Back Fire: An air of certainty
There were mixed reactions to our lead story entitled An Air of Certainty which was published in last week’s Auto.
The story highlighted the fact that gas station operators were now investing in pay-for-air pump.
According to Trevor Heaven, former president of the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA), five were purchased, one of which was installed at his service station in Mandeville, Manchester.
Here is some of the feedback.
No Problem
I usually top up my tyres at the tyre shop. I tip the guy anyway so no problem here.
— Smacker
Free Air
God gave us air free.
— Andy B
It wasn’t always about money
The nostalgic days are way behind us when you could get free air while having a chat with the gas station attendant or the mechanic who works at the gas station. You could give him a tip if you so desire, because it wasn’t always about money, it was about human relationship.
In many respects, these experiences of the past add to the quality of life. Nowadays, the broken air pumps at many gas stations as reported in this article is a reflection of how greedy society has become. These gas stations are making millions but they lack the decency to provide free air.
— Norm Edmonson
Get Use to It
What about the cost to run these pumps? Who should cover these costs? Businesses are in business to make a profit. It’s called capitalism, this is precisely the mentality that got us where we are in Jamaica today. We must all pay for the services we use. Simple idea, get use to it!
— Karl Henry
Enterprising Opportunity
I guess this is good and people should pay for service. But the flip side is that some enterprising business owners — and it doesn’t have to be gas stations — could set up free air pumps.
Where I live in the States, there is a regional convenience store chain that is in about three states. They offer free air at their gas stations. I often go to one of their locations for air and many times I get gas and other merchandise while there.
They figure if they give free air then more people would stop by to buy other stuff. This is what is called a loss leader in business — offer free or cheap goods that don’t cover their own cost of operation just to get more higher margin sales.
This chain also offers free ATMs where you are not charged any fees if you your bank is different from the one that owns the ATM. They partnered with a major bank and may have stipulated this.
So put in these air pumps if you want. But I hope other companies do the opposite and put in free air pumps. This is what competition is all about.
— Richie L
Portable Pump
Invest in a portable air pump, keep it in your car at all times. Low tyre, hook it up to your charger…
— Done Talking