any combination on young, brown, ricer car, hoody, mates in the car then you need to go inside and prepay.

See here:

While I understand your frustration, there is a common theme here. All these stations are in lower socioeconomic areas full of thieving scum.

It's not discrimination - it's profiling. They don't just decide not to release the pumps for these "customers" on a whim - they have drive offs, mostly by exactly this sort.


I've just sent an email to Gull as below. Twice now Gull, Gt Sth Rd Manurewa/Takanini have demanded that we prepay fixed amounts of $10 or $20 when we wanted to fill up. Prepay is bullshit!

I was in there on Friday night wanting to fill the car and had the same thing happen. I was told I couldn't fill it. So I went to Caltex and spent my $120 there. Fuck 'em.


Some gas stations have eftpos at pump available but often these are not switched on (<st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mobil Wiri Station Rd</st1:address></st1:street>). The idea of eftpos at pump is perfect: we can fill up and pay at the pump with the least fuss. However, for the reasons above, gas stations then don’t get to maximise profits and they often don’t enable this system.

I think I've only ever seen EFTPOS at the pump working once at anywhere but Pak'n'Refugee (where they don't have any option).


Now some gas stations recognise that motorcyclists are an issue and they release pumps when they see a bike arrive. It is not unreasonable for them to require us to take off our helmet for security reasons however. I applaud these gas stations and their awareness.
<o></o>

I never fill up in South Auckland if I can possibly avoid it although one gas station I've found isn't too bad - BP Kerrs Road always release the pump for me even late at night on the bike without removing my helmet.

[sefer]

I take it whoever said they leave their card with the attendant and go fill up has never heard of card skimming... or even easier just writing you credit card details down...

Sorry but that is a stupid idea! Card skimming is easy as to do for a credit card, and only slightly harder for a eftpos card. I bet you don't take too much care to hide your pin when you enter it either, not that it'd matter since most gas stations have cameras on the counter anyway!

[phaedrus]

pre-pay? what a bizarre concept. I only ever hit it in the north island.

[Forest]

I know a place in Auckland that has open pumps 24 hours a day.

Not sure if I should say where it is. But some here might know it.

[MaxB]

While I understand your frustration, there is a common theme here. All these stations are in lower socioeconomic areas full of thieving scum. Gas stations do not provide a community service. They are a business trying to make a buck in a very difficult market made even more difficult by a Government that not only hates business (much like yourself), but goes out of their way to make it difficult for them.

Don't like it? Go somewhere else.

Generally that was the case but now the idea is spreading like the virus it is. In the last month I have been put on prepay at Caltex Stanley St., Mobil Quay St., and after the Cheesecutter Ride, the Mobil on Parnell Road. Hardly low rent areas.

[jafar]

Much as it pains me to agree with anything III says.
Prepay is a pain & some of the idjits they have working in the petrol stations are worse than useless.
Don't use:
Mobil orams road manurewa
Mobil wiri station road
BP Bombay
Shell Sanson
Caltex Sanson
Gull Manurewa


FWIW Shell & Gull on roscommon road seem to have petrol a few cents lower than anyone else in that area.

[howdamnhard]

Never had a problem,the service stations always turn on the prepay pumps,even after hours.Even go in to pay with lid on,no problems.Must be the Hi-viz (nerd) jacket and the fact my visor is up ,gloves off and wallet out.:bleh:

[MaxB]

Best way is to try and become a regular at a servo so they get to know you and you won't have a problem with prepay anymore :)

But what happened to me after years of going to my local BP was a few changes in staff and a 'revamp' and suddenly they don't know you any more. I started to have a few run ins with the new staff. These include a night shift twat who decided that my $4 refund wasn't important and a woman that didn't turn my pump on for 15 minutes even though I went through the procedure given to me by their management. I solved the first one by stuffing the nozzle in the litter bin and saying $4 of petrol goes in here unless I get my refund 'cos no one else is having it and the second was when I started directing queueing traffic around my bike. Only 3 cars actually drove off but it was enough to get them out of their hutch. It took 3 months to wipe out 10 years of cuctomer goodwill, I don't go there anymore, I don't have a BP Card anymore.

BTW other BPs release the pump with a wave of the glove.

Last time I was in Europe some petrol stations give you a receipt with a bar code or PIN #. You have to swipe or use the PIN to open a barrier to get out of the forecourt. Problem solved.

[idleidolidyll]

why dont start a list of service stations who use pay at the pump. One of the local mobil stations does and it is always working. Plus pac n sav down the road only uses pay at pump.

Mobil lincoin rd
Pac n sav fuel lincoin rd

That's exactly what I intend to do. I was waiting for a few more folk to post experiences and then I'll make a list of good, bad and really ugly gas stations.

[idleidolidyll]

Why is it that quite a few people that have posted so far seem to be of the impression that just because they are on a bike, this entitles them to having the pump authorised over a car.

I can tell you from 6 years of experience, that bikes steal petrol too, and just because it's probably a smaller amount, doesn't really justify the argument for unlocking the pumps for bikes only.

You seem to be missing the point.
Most gas stations are owned by the oil companies who are making more profit than they ever have because of the artificially high fuel prices. In the last few years fuel prices have nearly doubled but extraction and processing has increased only marginally. This is all due to the Iraq war and price manipulation bullshit.
The gas stations claimed in the past that prepay was a security move but the fact is security is a very minor reason for the move to prepay. The REAL reasons are to further increase profit margins by reducing staff numbers (one person on a till instead of forecourt service) and by forcing motorists to visit stations more often and make impulse purchases of non fuel station products.
Fuel prices are deliberately and artificially priced so that the profit at the outlet is small. In fact the oil companies make VAST profits earlier in the production stage and by selling gas TO the privately owned stations. That way they can complain that profit margins are small when they actually are NOT.
Yes, SOME gas stations are privately owned but the trend has been for these to be taken over by the big companies. Theft is a tiny issue compared with selling other junk by the above means.
If the people running gas stations want to sell confectioneries, milk, food etc, they should get out of the gas business and open a bloody dairy or supermarket.
So, in a world where customer satisfaction can change services and technology, sitting back and allowing them to screw us over with an odious system that pisses us off is silly. The smart move is to SHOW them we are pissed off and by outing the good and the bad, force the bad to adopt the practices of the good.
Doing nothing always ensures that abuse will continue.

[idleidolidyll]

Guess America can't be all bad then huh?
You would be hard pressed to find a gas station anywhere in the entire country that didn't have a pay at the pump set up. Even the little po-dunk towns population of about 50 have it.

who gives a damn?
a country that supports its internal quality of life by killing and terrorising millions of people outside its borders isn't worthy of respect.

HOWEVER: this is a thread about prepay, try to stay on topic and leave your personal hatreds out of it.

[Grahameeboy]

This country is really going to the dogs......pre-pay has to be the last straw..............we are doommeed...

Surely things cannot get worse..............

[idleidolidyll]

Much as it pains me to agree with anything III says.
Prepay is a pain & some of the idjits they have working in the petrol stations are worse than useless.
Don't use:
Mobil orams road manurewa
Mobil wiri station road
BP Bombay
Shell Sanson
Caltex Sanson
Gull Manurewa


FWIW Shell & Gull on roscommon road seem to have petrol a few cents lower than anyone else in that area.

Ahh yes, Mobil Orams Rd are utter crap and I stopped using them ages ago even though they are my closest station. It seems Mobil is the worst offender in this regard.
The two Roscommon Rd stations mentioned are always cheaper. Luckily they are on my way to work and I can use em both. The other day diesel at that Gull was 10c a litre cheaper than anywhere else and even than the Shell up the road. That particular Gull usually releases the pump for motorbikes too.

I have a long day today but a short one tomorrow.
Tomorrow afternoon I'll start sifting through the posts to list stations recommended by bike riders and gas stations to avoid at all costs.

I wonder if we can get some kind of front page list for the benefit of KB members so they don't have to troll through endless posts?

[idleidolidyll]

This country is really going to the dogs......pre-pay has to be the last straw..............we are doommeed...

Surely things cannot get worse..............

sure they could: we could be forced to listen to religious crap while we wait in line for fuel.....................

[Grahameeboy]

sure they could: we could be forced to listen to religious crap while we wait in line for fuel.....................

Now that would have to be the last straw eh?

Sometimes you have to wonder that life is so negative that it is not worth living eh...............I mean what is left of life to enjoy

[janno]

I solved the first one by stuffing the nozzle in the litter bin and saying $4 of petrol goes in here unless I get my refund 'cos no one else is having it


Genius! I'd have never thought of that. As they are legally obliged to give you change, just like they are from any transaction, I'd have written a snotty letter to head office, though no doubt it would get filled in the round filing cabinet like all the other snotty letters.

If this issue is such a problem, could be worth a deputation to Cambell Live or Fair Go etc? What's the average motorcycle fill - $20?

[fergie]

as long as scumbags try to drive off without paying ,bussiness owners will find ways to try and combat theft and if prepay is the way,so be it.
I am a fuel reseller and believe me there is NO profit in petrol ,especially in rural areas. I pay more for my fuel(wholesale) than i can get it for(retail) 30kms down the road in whitianga. so it is a precious commodity for me.
I can understand the frustration of not knowing how much fuel you need. my suggestion is to only put enough fuel into your tank to get you to the next full service place.ie don't worry about filling it untill you need to.

[idleidolidyll]

Now that would have to be the last straw eh?

Sometimes you have to wonder that life is so negative that it is not worth living eh...............I mean what is left of life to enjoy

there's plenty left to enjoy and that is the point: by saying or doing nothing the corporations and governments will continue to fuck up what we have

[idleidolidyll]

as long as scumbags try to drive off without paying ,bussiness owners will find ways to try and combat theft and if prepay is the way,so be it.
I am a fuel reseller and believe me there is NO profit in petrol ,especially in rural areas. I pay more for my fuel(wholesale) than i can get it for(retail) 30kms down the road in whitianga. so it is a precious commodity for me.
I can understand the frustration of not knowing how much fuel you need. my suggestion is to only put enough fuel into your tank to get you to the next full service place.ie don't worry about filling it untill you need to.

of course that's gonna be your line.

however, the fact is that prepay is more about cutting wage costs and improving junk sales than preventing drive offs.

It's bullshit and a pain in the arse. If you are one of those stations that use it, please identify yourself so other bikers can avoid you on their bikes and in their cars.

[NordieBoy]

sure they could: we could be forced to listen to religious crap while we wait in line for fuel.....................

That's another bonus of earplugs.

I've never even seen a pre-pay.

I usually fill up only when I've hit reserve which means nowdays it's about $34 or so.

[idleidolidyll]

my suggestion is to only put enough fuel into your tank to get you to the next full service place.ie don't worry about filling it untill you need to.

that's just plain silly.

given that my fuel consumption can vary between 10-25 km per litre, I have no accurate way to know how far I will get on any given trip. I DON'T want to stop at every gas station just because gas stations refuse to listen to their customers and offer them a reasonable service.
I want to be able to fill up my bike whenever I can without the double entry bullshit of prepay.

[Ixion]

..As they are legally obliged to give you change, just like they are from any transaction, I'd have written a snotty letter to head office, though no doubt it would get filled in the round filing cabinet like all the other snotty letters.

..

That is not correct. There is no legal requirement for any seller to give change. Legally, if you do not have the right money that is your problem. And if you have contracted (albeit against your will ) to buy $20 of petrol, then find that you cannot fit it all into your tank the seller is under no legal obligation to make any refund.

It is very common for pre-pay servos to refuse to refund any over payment or at least to argue hard about it. Usually suggesting that you should "buy something else" to "use up" the excess. I have pumped $3 odd of petrol into the windscreen wash water container on the forecourt when it was apparent I was not going to get the balance of my $20 pre pay back.

The problem is far worse if one wishes to pay by credit card. The gentleman who warns against card skimming is quite correct, and I certainly will not leave my card with the attendants for them to help themselves. After all, if they don't trust me, why should I trust them? And, their agreement with the card company will include a clause forbidding them to repay a card refund in cash. And they will refuse to refund the excess to the card because they claim that they do not have the necessary "store card". In my experience one will usually have great trouble getting any overpayment refunded.

And as to why "bikes should be treated different to cars"? They shouldn't, it is wrong for cars too. But it is a bigger problem for bikes. If I am obliged to buy a round dollar amount for a car, and thereby leave say 5 litres of the tank empty, that is not such a big deal in a 60 litre tank. But 5 litres in a bike tank means only half full. And since the fuel companys have closed down most of the petrol stations in the country, there are now many areas where the distance between petrol stations is greater than the tank range of a bike. If bikes are always to be condemned to half tanks then that problem becomes great indeed. (And the reason why the market does not supply the obvious remedy, a new fuel seller opening up midway, is that the fuel companys use their oligopolistic position to prevent this. They artificially prevent competition).

The homonymic gentleman is correct. Pre pay is just an excuse for multiple rip offs down the line. The argument about fuel theft is ingenuous at best. Supermarkets suffer equally from shop theft, and their margins are even smaller. Yet we are not expected to pay for our groceries when we enter the store, before we have selected them, or put down a $200 deposit on entry.

And if the margin on fuel is small, that is simply because the fuel companies are creaming it for themselves. THEIR margin is huge. Fuel resellers should be questioning the oligopolistic situation that makes such gouging possible.

EDIT: Does anyone know the names of suitable people at the fuel companies? If they can post or PM them, I will put my BRONZ hat on and formally complain.

[janno]

There is no legal requirement for any seller to give change. Legally, if you do not have the right money that is your problem.

Wow! That's interesting if it's true. I always fill my bike during the day so haven't come across pre-pay in Taranaki.

The oil companies are on borrowed time here, I'd say. I think it'll be one of those things which they can only push so far before they get a mass protest. I'm not talking about the pre-pay as such, but the refusal to give change. I'd hope so, anyway.

[Grahameeboy]

That's another bonus of earplugs.

I've never even seen a pre-pay.

I usually fill up only when I've hit reserve which means nowdays it's about $34 or so.

Didn't you mean pre-prayer??

[Mr Merde]

....The oil companies are on borrowed time here, I'd say. I think it'll be one of those things which they can only push so far before they get a mass protest. .......

Mass Protest in NZ.

Only in mustering season so those bovids who masqueade as NZ citizens can follow the Judas goat.

[Grahameeboy]

there's plenty left to enjoy and that is the point: by saying or doing nothing the corporations and governments will continue to fuck up what we have

We look forward to a thread from you about the joys of life in due course then.........

[Tank]

as long as scumbags try to drive off without paying ,bussiness owners will find ways to try and combat theft and if prepay is the way,so be it.
I am a fuel reseller and believe me there is NO profit in petrol ,especially in rural areas. I pay more for my fuel(wholesale) than i can get it for(retail) 30kms down the road in whitianga. so it is a precious commodity for me.
I can understand the frustration of not knowing how much fuel you need. my suggestion is to only put enough fuel into your tank to get you to the next full service place.ie don't worry about filling it untill you need to.


of course that's gonna be your line.

however, the fact is that prepay is more about cutting wage costs and improving junk sales than preventing drive offs.

It's bullshit and a pain in the arse. If you are one of those stations that use it, please identify yourself so other bikers can avoid you on their bikes and in their cars.

Typical - here is a guy who knows facts about how it impacts independent owners of small stations.

However III gets on his high horse and says its bullshit because it doesnt fit with his views and ask for him to identify himself so he can be boycotted.

What a fuckwit. Maybe when you have a business that's impacted by pricks stealing your product then you may have some empathy for others in the same boat.

[hellnback]

Mass Protest in NZ.

Ahhh, don't you mean Auckland?? No pre-pay down this way!!

"Oops forgot my card, I'll come back after work...."
"No worries"

[Usarka]

Ahhh, don't you mean Auckland?? No pre-pay down this way!!

"Oops forgot my card, I'll come back after work...."
"No worries"

Well people do tend to trust their cousins....

[idleidolidyll]

I've never even seen a pre-pay.



You guys and gals living outside areas with prepay are very lucky but don't for a minute think you're not going to get it.

Think about the tone of the thread here and how most riders despise prepay and try to prevent the odious system making life more difficult for you.

[idleidolidyll]

Typical - here is a guy who knows facts about how it impacts independent owners of small stations.

However III gets on his high horse and says its bullshit because it doesnt fit with his views and ask for him to identify himself so he can be boycotted.

What a fuckwit. Maybe when you have a business that's impacted by pricks stealing your product then you may have some empathy for others in the same boat.

Nope. I get my facts from someone in the business of developing the very systems we are discussing. This person, recently departed from the industry, explained in no uncertain terms that the 'theft' reason is mainly a snow job and that the real reasons for prepay are as described: to have motorists spend more time (and money) in the shop buying crap.
For the same reason, acco4rding to him, most gas stations refuse to install or use pay at pump (eftpos at pump).

My posts are not just opinion; they are fact based.

As for identifying the particular gas station: Yes, I make no excuses. THAT is the point after all; to identify which stations are bike friendly and which are not and to use the pressure of our purchasing power to vote with our feet away from poor service and towards good service.

If you don't care, that's fine but don't expect the rest of us to sit back and be fucked over just so companies can make more profit on the back of worse service.

[idleidolidyll]

Ahhh, don't you mean Auckland?? No pre-pay down this way!!

"Oops forgot my card, I'll come back after work...."
"No worries"

if you haven't got it yet you should join the protest because without people speaking out, it's inevitable that you WILL get it.

[mstriumph]

sheesh ---- i certainly hope THIS doesn't reach us out in the far-flung reaches of West Aus ......... sounds like prepay raises a lot of problems

i don't even get asked to take my helmet off over here - let alone prepay for fuel ............ in fact, on one occassion when i forgot my card one petrol station allowed me to leave an IOU and pay them on my way past the following day :yes:

then again - i'm not wearing a hoodie or anything and am reasonably polite to people ......[most of the time]

[hellnback]

Well people do tend to trust their cousins....

:rofl::spanking::buggerd::puke:

[Jantar]

I have pumped $3 odd of petrol into the windscreen wash water container on the forecourt when it was apparent I was not going to get the balance of my $20 pre pay back..
I love it. Next time I am faced with pre-pay (only ever happens in the North island) I shall purposely over estimate the amount, and use the xtra in their washer water, in their rubbish bins, and anywhere else inconvenient. :2thumbsup

[Grahameeboy]

Nope. I get my facts from someone in the business of developing the very systems we are discussing. This person, recently departed from the industry, explained in no uncertain terms that the 'theft' reason is mainly a snow job and that the real reasons for prepay are as described: to have motorists spend more time (and money) in the shop buying crap.
For the same reason, acco4rding to him, most gas stations refuse to install or use pay at pump (eftpos at pump).

My posts are not just opinion; they are fact based.

As for identifying the particular gas station: Yes, I make no excuses. THAT is the point after all; to identify which stations are bike friendly and which are not and to use the pressure of our purchasing power to vote with our feet away from poor service and towards good service.

If you don't care, that's fine but don't expect the rest of us to sit back and be fucked over just so companies can make more profit on the back of worse service.

Welcome to the real world of marketing Idle....supermarkets have always marketing their ailes etc to maximise sales and get is to buy stuff we would not always buy.......why should Gas Stations be any different.

[idleidolidyll]

Welcome to the real world of marketing Idle....supermarkets have always marketing their ailes etc to maximise sales and get is to buy stuff we would not always buy.......why should Gas Stations be any different.

Welcome to....????

ROTFLMFAO!! I've been a part of it most of my life as a top salesman, sales manager, international sales manager and self employed importer.

the OTHER side of marketing is that those companies who ignore the complaints of their customers lose business.

THAT is the whole point

[Grahameeboy]

Welcome to....????

ROTFLMFAO!! I've been a part of it most of my life as a top salesman, sales manager, international sales manager and self employed importer.

the OTHER side of marketing is that those companies who ignore the complaints of their customers lose business.

THAT is the whole point

You know in medieval times they used to dunk people in the river if they showed signs of delusion or telling the future and see who sank.......

[idleidolidyll]

You know in medieval times they used to dunk people in the river if they showed signs of delusion or telling the future and see who sank.......

were you wearing a scuba tank?

[Grahameeboy]

were you wearing a scuba tank?

Nah, did have them in those days........lol

[steveb64]

Snip'd

And if you pay attention, my posts was about pre-pay, or rather the lack of in the states. Can't even remember a gas station that didn't let you walk in even in the middle of the night. No locked doors, no prepay.

Big gun under the counter. :2guns:

[idleidolidyll]

About as worthy of respect as someone who forms an opinion based on the opinions of others and then changes them when the person you're arguing with starts to agree with you.


Where would be the fun in that?

And if you pay attention, my posts was about pre-pay, or rather the lack of in the states. Can't even remember a gas station that didn't let you walk in even in the middle of the night. No locked doors, no prepay.

you took the opportunity to introduce your boring defence of fascist Amerikkka; tuff shit. it's a big yawn

[idleidolidyll]

About as worthy of respect as someone who forms an opinion based on the opinions of others and then changes them when the person you're arguing with starts to agree with you.


go cry to someone who cares; my opinions are formed based on research not just the opinions of others and they don't change unless someone with intelligence is able to convince me that I'm wrong.

You have failed miserably to do that

[idleidolidyll]

I have a meeting this afternoon but later, if I get a chance, I will read again all the messages and try to sort out a list of the best and the worst gas stations for motorcyclists.

Criteria? Have to think about that but gas stations with prepay who demand that you pay a dollar amount before filling will be in the 'Worst' category, gas stations who make you walk into the station before they authorise the pump would be next worst, gas stations that are slow at authorising pumps but do without you going in would be next and gas stations that see a bike and authorise quickly would be top of the 'go visit' list.

Likewise, those gas stations with pay at pump who actually have it turned on all the time will get a top rating but those who have it and don't use it will be rated lower.

Any other selection criteria you could suggest would also be considered such as air compressors that have motorbike suitable valves etc (many don't)

[Paul in NZ]

Strangely - I'm forced to agree to a degree - oil companies spend a lot of time and effort convincing the driver and more importantly the passengers that they really must get out of the vehicle and enter the retail killing zone of the actual building.

However - another problem with pay at the pump was that it was not actually that popular with the punters or frankly - that reliable so i would not hold out hope that this will become widespread.

To the larger question - is this some kind of plot to get more of your money? Erm - yes... But very little in retail happens by accident, from the layout to the colours, the music to the smell in the air - its all carefully considered to either keep you in store longer or to encourage you to purchase more.

Does it work? Yes - of course it does - not everytime but in the business of big retail of FMCG such as supermarkets and petrol a slight increase in turnover is the difference between loosing a fortune and making a fortune. Is prepaid the work of the devil? Yes - and the only way to stop it is to collectively avoid stations that insist on it. I for one think it's a royal pain in the behind.

[skelstar]

Mobil Silverstream (Wgtn). Not all the time, but most probably when late at night. Don't go often enough to gauge.

[Waylander]

go cry to someone who cares; my opinions are formed based on research not just the opinions of others and they don't change unless someone with intelligence is able to convince me that I'm wrong.

You have failed miserably to do that
Shall I find the post for you where you state that you will change your opinion just to keep the argument going?

[don rocard]

Prepay insenses me ,they assume my intention is to steal petrol.The station that I have used for a couple of years has gone prepay now.Last time I was there the pump needed to be turned on and the guy said you have to prepay.O K I want to know how much I need to pay for?He dint know so I went to a SERVICE station down the road and got filled up.Stick your prepay up your arse ya bloody hindu.:headbang::headbang::headbang::headbang::hea dbang::headbang::headbang:

[idleidolidyll]

Shall I find the post for you where you state that you will change your opinion just to keep the argument going?

go away you boring person; this thread is about prepay

if you don't have some prepay content; spare us your presence

[Grahameeboy]

Prepay insenses me ,they assume my intention is to steal petrol.The station that I have used for a couple of years has gone prepay now.Last time I was there the pump needed to be turned on and the guy said you have to prepay.O K I want to know how much I need to pay for?He dint know so I went to a SERVICE station down the road and got filled up.Stick your prepay up your arse ya bloody hindu.:headbang::headbang::headbang::headbang::hea dbang::headbang::headbang:

They are not saying that you are a criminal..........so far just a handful of gas stations have been listed and how many others are there that we can go to.....which you did?

How do you know he was Hindu?

[Grahameeboy]

go away you boring person; this thread is about prepay

if you don't have some prepay content; spare us your presence

Sorry, who did you say was boring................now I know your answer so spare us your pretence:lol:

[Waylander]

go away you boring person; this thread is about prepay

if you don't have some prepay content; spare us your presence
Being the asshole that I am, this just makes me want to remain in this thread longer.

[don rocard]

By having pumps on prepay the inference is there that I could run off with :headbang:out paying.And yes he is a bloody Hindu.

[Grahameeboy]

Being the asshole that I am, this just makes me want to remain in this thread longer.

:lol::lol::lol:................................... .

[Grahameeboy]

By having pumps on prepay the inference is there that I could run off with :headbang:out paying.And yes he is a bloody Hindu.

So having pre-pay phones must be the same then..............and back to my question, how do you know he is a Hindu.

I guess that speed signs are an inference that you may speed?

Where does it end?

[Wolf]

The service station at the Greenwood St/Killarney Road roundabout is pretty much perpetually on prepay but no matter who is on duty they unlock the pump for me - don't know about other bikers.

I also have no problems wearing my helmet into the shop - even before I got the rather distinctive wolf decals on it.

Not yet encountered a service station where me wearing my helmet is a problem. I just bowl in, pay for the petrol and/or anything else I need, pull off a glove so I can extract card or cash and operate the buttons on the EFT-POS machine if I need to, then leave.

[swbarnett]

So having pre-pay phones must be the same then..............and back to my question, how do you know he is a Hindu.

I guess that speed signs are an inference that you may speed?

Where does it end?
It's all about context. A pre-pay phone is a way for you to control your own spending. You can post-pay with the same company if you choose. At a pre-pay petrol station you don't have this choice, hence the assumption that you are a petrol theif until proven otherwise (something that is impossible when trust is removed).

And, yes, a speed sign infers that anyone even 1km/h over is exhibiting a callous disregard for safety (Somehting that is blatantly wrong but that's another argument with number of threads already dedicated to it).

[discotex]

It's all about context. A pre-pay phone is a way for you to control your own spending. You can post-pay with the same company if you choose.

Only if your credit rating is good enough.

Mobile pre-pay wasn't a feature to control your spending it was a way to prevent bad debt (i.e. theft).

[Toaster]

While I understand your frustration, there is a common theme here. All these stations are in lower socioeconomic areas full of thieving scum. Gas stations do not provide a community service. They are a business trying to make a buck in a very difficult market made even more difficult by a Government that not only hates business (much like yourself), but goes out of their way to make it difficult for them.

Don't like it? Go somewhere else.

Well said Finn. I'd buy you a beer for that one if I could.

[Sollyboy]

That is not correct. There is no legal requirement for any seller to give change. Legally, if you do not have the right money that is your problem. And if you have contracted (albeit against your will ) to buy $20 of petrol, then find that you cannot fit it all into your tank the seller is under no legal obligation to make any refund.

It is very common for pre-pay servos to refuse to refund any over payment or at least to argue hard about it. Usually suggesting that you should "buy something else" to "use up" the excess. I have pumped $3 odd of petrol into the windscreen wash water container on the forecourt when it was apparent I was not going to get the balance of my $20 pre pay back.




So spill the excess on the forcourt , or fill their rubish bin

[Grahameeboy]

It's all about context. A pre-pay phone is a way for you to control your own spending. You can post-pay with the same company if you choose. At a pre-pay petrol station you don't have this choice, hence the assumption that you are a petrol theif until proven otherwise (something that is impossible when trust is removed).

And, yes, a speed sign infers that anyone even 1km/h over is exhibiting a callous disregard for safety (Somehting that is blatantly wrong but that's another argument with number of threads already dedicated to it).

I was just being tongue in cheek, however, enough cars drive off without paying so I guess with motorbikes it is impossible to see a face or the rego so why shouldn't they be more cautious with bikers

[Wolf]

Finally had a chance to read through the whole thread.

When the petrol station at the Greenwood/Killarney roundabout first went to prepay I was pissed off as I tend - as has been pointed out by others - to fill the tank so I know how much distance I'm likely to get (approximately, as there is indeed great variance depending on whether I've been primarily riding in town or out on the open road).

I stopped going there for a while but one day I was on reserve and had no choice but go there. I started to head indoors to prepay but the attendant waved me back to the bike as he had already unlocked the pump. So I filled up, went inside (without removing my helmet - I refuse to) and paid the correct amount for the fuel I needed and thanked the bloke.

It's now gone back to being my regular refueling point and usually the only time I prepay anything is if I'm not sure I have enough money in my account to cover it - like around that time of the month when the bank rapes your account and puts you in overdraft to get their fees, despite you not having an overdraft facility (so they can then screw you for an "Unarranged Overdraft" fee at the end of the following month...)

As I generally refuel when my trip-meter reckons I might be getting close to going on reserve, I usually have enough fuel to make it to any other service station in town so I would have no qualms about saying "fuck your prepay policy, I'll fill my tank elsewhere" and riding away if I rolled into a fuel station where they refused to unlock the pump.

In the car it's not so much of a hassle as I generally only ever put dollar values in unless we're heading off for the weekend, when we do fill up before we leave. Actually chose to prepay today as we were in a hurry so I raced in, handed a $20 note to the very same guy who regularly unlocks the pump for my bike, said "20 dollars of 91 on 14" and left to fuel the car so we could get under way quickly.

If I'd been on the bike, though, I would have waited at the pump for him to unlock it and filled it up.

Best answer when you try to fill up, the pump is locked and the mealy-mouthed little jobsworth in the hutch says "you have to prepay" in a condescending voice: "No I fucking don't" - *hangs up the nozzle, starts bike and heads off for the competition up the road.*

Now that I have been informed that they are under no obligation to give change if you are forced by their silly policy to over-estimate the price in order to fill your tank, I will be even more vehement about telling those who insist on prepay to shove their so-called-service-station up their arse.

Already had a few cause to say "what do you mean you don't sell automotive light bulbs?" (or windscreen wipers and assorted other emergency automobile-related items) "What are you, a service station or a supermarket? I can buy bloody condoms here but not vehicle parts."

And back on the helmet issue, as some people have noted which petrol stations don't mind them not removing their helmets: fair enough, you remove your helmet when entering a bank - it is reassuring for the staff to be able to see the face of the customers as most of the times when a person enters a bank with face obscured it is a hold-up.

However, most of the times when a person enters a petrol station with face obscured, it is a customer wearing a motorcycle helmet who desires to pay for fuel and maybe impulse buy some of the shit they have on sale. That is the nature of petrol stations - bikers go there to fuel up.

If you can't cope with seeing helmeted figures entering the shop, you shouldn't be working in a service station.

I wear glasses, so taking off my helmet involves removing my glasses through the opening and then removing my helmet. I then have to put my helmet on again and carefully push my glasses back through the opening, locating my ears by feel. That's a lot of fucking around when all you want to do is put some petrol in your tank, hand the attendant some money, get some change and get back on the road.

I am mindful that some paranoid delusionals might think I mean them harm so I strive to convey, with body language and purpose of movement, that I am there on lawful business - go to fridge, get V bottles, progress to counter, fishing wallet from pocket - rather than appear to be loitering around looking for an opportunity to pull a weapon and make off with the contents of the register.

[Max Preload]

So I filled up, went inside (without removing my helmet - I refuse to)....

I wear glasses, so taking off my helmet involves removing my glasses through the opening and then removing my helmet. I then have to put my helmet on again and carefully push my glasses back through the opening, locating my ears by feel. That's a lot of fucking around when all you want to do is put some petrol in your tank, hand the attendant some money, get some change and get back on the road.

Me too - for similar reasons - sometimes sunglasses and always earplugs. :Offtopic: *ahem*

[Gubb]

And back on the helmet issue, as some people have noted which petrol stations don't mind them not removing their helmets: fair enough, you remove your helmet when entering a bank - it is reassuring for the staff to be able to see the face of the customers as most of the times when a person enters a bank with face obscured it is a hold-up.

However, most of the times when a person enters a petrol station with face obscured, it is a customer wearing a motorcycle helmet who desires to pay for fuel and maybe impulse buy some of the shit they have on sale. That is the nature of petrol stations - bikers go there to fuel up.

If you can't cope with seeing helmeted figures entering the shop, you shouldn't be working in a service station.

Bikers also use banks, and have the common courtesy to remove their helmets there. After having a gun stuck in my face on two separate occasions, one of whom was wearing a helmet, it still nerves me a little when people walk into the store with helmets on, hoddies up. Or have guns waving around.

[Tank]

Bikers also use banks, and have the common courtesy to remove their helmets there. After having a gun stuck in my face on two separate occasions, one of whom was wearing a helmet, it still nerves me a little when people walk into the store with helmets on, hoddies up. Or have guns waving around.

gee you're as bad as the service stations (using some posters logic in this thread). Someone comes in high on P wearing a helmet and darkened visor waiving a gun around and you ASSUME that hes there to rob you.

You bastard ! :msn-wink:

Im going to get III to make a thread suggesting that we all take our banking elsewhere.

[Ixion]

Bikers also use banks, and have the common courtesy to remove their helmets there. After having a gun stuck in my face on two separate occasions, one of whom was wearing a helmet, it still nerves me a little when people walk into the store with helmets on, hoddies up. Or have guns waving around.

Was he also wearing pants? If so, do you get nervous when people walk into the store wearing pants?

And, as the other gun-sticker was NOT wearing a helmet, how come you don't get nervous when people walk in not wearing helmets ?

However, it is courteous to uncover when addressing people, whether it be hat (backwards cap and beanie wearers please note !) or helmet.

[Tank]

Was he also wearing pants? If so, do you get nervous when people walk into the store wearing pants?

I get scared when they are wearing no pants and I can see their helmet.

[Max Preload]

Bikers also use banks, and have the common courtesy to remove their helmets there.

You don't go to banks anywhere near as frequently as you put petrol in your bike. And most of your business with a bank can be done without entering one - banks don't purposely inconvenience you by putting the ATM inside at the point furthest from the entry forcing you to walk past the chips & drinks you don't want, and if you did you'd get regardless (I know the subliminal crap works on the minions, but they need to sharpen up). Furthermore there's no in depth exchange of information needed at a petrol station like would be required for a personal visit to a bank. I haven't even stepped foot in a bank for god only knows how long - probably 2 years.

[Wolf]

<very intelligent points snipped> Furthermore there's no in depth exchange of information needed at a petrol station like would be required for a personal visit to a bank.
Quite correct. In fact, to tie this back into the original thread of prey-pay, if the servo does not require you to approach the counter and give over your order and pay in advance like some kind of fast-food outfit, the depth of information exchange in going to a petrol station is limited to them asking if you want the till receipt or a couple of common "autopilot" pleasantries of the "Howzit goin'?"-"Orright." variety that we all say and seldom pay attention to.

I enter a bank around three times a year, maximum. I enter a petrol station at least once a week. I enter the bank to have lengthy discourse on some matter of my account; I enter the petrol station to pay for petrol and possibly V and/or cgarettes and get on my way.

The whole "assume everyone is going to steal the petrol/rob your store/rape or mug you" crap - that has half the World by the short and curlies, paralysing people and prompting companies to introduce stupid policies (if only using the "risk" as a pretext to mask their own money-grubbing pseudo-psychological marketing plans) - has to stop.

The whole planet needs a good tall drink of HTFU with a dash of "fuckin' GROW some."

I've been burgled, beaten up by youths while having a wander along the river bank, followed by a group of unsavoury sorts down the main street of Frankton after dark, bloody-near deliberately run off the road by a Mongrel Mob member and a few other times have had reasonable cause to believe my life was at risk from some people. And I'm fucked if I'm letting any of that paralyse me with fear or cause me to assume that every group of teens is going to beat me up and treat them like shit because of paranoid stereotyping. Nor am I going to act like every member of the human race is my enemy and just looking for a chance to rob me or rip me off.

About time individuals and corporations removed head from arse, got some oxygen to the brain and found intelligent ways of dealing with the LOW PERCENTAGE of people who're thieving/violent cunts that do not affect the MAJORITY of law abiding citizens.

And they can begin by not treating every customer as if they're criminals.

Hubba Gubba, sorry you had to face a firearm a couple of times, but get over it. Not everyone on the planet is an armed offender. Like not every bunch of teen Maoris is going to beat the shit out of me and my mates when we're enjoying a relaxing walk by the river and not every motorist on the road will try to ram your bike into the curb. Not every motorist is going to fill the tank and fuck off without paying, either.

[jafar]

Now that I have been informed that they are under no obligation to give change if you are forced by their silly policy to over-estimate the price in order to fill your tank, I will be even more vehement about telling those who insist on prepay to shove their so-called-service-station up their arse.

They are obliged to give you change, to not give you change is theft:Police:. It's another reason to get you back into the shop to {hopefully} buy something else.

[xwhatsit]

G.A.S., that flaming orange petrol station at the arse-end of Coronation Rd in Mangere Bridge (the road you head down as if you were going to use the old bridge) is pre-pay, but seems to let bikers fill up. At least they always unlock it straight away for me. They've got bulbs and fuses and glue and fishing hooks; not a huge selection, but it is only a tiny wee shop.

As a plus, their 95 seems to agree unusually well with my humble motorcycle. They may/may not be more expensive than the larger chains, but even ten cents a litre matters little even to a perpetually broke student when you're only putting 7-8 litres in.

[pritch]

However, it is courteous to uncover when addressing people, whether it be hat (backwards cap and beanie wearers please note !) or helmet.

I freely admit that I may be lacking some of the social graces.

One should also remove a hat indoors, failing to do so is bad manners, and can be expensive. In the military, and consequently in many RSAs, failure to remove a hat means you may have to buy everyone present a drink.

I do note that this custom doesn't extend to my local cafe/bar but I don't wear a hat in there either. Just in case.

At gas stations I will keep the helmet on during the day, if they don't like it, there's plenty more gas stations. At night though I will remove the helmet to spare the (usually lone) staff any concern.

[Morcs]

Bikes should not have to use pump prepay.

Rock up at the pump, get off your bike, pick up nozzle and insert. Press button and look around until they active the pump.

If they dont activate it for after quite a while (I waited 4 minutes at the mobil on lincoln road last week) then simply go the a gas station that will. and most do.

So my list of fuckwit gas stations currently is:
MOBIL1 LINCOLN ROAD. (henderson)
SHELL RATA STREET (avondale) - these guys also wouldnt let me straddle my bike to keep it upright to get more gas in. I ended up throwing a traffic cone at their window...:2thumbsup

[Waylander]

I freely admit that I may be lacking some of the social graces.

One should also remove a hat indoors, failing to do so is bad manners, and can be expensive. In the military, and consequently in many RSAs, failure to remove a hat means you may have to buy everyone present a drink.

I do note that this custom doesn't extend to my local cafe/bar but I don't wear a hat in there either. Just in case.


You can have my hat when you pry it from my cold dead fingers.:nono:
And good luck getting me to pay for drinks, I'm broke 98% of the time.