Pros and cons of Sheetz’s “Pump First” card
As fuel prices climbed to record highs last year, Sheetz started a program called “Pump First” to try to stem the number of people driving off without paying.
But in a world full of plastic cards is this one worth signing up for?
Basically, the program allows customers to use a Pump First card to fuel up before going inside the store to pay, a practice once common but no longer kosher among many filling station owners who are increasingly fearful of drive offs.
When I signed up for the program, the cashier at Sheetz scanned the bar code on the back of my license and then scanned a Pump First card that is now linked to a record of my license’s info. Should I drive off without paying for my gas, they’ll have a good idea of who did it. But if I’m honest, I can save the hassle of paying for fuel before pumping, which currently can’t be done unless I pay at the pump with a credit or debit card.
Now, Pump First is not a credit card – and it has no cash value – but the beauty of the Pump First card it takes the upfront guess work out of how money it will cost to top the tank off.
However, I feel there are a few downsides to the program:
1) The size of a credit card, the Pump First card is basically something to add to what, for some people, is already a purse, wallet or car console full of plastic cards.
2) According to a representative reached at Sheetz’s customer service line there is not a version of the card designed for key rings, much like discount cards doled out by the major grocery store chains.
3) Also, according to the customer service representative there is sort of rewards program tied to the “Pump First” program in some states, including North Carolina and Ohio, but not all.
4) Sheetz is storing some of my personal information.
The upshots to the Pump First program are:
1) It’s free.
2) It can be canceled by calling Sheetz customer service number, 1-800-765-4686. 3) Signing up for the program takes less than 20 seconds.
3) According to the folks at the customer service center, only “restricted employees at Sheetz” have access to the information.
4) There are Sheetz in six states according to the company’s Web site, and the Pump First card can be used at any location.
http://www.sheetz.com/main/news/release_details.cfm?rid=311
