Look at what the surrounding gas stations offer so that you give customers something different. If the other gas stations shut down at night, then consider operating for three shifts so that customers have somewhere to get gas when they're traveling at night or early in the morning. If there isn't a car wash in the area, then consider building a car wash on your property for customers to use. When you offer more than just gas and a few drinks and snacks, then your gas station will be successful.
Find out if you need any special permits to operate the gas station. If you plan to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products or alcohol, then you will need to secure the proper permits to sell these items. You will likely be required to have an insurance policy for your employees as well as your customers in the event of an accident that occurs.
Consider whether you want to open your gas station as a part of a franchise or if you want to open something that's completely different. A franchise can offer you the support that you need as well as the instructions that are needed to operate your business.
However, if you open your own gas station with your unique ideas, then you can change the things that you want, such as the colors of the business, as well as the promotions that you offer that will get more customers to your business.
