I can offer you 9 new car brands
& over 350 pre-owned vehicles!
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Service Station or Gas Station?
What would you call the business in this picture? Is it a Service Station or a Gas Station? What's the difference?
For those of us old enough to remember, the three men pictured here are Service Station Attendants.
For the record, NO I'm not old enough to have done business with these guys! But I can remember as a child going to a neighborhood Service Station with my parents in the early to mid 60's, watching someone pump the gas for them, wash our windows, check our oil, check our tire pressure, collect payment and return with change. All of this and we never left our car.
Because this was our neighborhood Service Station, the attendant knew my parents name and addressed them as Mr & Mrs Immel. I don't remember them wearing ties and hats however.
Having someone take care of the customer in this way is what made it a 'Service' Station. Many offered additional services, everything from oil changes and car washes to engine rebuilding. More than likely the guy working in the service bay also owned the business and he was the driving force behind the 'Service' at the station.
In my mind, we have become so accustomed to self service, "got to have it now" retail outlets that we forget what it's like to receive really good customer service. I also think that because of this 'self serve' business model, many of us are becoming uncomfortable dealing with store employees, we raise our defenses and close up our body language. I see people everyday with their arms folded and legs crossed, all closed up. Thankfully, once we have spent sometime together, I get to see them 'unfold', begin to smile and even enjoy a laugh or two with them!
What defines the "best value" to you? Product features & benefits, customer service or is it all about price?
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