Prepay for Gasoline?

[White Horse]

I guess Hattiesburg service stations are forcing customers to prepay because of inadequate police protection. When there is a drive-off, "who you gonna call?" I guess Hattiesburg will soon be like Jackson. When USM surrounds itself with a security fence (like Millsaps College) it'll be time to pull a "Hank Snow" (his song - "I'm Moving On").

I have no sympathy for these stations, however. I'm sure they covered the cost of drive-offs by adding a nickle or two to the cost per gallon. Shouldn't we now expect the price to decrease, since prepay eliminates this problem? I know of one station that does not do prepay, and this is the only place in Hattiesburg city limits that I will buy gas.

[2002usmgrad]

I don't really have a problem with pre-pay. Makes me be sure that either I have enough cash to pay for it or that the credit/debit card I use will work. Also, when you pay with cash at most newer pumps they can set it so that you don't over fill, a lot better than having to go back inside to hand them a nickle. It's also saving these peoples butts if someone does drive off, they got to make a living too.

[Monkey]

Pre-pay doesn't bother me! It's how much it costs to fill up! $50.00 the other day!

[Kimberly]

I always use my debit. I dont like leaving my kids in the car to go pay. $50.00?? I'll count myself lucky next time I fill up for 35.00

[Monkey]

Yeah, It sucks having an SUV! lol

[wilebill]

Hmmm, I must be on everyone's mind. I don't even have to say anything and I still get lectured! :smt102

:)

[JB2379]

pre-pay really don't bother me that much, but it can be an inconvenience to so me. Once again, this could be seen as another example of crime increasing in the Hub City!

[Lylabean]

I too have no problem with prepay...every gas station whether here in Hattiesburg or somewhere else has a problem with this. My niece works at a gas station in Laurel and I don't like their policy that as employees they are suppose to try and chase them down...I think the owners of the gas station should have surveillance cameras if they want to catch people who drive off.

But I usually buy gas at Sam's so I use the debit card..which I really enjoy...I don't enjoy the cost though...around 20 bucks to fill up my little Nissan truck! At least I don't have to travel far to work and a tank usually lasts at least two weeks.

I remember in high school when 10 dollars would fill up the tank...*sigh*

Lynn

[Sgw]

I spend 30 dollars on gas everyother day, and sometimes more. I believe that prepay is a good thing, because i do spend more time than the average person filling up for gas, i have seen where people drive off very frequently. I think it makes sense as it provides them with protection, from citizens that are just going to drive off.

I really dont see it as being a big problem, and if you dont like to have to take the time use cash and pay you can get a pre-paid credit card and just use that, and not have to go in. Its sad that we all have to suffer for others mistakes.

Also, if you go to the same gas station and the tellers there know and see your car alot of times they will just go ahead and start it for you anyways because they know you and trust, so be loyal to one gas station might also be a good thing.

Sarah

[aaron]

My only problem with pre-pay is that it slows down to one cent a minute when it gets within 50 cents of the limit. Geez, with all the computer technology you'd think we could be filling up faster than NASCAR so I can get out of there.

[aaron]

What's worse is that my tank now holds over $50 worth. :smt010

yeah, I'd say that's much worse. Now if I could only get a local gas station to accept hub dollars...