Thursday, August 30, 2007

Bait and Switch

Day Three: Lexington, NE to Susanville, CA. 1314 miles.



I got price-gouged twice in one day. Gas stations like to use the old bait and switch routine. I had Aaron video tape me getting ripped off.

Scenario one: It's four o'clock in the morning and I go to the only twenty-four hour gas station on the road near my hotel. The sign says $2.74 per gallon. I pull up to the pump and regular gas is $3.35. Another sign posted where it can't be seen from the street has small print. SMALL PRINT!It says: "$2.74 for regular with ethanol, pumps 2, 5, & 8" or something to that effect. Funny thing is, when I Googled "Conoco" this article came up. I'm not the only one miffed about this funky marketing...

I only got enough gas to get down the road to a more honest store.

Scenario two: We miss the exit I need for gas because I'm talking on the cell. The sign says "last services for 35 miles". I still have a quarter tank so I roll through. When I get to the exit with the gas, it's the only gas station in Buford, Nebraska (population 1). The sign visible from Interstate 10 says $2.69 per gallon. When I pulled up to the pump, gas was $2.99 per gallon. Again, there was a sign with small print. "$2.69 with card". So I go in to inquire about the card; $25. I was livid, but I really needed gas. I got enough to get me down the road a ways. I was livid. I felt violated.

Day Four: Susanville, CA, to Eureka, CA. 261 miles. Got home, kissed the charming and beautiful Susan and Princess Ali. Then Aaron and I unloaded the truck. I'm beat. But I'm happy I'll be sleeping in my own bed tonight.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad you finally made it home!It was very good to be able to see you here and listen and share a little with you. We have prayed for your trip for Susan and Ali this week. Asking God to be give Susan all the joy when she gets to see all her things again after so long. God Bless!

Chris Goeppner said...

glad you made it home. much prayers dood.

Unknown said...

glad you guys made it back safely, enjoy the weekend