The Business Side of Things

What to Do If the Feasibility Report Shows a Problem

Any company or person considering building a gas station needs to have a feasibility study done on the site before proceeding further with plans. That feasibility study helps you determine if your idea is already sound or if there is another problem that you need to address before you can start building. Most of the time, the news will be good, and any issues found will be minor. However, occasionally a study will uncover a big issue, and you need to know what to do next.

Is the Problem Temporary?

First, is the problem temporary? For example, lots of construction in an area can make it more difficult for cars to get to locations across an intersection, especially if traffic is directed toward a detour route that takes people away from your chosen corner. But construction is temporary. If the area has no other gas stations, and the location is generally good except for that construction (or other issues), you can see how long it might take for the station construction to be completed. For all you know, maybe your station will be ready just as the road construction is finishing up.

Is the Problem with the Location or Your Business Plan?

If the problems are all related to the location, but the business plan is good, you're actually halfway there. You'd need to scout for another location, but that can be done. If the problem is with the business plan, you may be able to modify the plan enough so that you can proceed with your original goals. If the plan can't be fixed, the company that did the study might offer consulting services or might be able to give you names of consultants who can help you create a better plan.

Is the Problem Common Across the City?

Sometimes there's a problem with your plan, but it's one that you can't really do much about anywhere you go. For example, streets with medians mean people approaching your gas station from the other side of the road have to make a U-turn or find a different station. Yet many cities are installing center medians in busy streets, making that problem a very common one. If you come across something like that, modify your business plan to compensate for the potential lost sales as people drive by. It's something you'd have to do no matter where you went in that area.

These studies are thorough, so don't be surprised if the one you have done does find something. Tackle it head-on so you can get going with your gas station plans. Learn more by contacting gas station feasibility study services.