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Credit Fee A Matter Of Trying To Stay Afloat

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

In response to the letter "Credit Card Up Charge," I am a bit disappointed that there were no facts stated, only accusations, and that Mr. Thompson did not do his research before he decided to write his "letter of complaint" to the editor of this newspaper.

With respect, Mr. Thompson, I would like to guide you towards some factual information that you can find at your fingertips via the Internet (CNN.com/living or just type in "cash vs. credit at the pumps" on your Web browser) and you will find that we are in fact not the only gas station that gives the cash or credit price difference. And that this small gas station that you insist is "bilking" you, is trying to stay afloat in this terrible economy.

Let's say you fill up your 15-gallon tank at $4 a gallon. As you swipe your trusty plastic, you (the consumer) are already paying a higher price per gallon. But let's leave that to be your decision. From our standpoint, for example, our privately owned (not corporate) gas station/convenience store is being charged (by your credit provider) up to 95 cents for that transaction alone. With all of that said, (in addition to having to pay your credit provider) the oil companies only allow "gas stations" to make a few cents per gallon of gas sold, which means that sometimes we sell gas "at" or "below" cost to get the consumers to buy in-store, which is where the majority of our profits come from. And with paying your credit provider, we pay out, at times, more than what we bring in. With being in this market for quite some time, Mr. Thompson, I can assure you that we are not the only gas station in this area, county or state that is resorting to the cash or credit price difference.

As the manager of this store and a consumer, I try to provide good customer service and try my best to give honest and accurate information to my customers, because wherever I spend my hard earned money, I would expect the same. Sometimes it's hard to explain every detail in full because everyone is just mad about the economy. I am there too. That's what makes America so great, you can choose where you want to spend your money and to speak up if you're angry. Believe me when I say that I pay the same as you when buying gas or anything else. I am glad that my owner made this decision and, if it helps to keep this store afloat - which includes mine and my co-worker's jobs, I stand behind him 100 percent.

Definitely not "bling-blinging" it.

Michelle Curlett

manager

Springhill Mobil

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