Garage gives up fuel sales after 45 years

“If the Government didn't add 142% to the cost of fuel then perhaps there would still be a few more independents around. http://tinyurl.com/c6ffcw9

The supermarkets are killing the independent garages by subsidising their prices from profits from their stores. When there are no independents left will the stores continue to compete or form a cartel?”

“I used this service station for my fuel on a few occasions in the past and the person who served me in the shop was always polite and helpful. It isnt that long since he changed from Jet to Gulf either.
As for the competition, places like Tesco at Transit Way and Roborough, Asda at Estover and Morrisons at Plymstock all have their own fuel stations so most people would kill two birds with one stone so to speak and fill the car up either before or after they do their shopping. I dont suppose the Texaco garage by Manadon roundabout helped much either although for some reason Texaco in Plymouth seems to be the most expensive fuel retailer.
I hope Mr Chapman's car sales and repair businesses continue to be successful.”

“@ timplymouth and lweston: you should try out the local market and some of the small businesses in Plymouth. The meat at Plymouth market is cheaper, better quality and generally in much larger quantities than any supermarket could offer. Same goes for the produce at the green grocers and some of the world food shops offer so much more variety at a much cheaper price. You just need to make the effort to walk a few extra hundred yards and it really pays off.”

“its a shame i needed petrol a while ago and came upon this garage it was a godsend would not have made it to anywhere else so good luck to him and hope he has a happy retierment best wishes”

“I'd but my petrol from Roger,because he's a bloody nice bloke who i've known for a long time.The fact is,I don't because I can get it at the same time as I do the rest of my grocery shopping.
He has made a business decision,and the fact is,if you need a service or an MOT on a car,there aren't many other independents I would recommend....Roger and Steve can fix pretty much anything.
Good Luck to you :)”

“Iweston - you should read the article and think and just not assume that others are a moaner like you.
Nowhere in the article is Mr. Chapman complaining or blaming supermarkets.He is just stating a fact that for independant fuel suppliers it is no longer viable. To get better prices he has to purchase higher quantities and can't benefit from a supermarket "bulk buying"organisation.”

“Quite right nevman, supermarkets are often dearer than independent shops, especially butchers and greengrocers, and there is no haggle room when you can't speak to the boss. Long live the internet and small business.”

“Supermarkets offer the illusion of choice, that's all. It's often the choice between cheap tat, more cheap tat and the next cheapest tat, especially outside the food aisles. Specialist shops offer more choice, and the internet offers even more. Often, the supermarkets aren't even offering the best prices.”

“And I suppose he goes to the local butcher or local corner convienient shop for his groceries or does he do what most people do - go to Tesco,Sainsburys or Morrisons -because the simple reason you get the same quantity same grade and its cheaper, Cant have it allways just to suit yourself,”

“Tim, and when they discontinue what you want, you will buy what they tell you to buy.”