What running costs should I check before buying a gas station?

The sales a station reports tell you only half the story. What it costs to keep the pumps running, the store staffed and the lights on decides what is left for the owner. Before you buy, list the cost categories and ask to see the records behind each one. This page gives the categories and the questions, and your accountant can help read the answers.

Card fees and staffing

A station takes many card payments, so processing fees are a cost to look at closely. Ask for recent processor statements. Then look at staffing: how many people cover each shift, who works overnight, and whether the current owner fills gaps personally. If the owner does, you will need to replace that time or pay for it.

Equipment and brand commitments

Ask for service contracts and repair history on dispensers, point-of-sale and the car wash. Then read the supply agreement for any upgrade or rebranding obligations. Visiting a station before you buy shows what to notice on site. Ask your lawyer to explain any commitment you would inherit.

Utilities, insurance and shrink

Request utility bills and the current insurance policies, and ask your broker what changes when the owner does. Ask how the store tracks shrink, meaning stock that goes missing or spoils, and how the seller handles it. Car wash upkeep, such as chemicals, water and repairs, belongs on this list too.

Site costs and the costs the seller cannot name

If the seller rents the site, read the lease for rent, taxes and repair duties. If the seller owns it, ask what property costs sit behind the numbers. Regulatory and environmental costs are a question for your lawyer and a qualified professional, not something to guess at. This checklist helps you keep track.