Kroger/Shell Gas Discounts--Ugh!!

I think I'm a pretty bright person and in some cases a rather patient one. But my patience with the Kroger / Shell deal to save on gas has run out. I visited my fourth Shell station today since the promotion began promising up to $1 off per gallon. The problem is that the machines at any Shell station can't read my Kroger card.

I've tried removing it quickly, slowly, both directions. I've tried typing in my alternate ID. Usually the clerk can work some magic inside, but even that didn't work today. Having gone out of my way (somewhat) to fill up at a station selling more expensive gas than down the street, I got no discounts whatsoever! I was steaming! It's not so much the fact that I had to pay more; it's the lure of a deal and then no follow through on the promise. I hate broken promises. If you can't deliver, then don't advertise you can.

The only time it has worked without problems is when I filled up at a Kroger gas station. Yes, it will take off more than $.10 per gallon--whatever you have earned since your last fill-up. So until Shell works out the kinks--if they ever do--I'm boycotting them and going to other gas stations.

Have you had problems getting your Kroger / Shell discounts? Have you found a solution?

Saving $ at the Pump-BUYER BEWARE UPDATE

I've written a couple of posts now about Kroger and Shell's promotion for saving gas. Although I still think it's a good deal, they have yet to work out the kinks. I went again today for my bi-weekly fill-up--I even tried a different Shell station--and the machines would not read my Kroger card (which I had just used at a store an hour before). Even when I typed in my number, it didn't register. So I began pumping without swiping my credit card, and the clerk inside managed to make it work. It was a hassle but it was nice to save $.40 a gallon ($7.60 for the van).

Since I'm watching ever nickel these days, it also occurred to me to check prices at the closest Shell stations. I was a little surprised to learn there was a seven cent difference per gallon in the three closest to our house, and unfortunately I stopped at the priciest station today. I could have saved another $1.33 just by going the other direction. Good info for next time. The most important tip is not to drive out of your way to save a few cents (thus burning gas, money, and time). I just try to make sure a gas fill-up is paired with another nearby errand.

I've emailed a Kroger customer service rep about the card reading errors, but they have not responded yet (two weeks now). I applaud them for a creative way to save customers money and to entice new customers to Shell, but they should have really figured out the kinks before they rolled out the promotion. Hopefully they'll fix it before implementing in other markets.

Have you had problems using your Kroger card at Shell stations?

Saving $ at the Pump-BUYER BEWARE

A couple weeks ago I posted details of how to save money on gas using your Kroger Plus card at Shell stations. I still think this is a great idea, but they're lacking in supporting it in practice. The first time I went, the machine would not read my card. When I typed in my number, it worked. Today when I tried the same thing, it wouldn't acknowledge my number. The cashier commented, "Yeah, they're not working; just come in and I'll take care of it." But I couldn't seem to figure out how to get the gas pump to start without swiping my credit card. Once I did that, the cashier couldn't give me the discount.

HEY, KROGER AND SHELL REPRESENTATIVES, THIS IS A PROBLEM!!!!

Though I'm bummed about missing out on savings today, I will go again in two weeks and save even more then. None of my points will expire between now and then; so I technically haven't lost any money--just delayed my savings. However, I would have used a cheaper station down the road and that would have saved me. Live and learn.

As for having to go inside to take care of the transaction, that is not a practical option for me. I'd either have to tote two kids inside with me and wait in line while they squirmed or leave them in an unattended car--I don't think so.

SO, KROGER AND SHELL, FIX IT OR YOU'RE LOSING ME AS A CUSTOMER!!!!

Have you had any problems with this new promotion?

Saving $ at the Pump

Always on the look-out for ways to trim my spending, I was excited about the new deal with Kroger and Shell stations. For every $100 you spend at Kroger (as tracked by your Kroger Plus card), you earn 100 points, which translates into $.10 savings per gallon of gaseline at Shell stations. We've been able to save gas like this for awhile at Kroger gas stations.

What's great about this promotion is that:

A. There are a lot more Shell stations around Knoxville than Kroger gas stations.

B. You get an additional $.10 savings for every $100 you spend. Since I had spent over $400 since the last time I gassed up using my Kroger card, I saved $.40 a gallon at the pump today. That was worth $7.20! I probably won't see that level of savings every trip, but now none of my fuel points will expire and I'll be able to save a lot more money than before.

I'll take this opportunity to give a few more tips for the best way to save money at the pump--consume less:

1. Don't drive out of your way to save a few cents on gas. Build it into your driving so that getting gas is always on your way to something else.

2. Cluster your errands in one part of town to minimize driving. I try to have two or three stops to drive somewhere. This is especially important with small kids in tow who only have so much patience for shopping.

3. Along those lines, build in fun for kids in conjunction with your errands: stop at the closest park on the way home, go to the indoor play area at West Town Mall, or treat the pet store like an outing to the aquarium (it works for young kids!).

4. Limit your trips for groceries to once a week.

5. Slow down and don't tailgate. Hey we all get in a hurry, but all those sudden accelerations eat into your gas bill.

6. When possible, walk. Unfortunately, that's not a reality most of the time where we live, but I like going to Market Square when the farmer's market is there and we can walk to a number of stores.

7. Pick at least one day a week when you don't drive anywhere. We call it Pajama Day for obvious reasons and Devin loves it!

8. Consider investing in an electric or hybrid car. There are some great incentives right now, $3400 for select hybrids and up to $7500 for electric. Within five years, we're hoping to power an electric or hybrid car with solar panels. Harnessing the energy of the sun to get me from point A to point B--how cool is that?! Until then, do what you can to conserve gas and save money.