For consumers, Mrughesh says:
- If you pay at the pump, always use credit, since most stations don't have chip readers at the pumps yet. If it is a debit card, run it as credit, that way if the card is skimmed, you are guaranteed for your money to be returned.
- One way to play it safe is to go inside and pay with your chip. It isn't as convenient, but you have greater protection.
- Card skimmers are very difficult to uncover these days making it hard for gas station owners to detect. Don't just assume card readers are safe.
- For mom and pop owners, it is going to be very pricy for them to upgrade their pumps to chip readers, and it could be a financial strain that might cause them to close their doors.
- If they are going to try to make it, they need to up their game to compete with big companies such as RaceTrac and Wawa. A few ways to do this is to serve better food inside the store, as well as make sure it is very clean and provide top-notch service.
- Owners need to make sure they are making a profit when selling gasoline. Because of the market fluctuations, this can be tricky for some.
- For many gas station owners, this is like their baby to them. However, if they are considering selling, now is the time to do so.