Originally posted by <mckinleypti>: Just wanted to say that our organization just signed on with Perkins to do the gas cards. They set up a deal with our first choice gas station, which was Speedway. The deal that we got for our cards is 4% off gas and store purchases (excluding alcohol and tobacco purchases.) Now in my area (Ohio) gas is roughly 2.50/gal, which would make our savings $0.10 per gallon. An average fill-up would be 8-10 gallons. In 10 fill-ups the card has paid for itself. Since the card is good for a year, most people would probably have the card paid for in the first 1-2 months. Add to this the fact they are getting a percentage off in the store, I think we will have no trouble selling these cards!!
Just wanted to say that our organization just signed on with Perkins to do the gas cards. They set up a deal with our first choice gas station, which was Speedway. The deal that we got for our cards is 4% off gas and store purchases (excluding alcohol and tobacco purchases.) Now in my area (Ohio) gas is roughly 2.50/gal, which would make our savings $0.10 per gallon. An average fill-up would be 8-10 gallons. In 10 fill-ups the card has paid for itself. Since the card is good for a year, most people would probably have the card paid for in the first 1-2 months. Add to this the fact they are getting a percentage off in the store, I think we will have no trouble selling these cards!!
We wanted to do this last spring in our small town. We have 4 gas stations and when contacted by the company, none of the stations were interested in participating. 2 stations are owned by 2 brothers who both have kids in our school. One's wife teachs and the other is our Special Ed secreatary. I contacted them first to discuss the program with them to see if they would be interested, but when contacted by the fundraising company, they wouldn't do it.
We must've all gotten that card, in the PTO TODAY packet.
I looked at that, was intrigued, and then did the math. IF it is a great 8 cents off per gallon, the purchser of the card would have to buy 125 gallons of gas at those one or 2 stations, in order for the card to even pay for itself. If they were 4 cents off a gallon, they would have to buy 250 gallons before the card would pay for itself.
Then, what if the only stations that agreed to do it were the 2 most expensive around?
I am guessing that it would be likely that a station that agreed to this kind of discount would also adjust their regular prices accordingly.
I would also guess that in order to get an adjustment, people would have to go inside to pay cash, and would not be able to use a credit card at the pump.. another huge disadvantage.
Lastly, Just on the price/profit subject. Last year, we were going to have a fundraising company " do all the leg work" for some merchant discount cards we wanted. They charge $5.00, and were were going to sell them for $10.00. We looked into it at a printer, and OUR cost was about 47 cents PER CARD, including art set up. We did the "leg work" ourselves ( Ie made a few phone calls and asked local merchants to get on the card FOR FREE)... and then sold the cards for $5.00, which was MUCH more appealing to our parents.
The name of that company is Perkins Distributing. I have visited their web site. I agree that is sounds interesting. I am considering presenting the idea of gas cards to our committee also. Please let me know if you find any positive or negative feedback on this idea or company. I would very much like to know. My e-mail is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thanks!
