/// Guest post by contributor Jon Scharingson, Renewable Energy Group
Fuel is the major component of your business, but when considering ways to improve sales, it is imperative to look at other areas of your operation too.
There are many areas that companies can evaluate in order to streamline their business, control costs and, ultimately, increase profits.
- On-site energy conservation to lower utility bills
- Review and negotiate supply contracts
- Better manage employees and health benefits
- Maintaining all regulatory compliance
- Keeping equipment updated with latest technology
- Staying knowledgeable of state and federal fuel taxes
- Joining an industry organization to keep up on trends
Fuel is a major driver of your overall sales. Diesel car and SUV registrations are on the rise, and in 2023 U.S. drivers are expected to use 17.1 percent more diesel fuel than in 2012 while gasoline consumption decreases, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Getting those diesel customers to the pump creates other opportunities in the travel center. If you can get them to the pump, then odds are better that they’ll come into your store, which is where the biggest profits are.
A way to differentiate yourself from the competition is to offer biodiesel blends — providing multiple fuel options allows fuel retailers to be more competitive. Biodiesel blends add to your product lineup while giving your customers more choices.
For those already selling biodiesel blends, a tip to improve your business is to increase blend levels in the warmer months. There are a number of travel centers and c-stores marketing biodiesel that we’ve seen go from the minimum blend levels and increase them from April through October to maximize profitability.
/// Read more guest posts on biodiesel posts here.
{Guest Post} Guest post provided by NATSO Chairman's Circle member Jon Scharingson, Renewable Energy Group. Renewable Energy Group® is a leading North American biodiesel producer with a nationwide distribution and logistics system. With more than 210 million gallons of owned/operated annual production capacity at biorefineries across the country, REG is a proven biodiesel partner in the distillate marketplace. Learn more about Renewable Energy Group.
The opinions and advice given by guest post contributors are not necessarily those of NATSO Inc. The posts should not be considered legal advice. Qualified professionals should be sought regarding advice and questions specific to your circumstances.
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