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May 3, 2013 Here is what you will find in this edition:
JOIN NJGCA ON FACEBOOK -- CLICK HERE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE: GREETINGS & SAL-UTATIONS!
MORONS AND SCAMMERS HURTING THE INDUSTRY &
GIVING HONEST RETAILERS A BLACK EYE
BEWARE OF MVC COVERT VEHICLES
ALTERNATE ENERGY UPDATE AND MORE…
Well I have to say it—I am sick. Everything was going so well this week; I attended a great conference on Wednesday (I’ll tell you more about that as you read below) and I was all excited about the weekend vacation I’m taking with my wife up to Boston to continue my quest to visit every Presidential library in the US. No, it’s not my physical health that’s making me sick. I’m sick because of a few MORONS that own and operate a LUKOIL gas station in Orange who have been CAUGHT SCAMMING MOTORISTS.
On Wednesday News 12 New Jersey aired a piece detailing the scam that this station was pulling on its customers. I encourage you to immediately head over to the article and watch the video yourself by clicking here. Watching the actions of the attendant and the manager make it clear just how BLATANT and SLOPPY they were in their swindle.
Motorists were deceived into believing that they were buying regular gas at the cash price of $3.29 a gallon, which is the price that was posted on the street sign and the pump. Then the attendant put the regular nozzle in the customer’s car and pressed the credit price which was programmed to charge $4.09 per gallon. That’s an 80 cent difference!
Now, everyone makes mistakes, and it’s not inconceivable that the attendant accidently pressed the wrong button. But an accident would only happen once, and this occurred repeatedly. After a customer had the same thing happen multiple times, he contacted News12 NJ. Reporters showed up in covert vehicles and undercover cameras filmed their transactions along with the stumbling attendant who were unable to explain and realized that they had been caught.
It’s clear on camera that scamming was going on here and apparently for quite awhile.
When customers asked for a receipt for their cash purchase (something that rarely happens) the attendant went inside and printed a generic receipt displaying “auto accessory” alongside the amount of cash the customer had paid.
Listen, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, however, I am not an idiot and I can't imagine there is a valid explanation that will exonerate this SLIMY retailer.
I literally cannot express in words how upset this whole thing makes me. If the owner or manager or the attendant responsible for this were standing in front of me right now, I would PUNCH HIM SQUARE IN THE FACE! Both the authorities and the folks at LUKOIL North America are investigating this and I cannot encourage them strongly enough to throw every book they have at him, and the bookshelf too. Heck, drop a whole library right on his head, good riddance to him and his ilk.
What really upsets me about all this isn’t just the fact that the motorists were hurt, although I am upset about that. What really has me sick is the impression of all gas retailers that people will walk away with. Let’s face it, as it stands now gasoline retailers are never going to be compared with Santa Claus. Wanna bet more people start calling the Department of Consumer Affairs after they see this on the news! And how long before more news media pick up on it and begin other undercover operations - maybe in your location??
Just look at the last line of the article: “Tomorrow, Kane In Your Corner continues its investigation with information on how you can detect overcharging at the pump before it happens, and avoid being ‘gasjacked.’” I don’t know what the article is going to be about but now we have a new term to deal with: ‘gasjacked’. I know from the days when I had my station that there are many consumers out there who think that they have been cheated when in fact they haven’t. They talk about ‘hanging pumps’, or ‘not resetting meters’, now they’ll be talking about ‘gasjacking’. Some are even deliberate attempts by customers to get out of paying for their gas, but all are harmful to your business.
Too many consumers already think the guy at the gas station is going to screw them, and it burns me up. When prices skyrocket, it’s you who’s trying to keep the price low by cutting your margin to stay competitive. It’s the credit card companies who are laughing all the way to the bank as their profits increase without any effort on their part, yet no one gets mad at them.
I spend a lot of time and effort talking with the media to try and get the message out that gas retailers are small business owners, struggling to make it in the marketplace and aren’t out to hurt anyone; but instead are also the victims of the powers that be—be it big corporations, government regulation, or grandstanding public figures. And then in one fell swoop some DIMWITTED JERK comes along and hurts the entire industry. The death penalty is too good for these morons!
Ok…I have taken a deep breath and I have composed myself.
There are other things to talk about this week, now that my blood pressure has come down a few notches. There have been some issues regarding MVC covert vehicles that are being sent in to shops with PIF licenses. Vehicles are being used that have had the catalytic converter removed and also have been electronically altered in order to avoid having computer codes displayed showing that the converter was removed. Basically PIFs are being watched to see if they properly check for the catalytic converter, and then reject the vehicle for tampering.
This is basic procedure. If you see that a pipe has been installed you must note that you observed tampering on the appropriate screen of your inspection equipment when completing the questionnaire. Please be careful and thorough. Several members mistook a clearly noticeable pipe for what appeared to them as an aftermarket catalytic converter. Take pictures if necessary. Ask the customer if they had an aftermarket converter installed, but don’t take their word for it…ask for the appropriate receipt or repair order showing that an aftermarket converter was installed.
As I mentioned, several members are now faced with a proposed suspension and fines. Be on the lookout for covert vehicles!
I need more info about these covert vehicles from all of you. I need a clear understanding and pictures if necessary so that I can see for myself exactly what it is that some of you may be mistaking for an aftermarket converter. Contact Debbie Hill in my office if you need any assistance in this matter: debbie@njgca.org
As I mentioned earlier, this Wednesday NJGCA staffer Eric Blomgren and I attended the Alternative Transportation Fuels Workshop organized by the New Jersey Clean Energy Innovation Council to find out what the latest was in the realm of clean energy. It’s safe to say that there continues to be progress, especially in the realms of natural gas, propane, and even electric vehicles.
It’s truly amazing to think about the progress natural gas has made in such a short amount of time. As one of the presenters said, in 2008 natural gas was not seriously considered a viable alternative to gasoline or diesel because it was expensive and rare. Five years later the chief benefits of natural gas are that it’s so cheap and so plentiful in the US thanks to new innovations in drilling. There are currently 27 CNG (compressed natural gas) stations in NJ as well 100 electric vehicle terminals, all available for public use.
While there aren’t too many passenger vehicles operating on natural gas, fleets are switching over in a big way. 20% of all city buses in the US now use CNG and while only 11% of waste trucks are using natural gas, fully 50% of new waste trucks being sold are powered by natural gas. And most of the refilling stations for these fleets are open to the public if they should have a natural gas powered car. As more fleets switch over, the infrastructure is being laid, and it doesn’t include you! I have in the past, and encourage you again now, to look into partnering with nearby companies that have fleets, and then try to sell them natural gas. Once the ball gets rolling and people know you sell natural gas or propane, it will start to snowball and other fleets, delivery trucks, and eventually motorists will be confident they can get supplied at your location.
One of the best things about natural gas is not just the low price, but how stable it is. Right now the gasoline gallon equivalent for CNG is about $2.00. Maybe when gas is priced at $3.25 as it is now that is not as attractive, but these prices are not here to stay and once gasoline approached $3.75 or higher, then CNG looks extremely attractive.
Electric vehicles are starting to pick up in sales as well. 90,000 ALL electric cars have been sold in the US so far, which tracks about as well as the Prius did when it first was released. Now it’s one of Toyota’s most popular models. It is currently forecast that by 2020 there will be 70,000 electric cars in New Jersey alone.
Finally, last week I told you about A-354, a pro auto repairer bill that would legally require motorists keep ALL of their lamps and lighting devices operating on their vehicle. It was voted on Monday in the General Assembly and I’m happy to say it passed with an astounding vote of 76-0. It now awaits action in the state Senate.
Thanks for reading – See you next week! Regards, Sal Risalvato Executive Director
BUSINESS FOR SALE!
Business Opportunity:
•Location – 34 Rt. 206 South – Somerville, NJ
Serious Inquiries Please Contact Bill at 908-887-1385
Do you have a business for sale? Are you looking for a new location or opportunity? If you'd like to list your business for sale, publish a location you're selling, or are seeking a business partner for your establishment, please contact NJGCA at 973-376-0066!
CLASSIFIEDS: FOR SALE & HELP WANTED! After running an ad in the Road Warrior over the last month, NJGCA was able to assist a member in selling his equipment! If you'd like to list equipment for sale, or have an open position you'd like to make other industry professionals aware of, please contact NJGCA at 973-376-0066 and let us help you get the word out!
NEWS AROUND THE STATE: THE NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW
05/2/2013:
It may only be in fits and starts, but New Jersey seems to be slowly becoming more appreciative of the benefits of alternative transportation fuels. Chuck Feinberg, chairman of the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition, said he believes the private sector will step in to build the necessary infrastructure, primarily because converting heavy-duty vehicles from diesel to natural gas makes so much sense. “It’s going to happen anyway,’’ he said, without referring to incentives. Natural gas will not be the only alternative fuel that will have a place in the new transportation sector, according to others who spoke at the conference. Other fuels, such as propane, electricity, biofuels, and others will all play a role in transforming the transportation sector, they said.
05/1/2013: Motorists Pay Lowest Springtime Gas Prices in Three Years Gasoline prices nationally averaged $3.55 per gallon in April, which was the least expensive average for the month since 2010. Gasoline prices dropped about 13 cents per gallon in April (3.5%), which was the largest percentage decline for the month in 10 years. In comparison, gasoline prices in 2012 averaged $3.89 for the month, while the average price in April 2011 was $3.79 per gallon. "Gas prices in much of the country have declined this spring because of lower oil costs, ample refinery production and continued weak demand," said Avery Ash, AAA spokesperson. "Gas prices have fallen faster and earlier than ever before for this time of year, and it is saving motorists millions of dollars per day in lower fuel costs." 04/30/2013:
The Senate majority whip’s ability to push an online sales tax bill onto the congressional agenda showed once again that he has a knack for delivering on the retail industry’s top priorities by bypassing powerful committee chairmen and besting well-connected opponents like the banking lobby. Durbin first scored a major victory for retailers during the debate over the legislation that would become the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law, when he successfully added a provision — now known as the Durbin amendment — to cap the amount banks could charge retailers each time a customer uses their debit card. The interchange measure he backed in 2010 applies only to debit card transactions, and French said he expects Durbin to soon press for an expansion of the limits to include credit cards. Durbin was noncommittal when asked about the prospect of addressing credit card swipe fees.
04/26/2013:
An Atlantic County state senator want to tax electric cars by the mile to pay for road maintenance. There’s a catch. Under the proposed rate, electric car owners would pay more than if they were being charged the state’s current 10.5 cents-per-gallon tax on gasoline and 13.5 cents-per-gallon tax on diesel fuels. In the bill, S-2531 proposed by Sen. James Whelan, D-Atlantic, electric and alternative-fueled vehicles would be charged a fee of 0.00839 cents per mile traveled. The bill would apply to plug-in electrics, not hybrids. Watch the video above to learn more about the proposed bill.
TRAINING CLASSES!! NEW JERSEY EMISSION INSPECTOR TRAINING
PLEASE NOTE: FUTURE DATES WILL BE ADDED UPON REQUEST AND ACCORDING TO DEMAND. CONTACT DEBBIE at 973-376-0066 or debbie@njgca.org TO LET HER KNOW YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING A SPECIFIC CLASS. THIS WILL ALLOW US TO GAUGE YOUR NEEDS AND KEEP TRACK OF THOSE WISHING TO PARTICIPATE!!
MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER MESSAGE
TMP Energy Solutions We have had a number of NJGCA members successfully reduce their rate per kWh signing up through our energy saving program. We know it’s difficult to collect 12 months worth of previous electric bills to get an “accurate” analysis when comparing a variable rate to a fixed rate, but we now have another option available. This new solution is a power purchase option; the other program is still in full force and has saved members thousands of dollars. If you sign up for the power purchase option, you will be grouped with other NJGCA members until the minimum KW demand is acquired. By pooling the member’s usage together, you will be able to take advantage, as large energy users do, and receive a lower kWh rate. Each member will receive their own contract. Each member is responsible to sign and return the agreement the day it is received in order to secure the price for their group. Please do your due diligence, so when you receive the proposal and the agreement you will be able to make an intelligent decision. If by chance, you still want us to assess you bills, to give you a price to compare, we will require12 months of your most recent utility bills. There are no bills required, but we would still like to have one bill per meter on file to check account #’s, meter #’s service addresses and other pertinent information incase there is a problem. The term of the agreement is for 12 months. During this term period, you will have price protection against any energy price increases along with a low fixed kWh rate. If you are interested in becoming part of this power purchase option, please contact Greg Cannon at the NJGCA. Remember when you sign up your energy through the NJGCA Energy Program, TMP makes a considerable donation to the NJGCA Scholarship Fund through their proceeds. This has no affect on your rate, and costs you nothing out of pocket. We hope to help hundreds of NJGCA members reduce their utility costs by participating in this and our other cost reduction programs. Our purpose, in the endeavor, is to help NJGCA members lower their energy costs while supporting the NJGCA Scholarship Fund. Contact GREG CANNON at 973-376-0066 or email Greg at greg@njgca.org. Mention that you are interested in saving money on your energy bills. NJGCA & TMP Energy Solutions will handle all the rest.
POLITICAL PARTICIPATON: THE NJGCA PAC
Promoting our agenda in Trenton is of utmost importance to NJGCA and our members.
To truly understand the importance of supporting our allies, consider our successes in Trenton:
We defeated BELOW COST SELLING
We made history in getting FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL signed into law! We have built large support for RIGHT TO REPAIR and got it passed out of the Assembly We defended your small business against the false accusations of Attorney General Anne Milgram We gained wide support to move New Jersey to an all PIF Inspection System and close the CIF lanes ...and MUCH MORE!! In each instance, we achieved these goals with the help of our friends in the Legislature! If every member contributes just $100.00 we will be able to provide the help necessary to ensure victory for our allies.
PLEASE SEND YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO: I understand that times are tough for all NJGCA members, but this is just as important as any battle we have fought in the past. We have made great progress in Trenton. I hope that you will answer the call.
THE MEMBER TOOL BOX
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