Posting of Gasoline Prices

[Larry]

Why today do gasoline retailers post gasoline prices so boldly on large signs at their filling stations? Where else do we see retail prices for consumer goods so boldly displayed outside? Do people buy gas when they run low or really shop for price? Drivers eventually learn what gasoline retailer in their "daily travels" is low priced and who is gouging. On a road trip, we just stop and buy gasoline when needed perhaps selecting a brand if there is a convenient choice. And, is it time for the 9/10ths of a cent to go away in the pump price?

[mchastek]

Actually, I find it very helpful that gas stations post prices. In fact, I would bet it's the law. Imagine how difficult it would be if you had to pull into a gas station and park your car before finding out how much gas was going to cost you? The stations would be playing all kinds of games!

For me personally, I'd say I half shop for price, and half for convenience. For example, if I am getting low, I'll stop at a station along the way that I know has decent prices. Some people will go miles out of their way to save a few cents a gallon - to me that makes no sense. However, if there are two stations a block away from each other, and one is 5-10 cents cheaper (for the same quality of gas), I'll certainly choose the cheaper station.

I do agree with you on the 9/10ths of a cent thing. However, it's no different than stores selling items for $xxx.99. Is $9.99 really that much more appealing than $10.00? Some think so.

Out of curiousity - how do you "shop for gas"? What's your routine?

[Larry]

It actually may be state law to post gasoline prices on big signs. Can anyone help on this?
We regularly gas-up our three household vehicles at a local drivethru car wash that also sells quality gas. This choice is based on the car wash being very good and reasonably priced, and sell an annual "club discount card" that pays off in the long run--we do a weekly car wash on each car, and also has very competitive (low) gas prices.
I have four different gas company charge cards which I use because they help me track gas expenses. They get paid off in full every month. When I am in dire need of fuel I will look for one of these brand stations to buy gas. If I consider the price being charged to be too high, I may decide to not fill up but just put in 5 gallons of gas to carry me to my weekly car wash/fill-up.
On a road trip I fill up when I need fuel no matter what the price.