Today I'm keeping it short and sweet even though what I'm talking about might sound like "hot air".
When's the last time you put air in your car tires? I'm a capitalist by all means. I have to be to survive as a small business owner. So, I totally appreciate great business ideas and opportunities to make a living. But I'm still baffled by the concept of paying for AIR. To fill your tires with air will cost at minimum $1.00 (in quarters) from one of those machines at the gas station. And it costs $2.00 for air to vacuum your car. I can understand the vacuum costs. Someone has to clean out that machine, so technically the operating costs to do so justify the expense. But blowing of air shouldn't cost so much and maybe that's why it's cheaper to get blown air than sucked air. Okay, I'm being a bit facetious. I clearly understand that the machine itself cost money for the gas station to purchase, thus shoving all those quarters into the machine helps cover the machine's overall operating costs. But maybe gas stations should thinking about giving away free blowing and sucking air as an amenity to their customers. Let's face it, we spent more than a dollar to put air in the tires because then I went into the gas station, bought a cup of coffee, a pack of gum and some candy. So technically that air cost $5.00. Maybe I would have spent more money if the air was free. Ya think? Next thing you know we'll be getting charged for friendly service with a smile. :-)
What have you paid for lately that you think should be free?
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Isn't it $5.00 for an argument? The last time I checked this morning the air was .50 cents. So you have a point I"m going to buy my candy and a coke at the .50 cent place ....Yes and I'd go faster to the place if it were free I'd buy their gas too!
ReplyDeleteI totally relate to this. Quick story...
ReplyDeleteLeaving an improv class/meeting to plan an iconic anniversary party, I had noticed that my rear passengar tire seemed low. (Now, take note that it was a nasty rainy day. I hate stopping for air/gas in the rain. It looked like the rain was going to stop soon, so I decided to wait till after class/meeting to get air and fill up) Luckily there was a true southern gentleman that offered to check the air in my tire for me at the parking lot...it didn't even register on the tire guage-Flat! So out of concern, he offered to follow me to the nearest gas station to make sure I made it safe. Well, on the way down Hwy 17, my car stalls out becuase not only did I have a flat tire, I ran out of gas as well! Slapped on the emergency flashers and quickly as possible coasted my way across all 8 lanes to pull into a closed gas station. Now, the gentleman with all his charm, bravely did the same. Gratefully, he was a good friend, so as embarrassed as I should have been, I explained how the stopping in the rain was not an option earlier. He laughed and drove me to a nearby gas station (one that was actually open) Well after paying $12 for a one gallon gas tank and $3 for one gallon of gas, which had to be reset twice because we couldn't figure out the safety latches on the stupid tank (essentially tying up $9 on my debit card for 5-7 business days), I finally had enough gas in my car to make it to another open station for a fill up and air. Then paying $2.50 atm charge to get change for the air, I paid $1.00 just to put air in the tire. Lesson learned...don't wait for the rain to stop to pay for air! (Luckily for me, the charming southern gent and I have a fun story to share)
Great... just great. Is it not bad enough that I cruise down the asphalt rivers of this grand country like a riverboat gambler looking for the lowest possible gas price? Often I will go several miles out of my way for that illusive penny to shove in my massive 14.5 gallon tank. Giggling to myself like the mad hatter because that 14.5 cents that I just saved makes me feel like a Wall Street Baron. But now, I have to find a place that saves me money on gas and blown air? (any of you that have seen the inside of my truck know that sucked air does not enter into the equation)Its just not far I tell you... no sir, not far at all.
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