ADNOC is now running self-service pumps at 15 petrol stations in Abu Dhabi. The petrol isn’t any cheaper, but users are given extra points on their ADNOC loyalty card to spend in store or, a nice touch, donate to the Red Crescent charity. The company says self-service reduces the cost of petrol, which presumably means they’ll be laying off pump attendants.
The idea has its merits – charitable giving, individual application, cutting waste – but there are real concerns over the application. Can anyone else picture the scene when a blacked-out Landcruiser pulls up at a self-service pump and leans on the horn until some pump attendant comes over? Or the queues that will form as novices struggle to figure out how to get the petrol cap off?
It smacks of gimmick, not a genuine attempt to get average drivers filling up their own tanks. If ADNOC was serious in wanting to reduce the cost of petrol it would go for a major price (and service) differential between the two options. Drop the price of self-service by, say, 5 per cent, and up the price of the ‘luxury’ service, complete with superior screen wash, by 10 per cent. An economy class/business class option for car drivers.
3 comments:
And have you looked at the 'loyalty' scheme - 10 points for every gallon of fuel, fair enough. But redemption is 1,000 points and gets you 10 dirhams worth of product or service!
Rule number one in promotion - don't rip off the customer!
EoD
Ah the concept of 'value for money' which would make more sense I believe.
Your second paragraph re the application of it made me laugh. I was a novice myself 4 years ago, somewhere in Firenze, lost around 20 to 30 euros by the time I figured it out. Not to mention the first five minutes I lost waiting for some pump attendant to show up.
I can't actually believe someone could be so dumb, and not have a clue how to use a petrol pump or even take off the cap. When it comes to something as easy as this, there is no such thing as a novice. Two words..laziness and classism.
Only in the UAE can you see such a young diverse culture where socioeconomic status, family lineage, and other class related divisions are so important to living. Get over yourselves, and fill up your car.
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