[BJClinton]

Making the rest of the people who use cash pay early wouldn't be that much of a problem for the station.

Actually it can really hurt profits. Somebody paying up front will use a single bill ($20 or $10) and get that exact amount of gas. If you pump first you're more likely to fil 'er up. That's the primary reason most gas stations aren't pay first.

[spacewarp]

I was driving through South Carolina a few weeks ago. I went to get some gas and stopped at a place that had a resturaunt. I decided I'd fill up and then go in and get some lunch. I looked at the pump, and nowhere on there did it say anything about prepay. I put the nozzle in, flipped the switch and waited. Nothing. I pressed the help button, and the attendant clicked it off.

I pressed it again a few more times and in frustration, went in and asked if it was prepay only. She said "Yes, of course it is." I said "Then you should have it listed on your pumps." She said it was. Apparently, someone had come in and ripped the signs off the pumps. Don't know why. I pumped my gas, went back in, told her that due to the fact that she didn't bother to actually answer the page, that she lost any further business. It was less the pre-pay, as the rude behavior.

She was stunned. I then left the store, and got on the road.

Paul