Group Protests Giant Eagle Gas Discount Program

ThePittsburghChannel.com ^ | 03/14/05 | ThePittsburghChannel.com

[infidel29]

I'm not sure of their feelings about posting their stuff, so the synopsis is this. A local grocery store also owns gas stations. The give grocery customers a discount at the gas pump based on how much they spend at the grocery store. Gas station owners are bent out of shape and are demanding their day with PA. Attorney General. Check the story at....

[infidel29]

What's the difference if they give a discount on gas or toy trucks or a free slurpee with a fill up? Gas stations give out free merchandise for gas purchases, G.E. is giving out gas in return for purchasing merchandise. Let the station owners complain or sue if they want to, I'll only buy my gas at GetGo stations from now on, discount or not.

[freeangel]

Krogers, SAMS and Walmart all give customer discounts in the Atlanta area. I see no problem with rewarding customers.

[infidel29]

The other station owners are complaining that some customers are getting gas at below cost prices. That's illegal in PA. (to sell gas below cost) But if the grocery customers save up their "fuel points" they can get as big of a discount as they want, sometimes up to over $1.00 off the posted price. The catch is, the points don't build up and last forever, there is a time limit on how long they can be held and built up.

I still say "so what?"

[fuquadukie]

When some of these independent service stations start using Pay-at-the-Pump, offer decent prices (gas and snacks), have clean restrooms and are smoke-free, then maybe they would have enough business and not have their panties in such a wad. (Have you ever smelled napkins, styrofoam or other items you get when you visit some of these places? Gag me.)

Since I'm not the primary shopper in the house (the Mrs. is), I rarely get such a benefit and don't even get my gas at Giant Eagle - they're always very crowded... people waiting! I usually go to an independent where I know the owners. I did save $0.60 per gallon once at Giant Eagle.

I see absolutely nothing with this policy by Giant Eagle.

[IllumiNaughtyByNature]

Isn't this like the reduced gas price if you get a car wash, etc? WTF?

[infidel29]

When some of these independent service stations start using Pay-at-the-Pump

I agree with that! I don't go to a 'pay inside' store unless I need something inside. Even then I usually pay outside then go inside.

[infidel29]

The problem is the selling below cost for gas. The stores don't post prices below cost, and only those with enough points saved get such a reduced price anyways. I don't get the big deal either, but they still want to sue.

[Dog Gone]

I demand the right to charge you as much as I can and have the power of the state to discipline anyone who undersells me!

[AndrewC]

What's the difference if they give a discount on gas or toy trucks or a free slurpee with a fill up?

I don't like high prices, but free enterprise means just that. What do these bozos want, Soviet style economies?

[IllumiNaughtyByNature]

Maybe my business classes didn't stick with me, but I would guess that the revenue generated in the original sale (car wash, grocery's, etc) offsets the gas discount. As long as that's all they're doing no problem. right?

[facedown]

What do these bozos want, Soviet style economies?

Yes.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

My local Kwik Trip gives me a Gift Certificate each month or so based upon my charge amounts at their pumps. It's usually around $14, which is now a 1/2 tank of gas, but I usually use it to buy seven gallons of milk.

Milk freezes just fine, and I have the freezer space, plus three teen boys suckin' it down like there's no tomorrow! Besides, then I'm not burning up the gas, running into town for milk, right? Yes, I do live in a Perfect Little World of my own design. ;)

These people that are trying to sue are full of it. I'd call it "Creative Marketing" by the gas stations.

[toothfairy86]

Giant Eagle gives you $.10 off per gallon up to 20 gallons for every $50 you spend at the grocery store. Big deal! That'll save you a whole 2 bucks a tank. Sure you get a bigger discount if you spend more,but I don't see why there should be a law to prohibit this promotion.

[MadelineZapeezda]

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[Jaysun]

Hugh Campbell, of the Petroleum Retailers and Auto Repair Association, said many independent gas stations have seen "a very significant drop in business -- in some places, 50 percent in gasoline volume."

Campbell said he knows of two gas stations that were forced to shut down because they could not compete.

"Giant Eagle" is competing and it's hurting some of the competitors. So what? That's the way it's supposed to work.

[xsmommy]

so i don't get it, sounds like Jint Iggle is doing a good thing here.

[fuquadukie]

Isn't this like the reduced gas price if you get a car wash, etc?

More often than not, it's a reduced car wash price if you buy a certain amount of gas. Same result.

[IllumiNaughtyByNature]

Here in OC, CA there is a car wash that has two price boards. One is for drive in gas and the other is for "With Car Wash" so there seems to be a play on the idea, but the result is the same. The price of the car wash is higher than the one down the street. Advertising baby! It's all about advertising! LOL

[Nowhere Man]

I saved $0.70 per gallon, was cool filling up the Explorer for $14.38. B-)