The gas station mini-mart has a well-deserved reputation for being overpriced. Most of the items on its shelves are marked up to a shocking degree. However, not everything in a convenience store is a bad deal. Due to their unique business model, there are a few specific items that are often a surprisingly good value. On your next road trip, you can feel confident that you are making a smart purchase if you stick to one of these five best buys.
1. Fountain Drinks and Coffee
The fountain drink and the coffee bar are the biggest profit centers for a gas station. The store pays very little for the syrup, the water, and the coffee grounds. This allows them to sell the finished drinks at a very low price to the customer while still making a huge profit margin. A 99-cent fountain drink or a cup of coffee is almost always a great and refreshing deal.
2. The Car Wash
If the gas station has an attached car wash, it is often a great value, especially if you are already buying gas. Most stations will offer a significant discount on the price of a car wash if you purchase it along with a fill-up. This can be a very convenient and affordable way to keep your car clean while you are on the road.
3. Hot Dogs and Roller Grill Items
The hot dogs and other sausages that are spinning on the roller grill are a classic gas station meal. While they may not be the healthiest option, they are an incredibly cheap and fast way to get a hot meal. For just a dollar or two, you can get a quick and satisfying bite to eat. This makes them one of the best food values in the entire store.
4. Basic Automotive Fluids in an Emergency
If you are on a road trip and you notice that your car is low on a critical fluid, the gas station is a lifesaver. While the price for a quart of oil or a jug of windshield washer fluid will be higher than at an auto parts store, it is a small price to pay for the immediate convenience and safety. In an emergency, these items are a great purchase.
5. Regional and Specialty Snacks
Gas station mini-marts will often carry a selection of local and regional snack foods that you cannot find in a large, national grocery chain. This could be a specific brand of potato chips, a local style of beef jerky, or a unique baked good. For travelers, this is a great and often affordable way to experience the local flavor of a new region.
While a gas station should never be your primary destination for grocery shopping, it is not a complete retail wasteland. The store is designed to offer a few specific items at a very good price. These are the “loss leaders” that are designed to get you in the door. By sticking to these few, specific items, you can take advantage of the convenience of the mini-mart without getting ripped off.