Gas station franchises are all the rage these days. With the price of gas continuing to rise, owning a gas station is becoming more and more profitable. But how do you go about opening a gas station franchise?
In this article, we will take a look at what you need to do to open a gas station franchise. We will cover the initial investment, the franchising process, and what you need to do in order to be successful.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to open a gas station franchise!
What Is A Gas Station Franchise?
A gas station franchise is a business that is owned and operated by a franchisor. The franchisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the gas station, as well as the marketing and branding.
The franchisee, on the other hand, is responsible for the initial investment and ongoing lease payments. In return for these payments, the franchisee is granted the right to use the franchisor’s logo, name, and access to its branding materials.
Gas station franchises are typically part of a larger chain of gas stations, such as Shell or BP. These franchises offer a turnkey business model that is easy to operate and comes with all the necessary equipment and signage.
As a considerably more secure investment than purchasing an automobile-based business outright, a gas station franchise is an attractive option for many entrepreneurs.
Franchisees can take advantage of the opportunity to sell food and fuel under the same roof. Additional services like auto repairs and car washes are also an option.
The relatively low cost of labor and the ease of training new employees make gas station franchises an attractive option.
Also Read: Why Do Most SEOs Fail To Produce Results?
What Is the Initial Investment For A Gas Station Franchise?
There is a significant cost barrier to entry for gas station franchises.
For a smaller gas station, the initial investment can range anywhere from $250,000 to $2 million.
Most of this investment will contribute towards the purchase or lease of the property, as well as the construction and outfitting of the gas station.
Additionally, there will be recurring charges such as franchise fees, insurance premiums, license fees, inventory costs, and royalty payments, all of which would require at least an extra $300,000 to cover.
How To Open A Gas Station Franchise — The Franchising Process
Now that you know what is needed to open a gas station franchise, let’s take a look at the franchising process.
1. Make A Business Plan
One of the first steps in opening any franchise is creating a business plan.
Creating a business strategy will greatly influence the success of your gas station. You must consider a range of expenses as a franchise owner to set yourself up for success.
These costs include the price of the franchise, the property lease, renovations, equipment, signage, and more.
With the help of a business plan, you can create a roadmap, arrange your finances, and make sure you have everything required to run a successful business.
Consider the services you wish to provide at the gas station before creating your strategy. In addition to selling fuel, many gas stations also sell food and other convenience items.
2. Find A Franchise
The next step is to find a gas station franchise that is the right fit for you. There are many different gas station chains to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Here are our recommended 5 Best Gas Station Franchise
Do your research on the different gas station franchises available and make a list of the pros and cons of each.
Consider the initial investment required, the potential return on investment, the location of the franchise, and the services offered.
3. Register The Franchise
Once you have found the perfect gas station franchise, the next step is to register the franchise with the state in which it will be located.
This process can vary from state to state but usually involves submitting a “Franchise Disclosure Document” as well as any other required paperwork. Once registered, you can start the process of opening your gas station.
4. Find A Location
When considering how to start a gas station franchise, the location of your gas station is one of the most crucial factors because it will determine the amount of foot traffic that you see.
Refer to your market analysis and business plan to help you choose the best location for your gas station. The ideal location would be in a high-traffic area with good visibility and easy access.
Will you select a place in which your most formidable rival is located directly across the street from you? Or are you going to select a remote area along a heavily used highway and focus your business on serving truckers and families on vacation?
5. Purchase Or Lease The Property
Once you have found the ideal location to open your gas station, purchasing or leasing the property is next.
If you are purchasing the property, you must arrange to finance and complete all the necessary paperwork.
If you are leasing, you will need to negotiate a lease with the landlord and put down a security deposit.
6. Obtain Necessary Licenses And Permits
Of course, before you can open your doors to the public, you will need to obtain all of the necessary licenses and permits.
The type of license and permits required will vary depending on the state where your gas station is located and the services you plan to offer.
Some of the most common licenses and permits required for gas stations include a business license, a fuel license, and a hazardous waste disposal permit.
7. Create A Marketing Plan
Now that you have obtained all the necessary licenses and permits, it’s time to start marketing your gas station to the public.
Creating a marketing plan will help you determine the best way to reach your target market and get them to visit your gas station.
Some marketing ideas for gas stations include running promotional campaigns, offering loyalty programs, and partnering with local businesses
Use the help of DrFranchises Digital Marketing agency to create a hand-tailored marketing program that drives revenue.
8. Hire Employees
Now that your gas station is almost ready to open, it’s time to hire employees.
The type of employees you will need will depend on the services you offer at your gas station.
Some common positions include cashiers, stockers, janitors, and mechanics. Post job descriptions and conduct interviews to find the best candidates for each position.
9. Purchase Inventory And Equipment
The next step in opening a gas station franchise is purchasing all the necessary inventory and equipment.
This includes items such as gas pumps, air pumps, vending machines, and signage. Be sure to shop for the best prices on all the products and equipment you need.
10. Open Your Doors To The Public
Finally, after all of the preparation and planning, you are ready to open your gas station to the public.
Be sure to inform your target market about your grand opening date through your marketing efforts. After your gas station is up and running, monitor it closely to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Things You Need To Know Before Opening A Gas Station Franchise
As you open a gas station franchise, several factors may impact your bottom line. Here are key things you need to remember:
- Demographics
Who travels past your location? If your potential customers are more affluent, they may not stop as frequently or spend as much. Conversely, if most traffic is made up of budget-conscious commuters, you may want to adjust your price point accordingly.
Study the local census statistics to get a sense of commuters’ average age and household income.
- Crime Rates
Check the safety of your neighborhood before committing to a location. Inspect police records, speak with locals, and ask about the area’s crime rates.
Gas stations are known to be robbery targets, so if you open in a crime-prone neighborhood, you might have to spend extra money on security cameras or lighting to dissuade criminal activity.
- Vehicles
You are serving the car at the gas station rather than the person who drove it there. Consider the kind of vehicles most likely to stop by your gas station and adjust your offerings accordingly.
Do you expect a large number of truckers who may need extra-wide entrances? Do you expect to see a lot of diesel-powered vehicles? If so, you might want to adjust your gas prices or add a diesel pump.
Wrapping Up
Opening a gas station franchise can be a great way to get involved in the automotive industry.
Be sure to have a solid marketing and business plan in place. With the right preparation, you can be on your way to success.
Amit Gupta is the founder of DrFranchises – a digital marketing agency that helps brands rank better on Google Maps through local SEO strategies. Amit has over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, SEO, email marketing, and social media marketing. He’s also the owner of multiple franchises and has helped countless brands achieve success online. When he’s not working, Amit can be found playing with his dog.