Vehicle fleets with a large number of rolling stock have to solve every day the problem of what fuel to use, where to refuel the equipment and how to save money. Centralized refueling at regular gas stations, even with fuel cards, is unprofitable: collusion, theft and underfilling are the order of the day in this case. Everyone understands this, however, the majority of large motor vehicles consider an agreement with fuel networks to be the optimal solution. “There are a lot of inconsistencies. For example, a road train left Central Russia for a remote region, and even at branded gas stations using cards we observe a stable underfilling,” says Kirill Vodin, Deputy General Director of Vesta Transport Company LLC. “As a result, we even had to change the fuel company because of this, plus organize our own gas station on the territory of the vehicle fleet.”
Is it possible to organize fuel distribution directly on the territory of the enterprise? Until recently, this path was very difficult. In order to build your own gas station on the territory of a vehicle fleet and legally own this facility, it was necessary to go through many authorities and obtain dozens of pages of permitting documentation. Only large automobile plants could afford this.
Everything changed in 2012, when gas stations were removed from the control of Rostekhnadzor, which fundamentally changed the possibility of operating all types of gas stations. “At the moment, the principle of construction and operation of container gas stations is regulated only by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, but with one caveat: if the gas station is not located on the territory of a hazardous production facility (Rostechnadzor is additionally involved here). Only the Ministry of Emergency Situations classifies different types of stations in its main documents NPB 111-98 and the set of rules “Car filling stations. Fire Safety Requirements” dated July 1, 2014,” says Yuriy Kolesnikov, General Director of the Penzaspetsavtomash association (Benza brand).
CONTAINER AND MODULAR gas stations
Today there are many products on the Russian market that have different names, but essentially perform the same functions. These include container and mobile gas stations, fuel and refueling modules. A modular gas station is a station, the technological system of which is designed for refueling vehicles only with liquid motor fuel and is characterized by an above-ground location of the tank and the separation of the fuel dispenser (TRK) and the fuel storage container. A containerized gas station (KAZS) differs from a modular one only in that the fuel dispenser is located in a container for storing fuel.
In fact, from the point of view of compliance with NPB 111-98, it is absolutely unimportant what the products are called, the main thing is that they are made as a single product. “Any design that meets these parameters and has all the necessary certificates for a single factory product must and will be classified by fire inspectors as a container gas station and nothing else,” says Yuriy Kolesnikov. “Only the customer can choose, based on the factors of further operation, what the gas station should look like - sewn into a container or left with an open tank; the standards do not regulate this.”
With the removal of gas stations from the register of hazardous production facilities by Rostechnadzor in 2012, the situation with the installation and operation of gas stations has seriously changed for the better. Now, if a car company installs a filling station for its own needs on its territory and the installation does not require capital construction, the owner does not have to obtain any licenses or permits to operate the station. All that is required is to comply with fire safety standards for gas stations. Firstly, you need to maintain the distance to various categories of objects and prepare a site with an entry and exit zone and install a fence to prevent vehicles from hitting the filling station. Secondly, it is necessary to make a base for a gas station in the form of a road slab of certain dimensions and install it. Finally, thirdly, appoint those responsible for carrying out fire safety measures.
Basic requirements for placing a container filling station: 25 meters away from buildings and structures and that there is no water supply running under the equipment
In addition, special technical requirements must be met. For example, a filling station must have its own pump for receiving fuel from a fuel tanker with automatic shutdown when the tank is filled (it is prohibited to pump fuel into the filling station using a fuel tanker pump). A system for monitoring the inter-wall space of the tank with warning of depressurization is required. Technological compartments must be fenced off from the tank by a non-flammable (metal) partition of the first type. If the tank, along with the pipelines, is sewn into a container, automatic ventilation with gas sensors is required. All of the above-described design features are primarily monitored by inspectors from the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Only State Unitary Enterprise MO Mostransavto can afford its own traditional gas station.
Among other specific requirements for the technological equipment of modular and container gas stations, we note the need to make double-walled fuel storage tanks. At the same time, the total capacity of the tanks of a container gas station should not exceed 40 m 3 when it is located in populated areas and 60 m 3 when located outside populated areas.
A very important point is the documentation for the filling station. There must be not only a certificate of conformity or a declaration of the Customs Union at the gas station, but also a passport with operating instructions. In addition, environmental and sanitary certificates are required. If a gas filling station is installed at a hazardous production facility, other permitting documents may be required.
According to documents and certificates, this should be a station for dispensing and refueling - a single product, and not a tank and other components separately, experts note. Otherwise, this type of project will be classified as a fuel depot or a traditional gas station. Then the enterprise is obliged to register these facilities with Rostechnadzor and obtain a license for hazardous production. The so-called mini-gas stations with a single-wall tank and one fuel dispenser do not solve the issue of legal operation of gas stations. They can only be used as a mobile mobile tank, where it is necessary to refuel equipment, often changing the location of the gas station. For example, during agricultural or road work.
Automatic fuel distribution to drivers using smart cards is possible as an option
WITHOUT OPERATOR
At the moment, at filling stations it is possible to establish fully automated, operator-free remote control over the amount of fuel, its unauthorized drainage and automatic distribution to drivers using smart cards or chip keys. “This is very convenient, since there is no need to receive an operator, and information will be sent online to the office via a wireless channel,” comments Svetlana Bykova, head of the convoy of Vesta Transport Company LLC. - You can set fuel limits for drivers or for a car for a day, week or month. It is also possible to control exact data: who refueled and when, analyze the remaining fuel in tanks, see the temperature, density of the fuel, the amount of produced water, the amount of fuel received from the fuel tanker to the filling station.”
Gas stations with such systems will help reduce fuel theft by the organization’s personnel and under-delivery of fuel by unscrupulous suppliers of petroleum products to zero. Automation systems are all approximately the same in functionality, differing only in various small nuances, equipment manufacturer and cost.
An electric pump with a metering meter in a closed case is convenient for refueling equipment in the field.
If we talk about the complete automation of the supply of fuel to transport enterprises, then we should mention the project developed by the Volgaresurs company. The scheme includes the installation of an automatic mobile fuel filling station (AMFFS) at the enterprise, delivery of fuel by supplier’s transport, testing of fuel quality at all stages in an accredited laboratory, service by a single control center, and transparent pricing. Drivers who fuel their own trucks are issued fuel cards. They can be both general - impersonal, and nominal. It is noteworthy that fuel cards can be limited in the amount of fuel supplied. The limit is set either by the company providing car refueling services, or directly by the customer of the service - the motor carrier. There is no access to fuel except through a limited fuel card. In this case, the AMTZS can be additionally equipped with a terminal that issues a receipt attached to the waybill. Since the entire system is fully automated, the head of the transport organization or the responsible person from the financial group receives a detailed report on the movement of fuel every day in a strictly defined form. The summary contains information about which car was refueled, how much fuel was dispensed, at what time the refueling took place, and so on, right down to the photograph of the driver who used the fuel card. The accounting department of the auto company compares the data from the report with internal documentation.
Basic requirements for locating an AMTZ: 25 meters away from buildings and structures, and that there is no water supply running under the equipment. The base must be laid with slabs, and bumpers must be present to ensure safety. To connect electrical power, it is necessary to organize a cable supply rated for a power of at least 10 kW. The duration of the refueling module’s presence at the customer’s premises is regulated solely by the agreement for the rental of the fuel station and the purchase of fuel. The standard production and installation time for a station is about 2.5 months. Having previously drawn up the technical specifications, the customer has the opportunity to indicate all the options he needs. For example, if you have a mixed fleet of equipment, the supplier may offer containers with a different number of sections. By agreement with the customer, the container can be divided into compartments of the required volume. For example, one will store diesel fuel, the other will store gasoline.
Can a carrier make money from a gas station installed on its territory? Yes, such a possibility exists. For example, two convoys are based not far from each other. If there is an AMTZ on the territory of one of them, then the neighbor can refuel his cars there at an attractive price, but at the same time the owner of the AMTZ will have his own profit from the sale of petroleum products. At the same time, not only company cars, but also employees’ personal cars can be refueled at a low price, which will make the employer even more attractive.
With this scheme, the carrier’s costs for installing equipment are close to zero, since he purchases the service of refueling vehicles. In this case, all maintenance operations, equipment repairs, tank cleaning, and so on are performed by the service provider. All responsibility for the quality of fuel also falls on the supplier. All the transport company pays is the cost of the fuel supplied. At the same time, equipment costs are included in the cost of a liter, and it is cheaper than at network gas stations. The only drawback of this solution is the long-term connection to one fuel company, and this does not suit all carriers.
Retail sale of automobile fuel is a highly profitable business. For this reason, many novice entrepreneurs are wondering: how to open a gas station from scratch and how much does it cost?
In this article we will look at how to open a gas station and present a detailed example of a business plan with calculations. We will also find out what permits are needed for this, and calculate the size of the required financial investments in order to understand how much it costs to open a gas station.
Business specifics
Opening your own gas station is not an easy task and requires a lot of entrepreneurial experience. This type of business requires investing a lot of money, so it is worth making an adequate assessment of your financial capabilities. Not every newcomer will be able to compete with Rosneft gas stations.
Experts do not recommend this type of entrepreneurship if you are opening your first business. It will be easier for market newcomers to open a gas station as a franchise and work under the wing of a well-known brand. In this case, they will be provided with stable fuel supplies and a wide base of potential customers.
Running a business independently involves searching for loyal suppliers with flexible terms of cooperation and stable, regular supplies of fuel. As a rule, such suppliers are small oil refineries.
Drivers often give preference to gas stations with a well-known name, which must also be taken into account. To win regular visitors, we can recommend introducing your own system of cumulative bonuses for regular customers, so that it is profitable for them to refuel with you. It is constantly necessary to generate new ideas for promoting your brand.
Every year the number of motorists increases, and hence the demand for automobile fuel. The very high barrier to entry into this niche is compensated by a fairly quick payback, and for this you need to draw up the necessary business plan.
First steps
First of all, you need to study the gas station market and assess the level of supply in your region. Determine your competitive advantages. At this stage, it is worth understanding whether you will run a completely independent business, or resort to franchising.
There are two more ways to become the owner of your own gas station: buy a ready-made business or become a tenant.
Services for the sale of fuel and lubricants are subject to licensing. You will have to take care in advance of obtaining a license for the right to store and sell fuel. This right is confirmed by the presence of documents stamped in the established format.
Two different formats
As already noted, before opening your own gas station, you need to decide on the fundamental principle of your future business. This can be a completely independent activity or a franchise. Going free in this area and opening a gas station from scratch, without having the relevant experience, is too risky an undertaking due to many complex nuances.
According to experts, the best option for a novice entrepreneur is to work under a franchise from leading market leaders. A recognizable logo of a large company such as Gazprom or Lukoil always attracts car enthusiasts.
Franchising has a number of advantages, including:
- Assistance from experienced specialists at the stage of opening a business.
- Consulting during the organization of gas station operation.
- Ensuring fuel supplies from reliable suppliers.
- Working on behalf of a well-known brand means a steady flow of clients.
Buying a franchise also has its disadvantages:
- strict adherence to corporate standards;
- lack of freedom in matters of pricing policy;
- mandatory and regular franchise payments.
Having decided on the format of the business, you should consider the issue of registering it with municipal and tax authorities. Large companies like Gazprom operate on a common taxation system, therefore, they are VAT payers.
For this reason, suppliers such as Rosneft cannot include transactions with individual entrepreneurs in their expenses and income. Hence the main recommendation: a gas station requires registration as a legal entity - a Limited Liability Company (LLC). After acquiring this status, your company will have its own corporate seal.
Having registered your business, you can proceed to the next, no less important steps - choosing the location of your future gas station and preparing design estimates.
Selecting a location
Location is an extremely important issue, both from the point of view of potential profitability and from the point of view of security requirements. You will need to study a lot of information about the state of the market. You should carefully analyze the traffic flow in your city and the availability of vacant land.
Gas stations are usually located on busy highways and junctions. Refueling must be provided with convenient access. The size of the required area is determined by the following criteria:
- A variety of types of fuel sold (gasoline, diesel fuel, methane, propane).
- Number of dispensers.
- Presence/absence of operating cafes, mini-stores, etc. within the gas station.
The average plot area is usually 100 m2.
You can download it here to use as an example.
Project preparation
Every new enterprise, especially a large one, requires high-quality design preparation. Here specialized design organizations are at your service. They begin their work with a well-written technical specification.
Design documents of the planned structure must take into account many requirements for high-risk facilities. The current building regulations provide for the implementation of the following standards:
- fire protection;
- sanitary;
- environmental protection
According to established standards, gas stations cannot be located at a distance of less than 30 m from residential buildings, schools, kindergartens and other public institutions. The placement of gas stations must not violate the current city general plan.
You should be mentally prepared to work with many licensing authorities. Approval procedures take a lot of time and effort. It is necessary to take into account the considerable time required for project approval. Many entrepreneurs managed to resolve this issue within six months.
After approval of the gas station project, construction work on the construction of basic infrastructure can begin. A parallel process will be the search and purchase of technological equipment.
Equipment selection
Today's market is replete with offers from both foreign and domestic manufacturers. You should not chase cheapness in this matter, because the quality of the equipment largely depends on its service life. Of course, it is worth carefully studying the existing offers and finding among them the optimal one in terms of price and quality.
Its minimum composition may look like this:
- Fuel storage tank, V=15 m3 – 4 pcs.
- Emergency fuel storage tank, V=15 m3 – 1 pc.
- Capacity for storm drainage system, V=10 m3 – 1 pc.
- Fuel dispenser (fuel dispenser) with two sleeves – 2 pcs.
If it is technically possible, it is better to connect the storm drainage system to city communications. In addition to purchasing the basic equipment, you will need various shutoff valves, cables, and remote controls. A separate stage will be setting up the software for maximum automation of the gas station. The software's tasks also include printing out information balances.
A mandatory part of the work will be the installation of security alarms and CCTV cameras. The high cost of material and technical assets and the increased danger of the facility require proper organizational security measures.
Integral elements are the laying of high-quality asphalt pavement and the installation of rain shelters. The road surface requires the application of the required markings using wear-resistant paints and varnishes.
Gas stations selling gaseous automobile fuel require specialized equipment.
Gas stations
Market experts highly appreciate the prospects for the development of gas stations that sell gaseous fuel. No wonder Gazprom is actively developing this area.
The organization of methane gas stations requires the technological possibility of inserting into the communications of the city gas pipeline. If your gas station sells propane, then start searching for the appropriate equipment and supplier of this type of fuel in advance. The operation of a gas filling station requires the purchase of additional compressor equipment.
The quality of construction work depends, first of all, on the qualifications of the performers. Let's look at the issue of required personnel in more detail below.
Staff
Considering that the gas station operates around the clock, work should be organized in several shifts. The following staff are required to perform each work shift:
- cashier – 1 person;
- fuel dispenser operator – 2 people;
- security guard – 1 person.
To ensure a stable supply of fuel, a car gas station requires a supply department. The staff should also include repairmen and electricians in case of equipment failure. Financial statements should be entrusted to an experienced accountant with a personal seal.
The staff must be neat, polite and attentive to customers. Service at Gazprom-level gas stations is at a solid level. You should look up to him. For recognition, you need to order the production of original uniforms for the employees of your gas station.
Opening cost
We will calculate the estimated cost of opening a gas station on your own and the possible amount of income from its operation. The figures below may vary depending on each specific region. The cost of purchasing and renting a plot of land can vary, even within the same city.
So, the average items of expenses and income look like this:
| 1 | Purchase of land | 15÷25 million rub. | |
| Preparation of design and estimate documentation and registration of permits | 2 million rubles |
||
| 3 | Construction works | 6÷10 million rub. | |
| 4 | Purchase of capital equipment | 3 million rubles | |
| 5 | Payment of utility services | 0.120 million rubles/year | |
| 6 | Staff salaries | 5.5 million rubles/year | |
| 7 | Purchasing fuel | 10 million rubles/year | |
| 8 | Payment of duties, taxes and fees | 1.5 million rubles/year | |
| 9 | Depreciation deductions | 2 million rubles/year | |
| 10 | Sales of fuel to the public | 24 million rubles/year | |
| 11 | Other income (mini store, cafe, etc.) | 1 million rubles/year |
In total, the minimum investment will be 26 million rubles. The indicated level of annual costs is indicative.
Payback periods largely depend on the success of the business. When selling 50 thousand liters of fuel per month, full payback is achieved in 4 years. This figure can be significantly reduced if you open a gas station as a franchise. Replacing the purchase of a land plot with its rental will also help reduce the payback period.
Profitability can increase if, in addition to the gas station, a related business on its territory brings profit. This can be achieved through the activities of a store or cafeteria.
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It is constantly growing, so the gas station business has become quite widespread. The construction of gas stations is carried out by both large network companies and private owners, who are attracted by the high profitability of fuel trading. If you want to join this industry, you should consider a gas station business plan, which will help you get information about the costs and all the features of this type of activity.
To open your own gas station, you will need to anticipate all possible difficulties.
Choosing a form of work
In the last 10 years, a form of starting a new business called franchising has become very widespread. The bottom line is to rent or sell a trademark. When it comes to car gas stations, you buy the right to use a logo, branding, and sometimes a ready-made business model. In return, you give a fairly large amount or undertake to constantly transfer to the trademark holder a part of your income, regardless of the availability of profit. In addition, the corporation providing you with the gas station brand requires compliance with certain standards and rules.
The main advantage of franchising is the ease of opening a gas station. There is no need to order the services of a designer, think about an attractive logo and a sonorous name - seeing a name known throughout the country, clients will come to you without any extra thought. If you are going to open a gas station under someone else’s brand, you can get the following advantages:
- Ready-made business model for refueling and supplying fuel from a trusted source;
- Positive reputation since opening;
- Consultations on any issues that arise during opening and operation.
Franchising will allow you to use an existing company
We have already mentioned the additional costs of opening a gas station under someone else’s brand - this is the main disadvantage of such a scheme. However, there is another drawback - your gas station will be constantly under close supervision, and in some cases, under the control of a manager appointed by the brand holder. Any deviation from the rules threatens with a fine, and in the most severe cases, deprivation of the franchise.
Therefore, such a gas station operating model as a business under its own brand, completely independent of large corporations, is also popular. This option is cheaper and more convenient from a management point of view, however, it is more difficult at the stage of starting and establishing an enterprise. But history knows many cases of successful opening of an entire network of gas stations - and in each of them it all started with just one small station. Therefore, it’s up to you to decide exactly how to create the first filling.
Plot
For all businesses operating in the industry, location is of great importance. The gas station should be located near a major traffic intersection or highway. A location in the city is acceptable, but you should choose not a quiet street, but a large road located on the way between the business center and residential areas. To find out how to open a gas station, you must also contact the Department of Urban Planning and Architecture, having agreed with its specialists on the planned location of the enterprise. There are strict restrictions - the distance from liquid fuel tanks to nearby buildings must be at least 30 meters, and from the gas compressor station - 100 meters.
The correct choice of site is very important
It is advisable to buy a plot for a gas station, since there are many fraudulent schemes through which highly profitable businesses built over many years are taken away from the owners. The average cost outside the city will be 80–200 thousand dollars, which depends on the specific area and the size of the area being purchased. In the centers of large cities, you should expect an amount equal to several million dollars. If your choice when creating a gas station is to lease land, it is worth it for 15–99 years, so as not to soon face the unpleasant news of a ban on continuing activities. The cost of renting land for a gas station will be approximately $500–$1,500 per month.
Construction
If you buy a gas station business plan under a franchise agreement, you will probably be offered one that will build a turnkey complex. This option is attractive due to the quick start of the business and the absence of problems, but it requires an overpayment equal to approximately 25% of the actual costs. However, even if you open a gas station yourself, you should not rely only on your own strength. You will have to study many technical regulations and standards, as well as receive education in the field of design, which will take several years.
The best option is to use the services of a professional contractor who specializes in this type of construction. When constructing a gas station, you will be provided with guarantees of quality and compliance of the result with current standards and regulations. In addition, some contractors undertake to coordinate the launch of refueling in all authorities, which will be discussed below.
The cost of implementing a refueling project depends on its parameters. The minimum price is set for a small gas station with an area of 30–50 square meters with two columns and an operator position located behind the window - it will cost 20–25 thousand dollars. If you want to place a small store (up to 100 square meters) on the territory of a gas station and install four pumps, you should expect 30–50 thousand dollars. Large complexes with cafes, shops, additional rental premises and car washes are estimated at approximately 100 thousand. When opening a gas station using a franchise agreement, you don’t have to choose - the price and layout of the building are usually set by the owner of the brand.
You can reduce costs by about 5-10 thousand dollars in each case by purchasing used equipment, but the durability of such a gas station will leave much to be desired. If you want to open a gas station equipped with a small operator's workstation, the cost of construction and installation of equipment will be approximately 12-15 thousand dollars. A methane CNG filling station with large tanks and a professional security system costs approximately 100–120 thousand dollars, so you can see such enterprises on Russian roads much less often than ordinary gas stations.
Documenting
The sale of petroleum products is considered an excisable licensed type of business, so it will definitely not be possible to work under a simplified taxation system. Experts recommend avoiding forms of private entrepreneurship without creating an organization. The ideal option is to register a legal entity in the form of an LLC. This option is convenient due to the simplicity of accounting and the security of the founder’s property - in case of bankruptcy, he is liable only with his share, but not with personal property separated from the enterprise. The gas station can also be registered as a joint stock company if you plan to attract external capital investment, but in this case you will have to undergo an annual audit and hire a professional, highly paid accountant.
It is best to register a legal entity
The enterprise is registered with the state registrar, as well as with the tax service and the Pension Fund. You will also need to go through many other authorities related to the type of business you are registering. These include:
- Rospotrebnadzor - it is required to provide plans of the internal premises, the cashier’s location, and indicate the method of payment;
- Fire supervision - indicate the presence of fire protection systems, as well as fire extinguishers and other equipment designed to extinguish the flame;
- Sanitary and epidemiological station - show the working conditions of gas station employees, storage areas for products when selling them;
- Traffic police - plans for access roads and parking areas on the territory of a gas station.
Getting everyone will not cost much - all the registration will cost approximately 5,000 rubles, provided that the authorized capital of the created legal entity will be the gas station itself. With all permissions, contact the Ministry of Fuel and Energy, which issues licenses for the sale of petroleum products. Such documents will be quite expensive - $300–400 for the sale of gasoline and diesel and another $200 for a propane-butane mixture. Registration of a methane gas station will cost more - approximately $300.
Supplies
Having figured out how much it costs to open a gas station, you need to organize fuel purchases. Naturally, you need to take care of the quality of the fuel, since unscrupulous work will quickly give your company a bad reputation, which will force motorists to drive around the gas station several kilometers away. This is quite difficult to do, but there are three common ways to ensure a supply of high-quality fuel.
The first is the purchase of your own fuel tanker or gas tanker, which will be sent to pick up the goods when the tanks at the gas station are emptied. This option requires a significant investment, since even a used car of this type will cost approximately 10 thousand dollars. A new fuel truck with a large tank capable of serving a large gas station will cost 80–120 thousand dollars. In addition, it is necessary that the oil depot or oil refinery be located within 100 kilometers - otherwise this delivery method will simply be unprofitable.
The second is an agreement with the manufacturer or wholesale distributor of fuel on the support of each delivered batch by your forwarder. It will monitor the path from the oil storage tank, ensuring that there is no dilution, addition of additional components or deterioration of the fuel quality in other ways. This method involves adding the freight forwarder’s salary to the cost of refueling. In addition, not all wholesalers agree to such control of their activities.
If you buy a business plan for a gas filling station or a regular gas station from a franchise company, you can use a ready-made fuel supply scheme. The advantages of this method are the opportunity to purchase branded fuel, which is advertised throughout the country and is familiar to every motorist. In addition, the likelihood of a decrease in fuel quality will be almost minimal, since such fraud will cause damage not only to the owner of the gas station, but also to the brand holder.
Security issue
It is no secret that gas stations are very often robbed and become the target of other crimes. Therefore, during their construction, it is worth contacting security specialists who will tell you about the basic principles of interior design:
- The cashier's place is separated from the sales area and equipped with a panic button;
- The safe is equipped with a mechanism for self-destruction of internal contents;
- There are surveillance cameras and security alarms inside.
Don't skimp on security
In addition, at least one room should be equipped with an armored door that can only be locked from the inside - this will help save the lives of your employees in the event of an armed robbery.
It is best to have the gas station guarded by a professional agency - this service has become very popular lately. You don’t have to think about security issues - agency specialists will install security cameras, contact sensors and a “panic button” inside. A security service vehicle with appropriate markings will periodically appear at your enterprise, which will scare off unprofessional robbers. In addition, the gas station will be connected to a centralized control panel, which will ensure an immediate response to any danger. Particularly large gas stations with their own cafe require a constant presence of security - it is best not to hire your own employees, but to use the appropriate service of a professional agency.
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Undoubtedly, automobile fuel is the most popular product today. Therefore, many would like to open a gas station. And even despite the high level of competition among sellers involved in the sale of fuel, this business is considered promising and profitable. Gas stations, not only today, but also in the future, will be able to bring good income to their owners, since the number of cars in cities is steadily growing from year to year.
According to experts, depending on the location of the gas station and the locality, engaging in such a business can earn up to a million rubles in profit per month. But we must keep in mind that when looking for an answer to the question: how much does it cost to open a gas station, it turns out that it is impossible to organize this business. According to rough estimates, an amount of 10 million rubles will be required, which is slightly less.
Opening a gas station is quite a troublesome business, so when deciding to start this type of business, you need to know some of its nuances and features in advance. Perhaps, having understood everything, you will be able to more accurately calculate the cost of opening a gas station. Today, there are two ways to build this type of business, such as opening a gas station. One of them is opening a small gas station under your own brand, the operation of which does not require cooperation with large companies. The second way is called building a franchise business. Many sources claim that franchising is the most cost-effective way to start a business. This can be explained by a number of reasons.
To take or not to take a franchise
Let's start with the fact that the process of creating this type of business contains many nuances, so it will be much easier to bring this idea to life by following the advice of experienced specialists. And there should be no doubt that large companies engaged in the oil business employ experienced employees. Therefore, they can always clearly advise you on what is needed to open a gas station, in particular, what equipment to purchase and what scale to choose so that it is optimal for your situation, and how to prepare the documents correctly. In addition, with their help it will be easier for you to find a reliable company specializing in the construction of gas stations.
Another reason for choosing franchising to open a gas station is the opportunity to work with branded companies. It's no secret that today at small gas stations you can often fill your car with low-quality fuel, after which problems with the car begin to arise. This is why many motorists prefer to buy fuel at gas stations that work with large oil companies such as Rosneft. In other words, the promoted brand of large companies helps to increase sales volumes. Of course, for this partnership, which brings benefits, you will have to share the profits with your “mentor,” but there is no doubt that it is worth it.
You also need to know about the disadvantages
True, this approach to creating your own business also has disadvantages. When they explain how to open a gas station under a franchise agreement, they try not to talk about them. For example, some of the companies offering franchises stipulate that the entire work process will have to take place under the guidance of a specially hired manager. It doesn’t matter to them that this is your own business. Such a manager, as a rule, manages the affairs of several gas stations at once and over time begins to behave like an owner. And if you eventually have a desire to open a gas station on your own territory, for example, then most likely you will have to coordinate your plan with a hired manager.
Choosing a place for a gas station
If you have already decided for yourself which way of building a business suits you best, now you will need to choose a site for your gas station. When choosing a plot of land for a gas station, you need to take into account that it must certainly meet a number of requirements, in particular, the nearest residential building must be located at a distance of at least 30 meters from it. All requirements for the site and refueling are listed in the relevant documents; you can familiarize yourself with them at the authorities of the Ministry of Fuel and Energy and Rospotrebnadzor. Once a land plot for the construction of a gas station has been selected, you need to take care of drawing up complete project documentation and its approval by Rospotrebnadzor. Thus, you will have the opportunity to start construction and if you try, it will not turn into a long-term construction.
Partners have their own requirements
If you have chosen franchising to build your business, then you will need to choose a site for a gas station taking into account the requirements of the company that owns the franchise. For example, many large fuel companies have strict requirements for the width of the passage to the gas station, the number of square meters of the gas station, and even the lawn in front of the gas station. If the plot that you have selected does not meet the requirements, then you will have to make a choice, either look for a new partner, or look for a new plot of land. It is quite difficult to name even an approximate amount of costs that will be required for a plot of land suitable for a gas station, since it depends on many factors, in particular, on the location, on the type of settlement and much more. So, in large cities of Russia you can rent such a plot for an average of one hundred thousand rubles per month.
It is better to entrust the construction of gas stations to professionals
Once a site that meets all the requirements has been selected, you can start looking for a construction company that has experience in the construction of gas stations. Companies with this specialization usually offer their clients a turnkey construction service for gas stations. In addition, they can select the optimal set of equipment specifically for the gas station they have built. Today, two refueling installations with a head computer can cost you about a million rubles.
The main criterion for choosing a construction company should be its reliability. The longer a company operates in the construction market, the more gas stations it has built, which means there is no doubt about its reliability. But we must definitely remember that it is better to give preference to professionals. If you decide to start creating your own business “under the wing” of a large brand company, then all you have to do is follow the advice that its specialists will give you. By the way, they say that some giants of this type of business have subsidiaries that specialize in the construction of this kind of facilities.
Fuel supplies to gas stations
At the next stage of building a business, it is necessary to arrange fuel supplies to gas stations. To put it bluntly, resolving this important issue will not be easy. In today's fight against competitors, high-quality fuel is often a decisive factor. Therefore, you need to try to find a conscientious partner. The standard supply scheme can be represented as follows: an oil refinery produces fuel, which is supplied to bases and storage facilities, and only then distributed to gas stations. It must be admitted that today the quality of produced fuel leaves much to be desired.
To prevent “well-wishers” from reducing the quality of gasoline during transportation, you need to try to arrange supplies so that the fuel is under constant control along the entire route from the oil refinery to the gas station. This will allow you to receive fuel of the same quality as it was when it left the factory. For various reasons, this is not easy to do.
A little about gas station safety
Gas station security deserves special attention. To solve this issue, it is enough to take some measures, in particular, organize security at the station and install an alarm button, equip a place for the cashier, protecting it with armored doors and glass. It should be taken into account that the cashier’s workplace should not be visible from the street.
List: what you need to open a gas station
During the entire time you are building your business, you will have to deal with the preparation of the following documents:
- Draw up complete design documentation for the gas station and land plot. It must be agreed with Rospotrebnadzor;
- You must have permission from the SES and environmental service to trade in fuel. In the future, periodic checks will be carried out to ensure that the organization of your work complies with established standards;
- You will need to obtain a license to sell and store fuel. It is issued by local authorities of the Ministry of Fuel and Energy;
- You must have a fire department permit to sell fuel. It will be given to you after they check that your gas station complies with all fire safety standards;
- It will be necessary to conclude agreements for the servicing of gas stations by housing and communal services for garbage removal and deratization;
- All fuel supplied to your gas station must have certificates.
You will learn about other documents as you work.
In this material:
A gas station business plan will help you understand whether opening it will be profitable and what difficulties you will have to face. First of all, you should decide on the start-up capital required to open a gas station. Working in this area of business involves obtaining a large number of permits, since this industry is recognized as dangerous at the legislative level. Registration of permitting documentation can take a long period and require significant financial investments.
Of course, the company's activities will be audited by the relevant government agencies so that they can ensure that all rules and regulations are being followed. Another characteristic feature of the business of selling fuel to the public is large start-up capital and significant operating costs. Experienced entrepreneurs recommend purchasing a plot of land and equipping it accordingly. The facility will need to be equipped with an alarm system and security guards hired. When opening a gas station from scratch, you must be prepared for the fact that it will take a lot of time to implement the project.
Choosing a project format
Of course, working in this field of activity requires a thoughtful approach. A gas station business plan, a ready-made example of which is given below, is the most important part of the process of starting your own business. First, you need to choose the format in which your company will operate. You can open a gas station under your own brand or purchase a franchise. A gas station can provide services for the sale of gasoline, diesel fuel and gas. Each direction has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Opening a gas station from scratch is not the best idea for a new entrepreneur. Opening such a business requires significant investment compared to operating under the brand name of a well-known enterprise. In addition to the impressive starting capital, you will be faced with the need to develop your own client base and problems with purchasing fuel. This means you risk going bankrupt quickly. However, this format also has its advantages: you can organize the work of a gas station at your own discretion, without adjusting it to the standards of a large company.
Aspiring entrepreneurs are recommended to start their business by purchasing a franchise. Similar services are provided by large well-known companies. Starting to work under the brand of this company, you will not have problems with fuel supply and customer base. The disadvantages of this format are: the inability to act independently, the need to pay a monthly franchise.
Choosing a territory for a gas station
Before starting the construction of a gas station, the following documents must be drawn up: an agreement for the supply of fuel, an agreement for the removal of solid waste, an agreement on rodent control. When opening your own business, you need to choose the territory where the gas station will be located. Typically, such enterprises are built near highways and busy avenues. Convenient access roads should be provided to your gas station. The area of the site depends on the scale of the project. As an example, let’s take the opening of a gas station with a tire service and a small cafe. In addition to these main facilities, it is necessary to locate fuel storage tanks, an administrative building and several gas stations on the territory. It is better to entrust the design and construction of production facilities to professionals.
After all the main facilities have been built, it is necessary to start purchasing equipment.
In order for your gas station to start functioning, you will need the following equipment: tanks for storing fuel, a tank for pumping gasoline, gas pumps, and a storm drain tank. When opening a gas filling station, you will need a slightly different list of equipment. To implement such a project, a tie-in into the city gas pipeline will be required. It is mandatory to install a compressor to liquefy the gas. Opening such stations is expensive, so even in large cities they are available in small quantities.
In addition to the production line, you should also take care of the automation of work processes. To do this, you need to purchase a computer and install the appropriate software. It is necessary to arrange a staff rest room, a cashier's workplace and a bathroom. If you plan to add a store or cafe to the gas station, you will have to equip these premises as well.
The opening of a gas station will not be permitted without the installation of a fire alarm.
Drawing up a contract for the supply of fuel is the most important part of a gas station business plan. Working as a franchise, you will always be provided with high-quality fuel from a well-known brand. Starting a business from scratch, you may face the problem of finding suppliers among oil refining companies. You can enter into a contract for the supply of gasoline with an oil depot, so you can purchase fuel at a good discount.
Taking into account the provision of services around the clock, it will be necessary to organize the work of personnel in several shifts. The optimal schedule is considered to be every three days. The shift should include: a gas station operator, a cashier and a security guard. Additionally, you will need to hire a janitor, accountant and manager.
Calculation of business profitability
Let's give an example of calculating the costs of opening one gas station in a large city. Acquiring ownership of a plot within the city will cost you 25 million rubles, paperwork - 2 million rubles, construction of production facilities - 6.5 million rubles, purchase of equipment - 3 million rubles. Thus, the starting investment when opening a gas station will be 36.5 million rubles.
Now let’s calculate the annual expenses: staff salaries - 5 million rubles, purchase of fuel - 10 million rubles, taxes - 1.5 million rubles, operating expenses - 2 million rubles. The average annual revenue of a gas station is 25 million rubles, minus operating expenses, we get a net profit of 6.5 million rubles. Financial investments will pay off in 5-6 years.
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