Priceline For Gas, When Every Penny Counts
Written: Sep 30 '00
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I've been using Priceline.com's pre-paid gas for over a month now and have
saved some money on gas. Personally, I resent ever having to pay more than
$1.00 per gallon for gas, as we did in Georgia last Winter or Spring (I don't recall exactly when prices began to increase). However, that's another story, so with the steadily increasing price of gasoline, I was tempted by Priceline's advertisements.
Let me admit that I was cautious the first time I bid, fearing that, somehow, Priceline's rate would not be honored at the gas station. However, I am fairly intelligent and finally understood that once your bid on gas has been accepted, Priceline immediately charges your credit card for that amount and regardless what the receipt from the gas station says, they have no way to charge you more. The gas station doesn't have your credit card information.
Let me explain from the beginning.
1. Go to Priceline.com. Click on "Gasoline for $.10 to $.20 less".
2. Sign in, giving your credit card information.
3. Put in your zip code or town. From the stations shown in your area select at least three at which you'd be willing to shop.
4. Click on the price you're willing to pay or enter a lower amount just to see if you can get it. In 60 seconds your price will either be accepted or it won't.
My first try I was able to get a price of $1.15 per gallon, even though gas in my area was in the high $1.30's. By the time I used my prepaid gas, the station price was up to $1.42 per gallon. Unfortunately, as I said, I was very tentative about this at first and had only pre-paid for 20 gallons. When I went back to Priceline to get more the best I could do was $1.25 at a station that was charging $1.41. This time I asked for 30 gallons and recently I pre-paid for 50 gallons at $1.30 per gallon. I really don't expect the price of gasoline to go down this winter, but if it should go below what I have pre-paid, Priceline promises to refund to my credit card any difference.
Now, I'll continue describing the process. The first time you bid on gasoline you have to wait five to seven days for your blue card to arrive in the mail. After that you continue to use the same card. You have 90 days in which to use your pre-paid gas.
5. At the pump, put the card in the credit card slot, enter your user code which was given to you at the Priceline site and e-mailed to you.
6. Pump your gas and leave. I always get a receipt to help me keep up with
how many gallons I have left at this station. Here is why:
You are allowed to pump up to five gallons more than you have pre-paid at
the pre-paid price, but if you go over that limit, you'll be charged at the pump price for the entire transaction. CAUTION FLAG! For this reason,
always know how many gallons you have pre-paid for and the number left to
use before you go to the station. You can look this up on Priceline under your account information.
I've written at length about this in order to allay the fears of those who would not use this service because of doubts, as well as to point out where caution must be used. All in all, I think this is worth a try.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
education1
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Member: Jackie Jones
Location: Conyers, Georgia USA
Reviews written: 89
Trusted by: 44 members
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