How to Open a Gasoline Station in Your Area

In urbanized areas, it is a relief to come across a gas station for a fill, and failing to find one can get you stuck at the gridlock. Gasoline stations are a necessity in many cities, and without them, public transportation would be crippled and delivery vehicles, police cars, ambulances and other service vehicles cannot render service to the public. Many stations today both sell conventional (diesel, gasoline) and Eco-friendly (biodiesel, ethanol) fuels.

It requires extensive knowledge and adequate capital to establish a gas station business. If you are interested to open a gas station, here are some steps to help you out.

1. Device a proper business plan with a certified public accountant to get a professional opinion about your proposed business. You should get an estimate on how much you are going to earn and spend on your project.
2. Find the people to invest in your gas station business. You need capital to finance your venture. Approach bank personnel and local investors and talk them about your new business. If there are people who are willing to collaborate, then make them as partners. If you cannot find any investors or partners to fund your endeavor, maybe you should borrow capital from the banks.
3. Locate a proper site for the gas station. An ideal place would be an area with heavy traffic, but it should be 100 meters away from residential properties and health centers. Contact real estate agents for sale listings or browse the papers for any resale of gas stations. (Make sure to know why the owners are selling it.) Make it a point to survey the property and consider its worth before you finalize a purchase.
4. Make sure to obtain the necessary business licenses and environmental permits from local or state authorities. We are talking about a legal business here, and you should have all the requirements to operate your business or else face legal charges.
5. Contact representatives of the oil company whose products you want to sell at your establishment. Get a list of their oil products and other services that they offer. Discuss with them about the operation of your new gasoline station and ask how you can sell their merchandise. Make sure to meet their requirements and applications for selling their products and services.
6. When it comes to contracts, make sure you know the terms and conditions or have the contract reviewed by an independent lawyer.
7. Contact suppliers for the materials you need to build your gas station. You will need to get a list of required materials and equipment from the oil company. Among the materials you need are pipes, underground storage tanks, nozzles, gas and oil containers, hoses, vacuum and air machines, measuring/calibration containers and other accessories.
8. Hire the appropriate people to construct your gas station.
9. Include additional facilities at your gas station like a convenience store, newspaper and magazine stand, restrooms, coffee shop or snack corner, car wash, vulcanizing shop and pay-at-pump services. These facilities can help attract motorists to your establishment. If you want to sell cigarettes, tobacco and liquor, you will need to apply for permits.
10. How are you going to manage your gas station? You should formulate a business plan for the management of your business. How are you going to manage your employees, monitor cash flow and expenses, respond to theft and robbery or determine availability of fuel? Such procedures and responses should be set forth.
11. Think of ways to market your gas station business. Decorate the place with colorful banners and put up signs a few distances away from your location. Distribute flyers and put up ads on newspapers announcing the opening of your gas station.

As your gas station opens for business, you should check on the safety of the operation and on the well-being of your employees. As a business-owner, you have an environmental responsibility. Because gasoline stations are at possible risk of site contamination and pollution from leaking underground tank removal, you should have these tanks inspected regularly. With all the safety procedures in place, you can enjoy your business.