UPDATE...Price Line Gasoline Card
Written: Aug 25 '00 (Updated Oct 05 '00)
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UPDATE.....For those of you who have not heard...Priceline has ceased operations for the Web House operations which include the Gasoline and Grocery part of the business.
The below review was written Prior to the announcement!
I just received an e-mail from Price Line (8/25/00) about the Gasoline Program and the news is great!
Here is the e-mail:
Name Your Own Price for Gas has just gotten even better.
Great News! - No Monthly Fees For Gasoline
Since launch over 250,000 customers nationwide have used Priceline
Gasoline to save money on their gas. Because of this trememdous
response we are able to eliminate the original $3 per month Priceline
for Gasoline processing free (originally planned for launch in
September). So, now you'll be able to use Priceline for Gasoline with
no monthly fee!
Now for my review:
Before I start my review I want it to be known that I am paying $1.84 for a gallon of regular gas (as of 7/03/00.)
After waiting almost 2 months I finally received my Priceline Gasoline card. So I naturally decided to check it out immediately.
For everyone who is familiar with Priceline, it seems to work similar to the grocery card with some distinct differences. You pick your price and wait to see if it is accepted. If so, you now made the purchase of gasoline.
Here are the differences...
You are asked to enter your zip code and a listing of the participating stations are listed. You then choose the grade of gas you want in addition to 3 gas stations in your area. Enter the amount of gas you want to put onto the card and then wait for the response. It took less than 30 seconds for the acceptance to appear. You are given an ID#. This number acts as your PIN number.
I decided to try the least expensive choice even though I was told it had a 33% chance of being accepted. Well, no surprise to me it was. After it was accepted I was told I had to purchase the 30 gallons I requested by 10/01/00. One of the stations I picked was displayed as well as the price I requested. I don't have to use all the gas on one purchase as it will carry over to the next purchase.
They do give you two warnings though...Do not exceed the number of gallons you purchased by more than 5 or you will be billed the pump price plus $1.50. If you exceed the amount you purchased by 5 gallons or less then you will pay only the amount that was the accepted price. So I guess you have to keep pretty good records on the number of gallons you are putting into your car. The second one is you have to wait 8 hours until you use the card at the gas station after your price is accepted. That does not seem to be a major problem.
After your purchase is confirmed you will receive an e-mail confirming your purchase. I have attached a copy of the confirming e-mail that I received.
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Congratulations! We're delighted that we were able to get you your low price for gasoline. The total pre-paid amount charged to your credit or check card on file with us was $50.40.
Please note: In order for us to notify our participating gasoline stations of your accepted request, please allow 8 hours before going to the pump.
Remember, you can have a total of 50 pre-paid gallons in your account at any one time, and may pump up to a maximum of 100 gallons per month. To Name Your Own Price and lock in additional gallons click on the link below (AOL users cut and paste this link into your browser).
http://gasoline.priceline.com
If you go to a different station, pump a different grade of gas OR get a different service of gas than you have agreed to, your credit or check card on file with us will be charged the FULL pump price of the gallons pumped plus a $1.50 processing fee.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, HERE'S AN OVERVIEW OF YOUR PURCHASE
Thank you for visiting Mobil Oil Company station in Brooklyn, NY
PRE-PAID PURCHASE DETAILS
Station:
Address:
Expiration Date: 2000-10-01
Pre-Paid Gallons: 30
Gasoline Grade: Regular
Your Pre-Paid Price: $1.68
Credit Card Charges: $50.40
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Nikjdog
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Member: Mike
Location: New York City
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 174 members
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I donate all money made on Epinions to the Humane Society of the United States
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