Special offer

pay it forward - this one will cost you $1

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Integrity, Dumont, NJ 201-385-8100

Gas up

I think one of the worst jobs is a gas station attendant. Here in Dumont, NJ you are not allowed to pump your own gas... strange as that may sound to the rest of the country. These guys work in rain, snow & heat among the fumes of impatient cars pulling in & out all day long.

Needless to say they are usually in a bad mood and it shows on their tough, worn faces.

When handing back the credit card slip & pen I give them a Scratch off lottery ticket.

It's absolutely amazing the toothy smiles & thanks and good feelings you can get for one dollar!

Dave Miller, CRS, GRI

'The Real Estate Guy'

75 East Madison Avenue, Dumont, NJ 07628

201-385-8100 x 14 Cell: 201-264-3980

Dave@DaveMillerRealEstate.com

www.DaveMillerRealEstate.com

Posted by

 

Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

So..it's a blessing that you don't have to get off the car to pump the gas - always great in winter. I prefer to go to such places even if costs little more - and your scratch ticket trick...real cool!

Oct 23, 2010 04:11 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

What fun - and everyone loves a gift!

Oct 23, 2010 09:35 AM
Chad Barris
Guaranteed Rate - Parsippany, NJ

Hey Dave, what a great way to show these guys they are appreciated.  It is a tough job and scratch offs offers some excitement even if you do win just a buck!

Oct 25, 2010 07:23 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Great idea!  It must feel so good when you see their reaction!

Oct 25, 2010 12:30 PM
Dave Miller
RE/MAX Integrity, Dumont, NJ 201-385-8100 - Dumont, NJ
RE/MAX Real Estate Dumont,NJ - Bergen County, New Jersey Homes for Sale

Thanks for the notes.  I had a guy win $40 today!  That's very unusual...  I'm the big winner all the time for the way it makes me feel....

Oct 25, 2010 02:19 PM
Jim Hazell
Real Property Inc. - Marblehead, MA

Dave, I was taught a long time ago to take care of people in the service industry.Most of the gas guys in our area do not gamble and would rather take the cash but i do the scratch ticket idea at some open houses for agents for taking the time to see my listing.Happy Halloween week from Salem ma.

Oct 28, 2010 05:18 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

I had no idea there were areas of the country where you couldn’t pump your own gas. Considering that gas is a hazardous and flammable material, I’m surprised that more places aren’t like that.

I found a full service gas station the other day, but their gas was a full 60¢ a gallon higher than everyone else. Interestingly, they had lines at the station, mostly ladies who didn’t want to smell like gas.

Oct 28, 2010 12:47 PM
Dave Miller
RE/MAX Integrity, Dumont, NJ 201-385-8100 - Dumont, NJ
RE/MAX Real Estate Dumont,NJ - Bergen County, New Jersey Homes for Sale

Jim, I parked cars at restaurants as a teenager so I'm extra attentive to tipping..... ps.  Salem, Mass... anyone brave enough to dress as a witch this Halloween...?

Oct 29, 2010 02:23 PM
Dave Miller
RE/MAX Integrity, Dumont, NJ 201-385-8100 - Dumont, NJ
RE/MAX Real Estate Dumont,NJ - Bergen County, New Jersey Homes for Sale

Russel, That is interesting.... 60 cents more & people are lining up... sounds like more stations should offer the service....

Oct 29, 2010 02:34 PM
Alex Morris - Austin Real Estate Agent
Austin, TX

Genius.  Amazing what a small gesture will do to brighten someone's day.  Nice going!

Oct 31, 2010 06:02 AM
Shirley Parks
Sands Realty 210-414-0966 - San Antonio, TX
Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate

I love this story, Dave!

Oregon is another state that doesn't allow you to pump your own gas.  My husband always, always pumps my gas here in Texas.  I think I should give him a scratch off lottery ticket next time.  :o)

Nov 04, 2010 05:16 AM
Dave Miller
RE/MAX Integrity, Dumont, NJ 201-385-8100 - Dumont, NJ
RE/MAX Real Estate Dumont,NJ - Bergen County, New Jersey Homes for Sale

Alex, not genius but thanks.

Shirley, Your husband is very chivalrous and a good guy!  Thanks for the reminder, I should give my bride a few 'lottery tickets' for all the things she does for me....

Nov 04, 2010 05:01 PM
Brin Realty Associates Team At Bean Group
Bean Group | Brin Realty Associates - Amherst, NH
Amherst NH homes and Southern NH real estate

What a Great Great idea Dave...you bring surprise and happiness to their day!

Nov 08, 2010 04:38 AM
Barbara Hensley
RE/MAX Properties - Rockwall, TX
Homes for Sale in Rockwall County, Texas

I am shocked that you can't pump your own gas...and a little in envy that in Texas there is no where you can get someone to pump your gas.  I agree that this has got to be tough job...this is a cool way to Pay It Forward.

Nov 08, 2010 10:18 PM
Dave Miller
RE/MAX Integrity, Dumont, NJ 201-385-8100 - Dumont, NJ
RE/MAX Real Estate Dumont,NJ - Bergen County, New Jersey Homes for Sale

Rene, Thanks!... It brings happiness to my day too!

Barbara, My oldest daughter Anna Kate wants to go to UT/Austin....so I guess she better learn to pump gas!!

Nov 09, 2010 11:56 PM
Irene Kennedy RealtorĀ® in Northwestern NJ
Weichert - Lopatcong, NJ

Dave,

Thank you for personally upping folks looking to move to the Garden State where we NEVER pump our own gas and don't pay more for that service! Our Relo clients will soar thanks to your PIF.

Nov 14, 2010 06:50 AM
Dave Miller
RE/MAX Integrity, Dumont, NJ 201-385-8100 - Dumont, NJ
RE/MAX Real Estate Dumont,NJ - Bergen County, New Jersey Homes for Sale

Irene, thanks - maybe I'll see you at the Realtors Convention in Atlantic City - more good NJ stuff...

Nov 15, 2010 04:35 AM
Robert Amato
Bob Amato of Empire Home Mortgage Inc - East Meadow, NY

I fill my wife's car with gas every Sunday and get it washed for her as her car is very disorganized and dirty. I never get a scratch off let alone a thank you. Hmmmm....

Nov 15, 2010 02:15 PM
Dave Miller
RE/MAX Integrity, Dumont, NJ 201-385-8100 - Dumont, NJ
RE/MAX Real Estate Dumont,NJ - Bergen County, New Jersey Homes for Sale

Bob, Your making me feel like a 'slacker'.... hope my bride doesn't see your post!

Nov 18, 2010 01:22 PM
Tom Tousignant
Fairway Independent Mortgage NMLS id #2289 - Charlotte, NC
Investment Property Expert

I pumped gas inhigh school - I remember this sweet lady used to tip me a quarter every time she came in for washing her windows.  Back when a quarter was still something!

Love this idea.

Nov 23, 2010 10:31 PM