Lusby, Sunoco....First Time, Last Time

[hamsterfang]

It's hard to believe that since I've moved to Southern Maryland neither my parents nor myself have used the Lusby, Sunoco (I am eighteen years old and moved here when I was nine). I went there yesterday to put gasoline in my car and all hell broke loose. The price advertised was $1.89 per gallon, but when I went to fuel, it said $1.96. I went inside to pay first and informed the cashier of the price change who then told me he would try to fix the price back to what the sign said and it was probably just an error.

I pumped a little over one gallon and realized that I was being charge $1.96. The cashier came out and told me that $1.96 was the <real> price and that I had to pay it. I told him I would pay the $1.89 for the gallon I pumped- not $1.96. We got into an argument (no yelling or screaming, just arguing) and I threatened to call the cops. It's false advertising, I told him. He told me to do as I wish and went inside.

I refused to move my car from the pump until I was refunded and made a quick call to my mother, who told me to forget about it. Well, he must have thought I was serious about calling the cops and that I was talking to them on the phone because the manager that the cashier said wasn't available came rushing out with the difference for a refund. The manager then told me that I was foolish for expecting them to change the pump sign and the price on the pump at the SAME time. I told him the truth: any idiot would change the sign first and then the pump price- and that yes, not do so WAS false advertising. He then made a phone call outside and started complaining about me in front of other customers rather loudly.

It's NOT about the money...I just don't feel that what they did was fair. They could put up one price and then charge $20 a gallon if this was legal.

 

[designerxboi]

I would have been more worried about the way he was talking to you and infront of customers at that. Did you happen to get his name and the first associate? www.bbb.org and maybe call SUNOCO head quarters and let them know whats going on. If for anything to get the satisfaction from knowing you did let someone know about the problem. That always makes me feel good.

 

[willie]

I've always had good luck with Lusby Sunoco but was sorry to see it turn into a liquor store.
If you had an absolutely clear understanding that you were going to be refunded the 7 cents per gallon then there is a legitimate complaint. With the big fluctuation of gas prices I've found myself in that predicament also. Last week while I was pumping my gas at BJ's I discovered that it was 4 cents less than the sign. I would never tell my Mother that.
FWIW at 9 PM they were working on the sign.

 

[Jerry_Springer]

Hmmmm...not enough drama to be a topic on my show.

 

[BuddyLee]

(I am eighteen years old and moved here when I was nine).

 

[Oz]

(I am eighteen years old and moved here when I was nine).

As you age, you learn how to pick your battles... I assure you that 6 cents wasn't enough to warrant the blood pressure generated by you, or the the person you were fussing with.

 

[Penn]

As you age, you learn how to pick your battles... I assure you that 6 cents wasn't enough to warrant the blood pressure generated by you, or the the person you were fussing with.

That is, unless you were running on fumes!

 

[SmallTown]

I told him the truth: any idiot would change the sign first and then the pump price- and that yes, not do so WAS false advertising. He then made a phone call outside and started complaining about me in front of other customers rather loudly.

It's NOT about the money...I just don't feel that what they did was fair. They could put up one price and then charge $20 a gallon if this was legal.

1) Would this be such an injustice if the clerk had just recently raised the price on the sign, but had not yet changed the pumps? Would you have called mommy about that one and then she would have YOU pay the difference between the two numbers?

2) When you pulled up to the pump, the price is clearly marked. If you didn't like it, go somewhere else.

 

[vraiblonde]

As you age, you learn how to pick your battles... I assure you that 6 cents wasn't enough to warrant the blood pressure generated by you, or the the person you were fussing with.

Amen.

I tend to be a battler and even I'd have let that one go.

 

[willie]

Amen.

I tend to be a battler and even I'd have let that one go.

I bet if they had a 'Vote for Kerry' sign in the window you wouldn't say that.

 

[Kain99]

I understand her frustration...... Gas prices are outrageous! It just feels like your being ripped off twice when the price on the sign isn't correct.

I probably would have walked away but at the same time, I understand.

 

[Midnightrider]

I had a problem with them last year when i went to get my truck inspected. The sign advertised $50 MD Inspection. I took the truck in. it failed for a couple of minor problems. I took it home, fixed the problems and took it back for the reinspection. He charged me $50 more for the reinspect. Now this was to look at three minor problems that you could check visually without any tools. When i complained, the manager showed me where the inspection ticket says he "can" charge a prorated fee for reinspection, but that fee cannot be more than the initial fee.
I was pissed that the $50 inspection cost me $100, but i would have had to pay someone else to inspect it if i hadn't given in. So i paid it, but i won't be going back to them again.

 

[willie]

I had a problem with them last year when i went to get my truck inspected. The sign advertised $50 MD Inspection. I took the truck in. it failed for a couple of minor problems. I took it home, fixed the problems and took it back for the reinspection. He charged me $50 more for the reinspect. Now this was to look at three minor problems that you could check visually without any tools. When i complained, the manager showed me where the inspection ticket says he "can" charge a prorated fee for reinspection, but that fee cannot be more than the initial fee.
I was pissed that the $50 inspection cost me $100, but i would have had to pay someone else to inspect it if i hadn't given in. So i paid it, but i won't be going back to them again.

From the MVA website:
2) If the defects are not repaired at the authorized inspection station and the vehicle is returned for reinspection and certification, a prorated inspection fee may be charged for the reinspection of those defects requiring jacking, lifting, measuring, or testing. A fee, if charged, will be based on defect or defects inspection as set forth in the safety equipment repair order certification procedures. However, an additional fee may not be charged for the reinspection of those defects which may be visually inspected and do not require the use of test or inspection equipment.

 

[Ponytail]

My first job as a kid was pumping gas. For price changes, we always changed the pump prices first, then the sign. Most price changes at the pump are nothing more than a key stroke from the office.

I say good on ya! If ya start making a stand when your young, you're less likely to be taken advantage of when your older. Even battles that you lose, are learning experiences.

$0.06 doesn't seem like alot, till you get a car with a 38 gallon tank like mine.

Even without that, how many folks got their gas that day and THOUGHT that they were paying the $1.86. Or at least just STOPPED there because of the sign. How much profit did that station make that day. Most stations only make a penny/gallon. At least that's the way it was when I was pumping gas. But still...how many cars/hour filled up there? I mean...without hampster man holding up the line for a dime? j/k It adds up though.

 

[dustin]

What pisses me off is when i pull up to a pump. swipe my card and being pumping. and then the automatic shutuff thing on the pump handle is too sensitive and wont let me pump full blast. depending on how much gas i have to get i either keep pumping with the handle barely pulled in or stop it and move my vehicle to another location and start all over. yes i realize this isnt that big of a deal. But what pisses me off is when i go inside to tell the store clerk and they say something to the nature of "Oh yeah I/we already know. Thanks."

Why the heck dont they just put a sign on the pump saying its broken is beyond me.

 

[huntr1]

What pisses me off is when i pull up to a pump. swipe my card and being pumping. and then the automatic shutuff thing on the pump handle is too sensitive and wont let me pump full blast. depending on how much gas i have to get i either keep pumping with the handle barely pulled in or stop it and move my vehicle to another location and start all over. yes i realize this isnt that big of a deal. But what pisses me off is when i go inside to tell the store clerk and they say something to the nature of "Oh yeah I/we already know. Thanks."

Why the heck dont they just put a sign on the pump saying its broken is beyond me.

Tried pulling the pump part way (read most of the way) out of the gas filler neck? That usually helps with the automatic cut off.

 

[Vince]

Compare. Look at the prices in Lusby and Solomons. Then go across the bridge and check Sheetz or any of the others. Lexington Park side of the bridgde gas is cheaper by 5 cents a gallon. Fastop and Lusby Sunoco are two of the most expensive around for gas. I live in Lusby, and only gas there if I'm running on fumes.

 

[hasnaa]

Lmaoooooo...i Would If I Was Low On Fumes And Funds!

 

[dustin]

Tried pulling the pump part way (read most of the way) out of the gas filler neck? That usually helps with the automatic cut off.

yeah i always try that....guess i just have made luck with gas pumps....

the other day one of them overflowed on me at the wawa on 235 in lex park ...i caught it though..maybe a cup spilled out on the ground....i thought about going in to tell them there was gas all over the ground..and then i reconsider..."well its not my fault their pump failed...guess if the place blows up it blows up"

 

[josmom]

Compare. Look at the prices in Lusby and Solomons. Then go across the bridge and check Sheetz or any of the others. Lexington Park side of the bridgde gas is cheaper by 5 cents a gallon. Fastop and Lusby Sunoco are two of the most expensive around for gas. I live in Lusby, and only gas there if I'm running on fumes.

I actually just had a conversation with someone on this subject. And they informed me that the reason for the price difference between St. Mary's and Calvert counties, is due to the fact that Calvert is in the 50 mile range from DC and is considered Metropolitan Area for taxing purposes, So it is taxed in the Metro tax bracket. St. Marys is outside of the taxing bracket and is considered rural, so it is not. That is why it is always cheaper. Until they change the lines for the taxing Calvert is never going to be comparable with St. Marys...Sucks doesn't it?