Staying Competitive At The Pump
by Laura Monteverdi, Reporter
February 17, 2013 4:35 PM
Gas prices are on the rise, and for local gas stations, that means big competition.
“That’s the first thing people see, that's what drives them in here," said Ron Lamberty, owner of Lambo’s BP on 49th street in Sioux Falls.
For Lamberty, being competitive is just part of the job.
“We have this business where people just go out and our prices are on price signs so you decide who you are going to compete with and who you're not and you price accordingly,” explained Lamberty.
With big name competitors just down the road, Lamberty said it can be a tough market to thrive in.
“If they are priced lower we notice right away that our business drops off. If they go up and we don’t, we notice right away that we get a bump in our business,” said Lamberty.
Those who work behind the counter at Lambo's said it's more than just numbers on a sign that help keep their business afloat.
“People come to know us and they know that they can come here and we have smiles for them and we talk and I think they enjoy that and I think that's partially why there's success,” said Kareem Lamont Brown, manager of Lambo’s BP.
They also said by rewarding their customers with incentives for filling up, like punch cards, they are able to bring even more people in.
“We try and do those kinds of things that regular customers will utilize and be competitive on something,” said Lamberty.
Lamberty said that they keep tabs on the prices of gas stations within a mile radius to make sure they have the best rates in the area.
