View Full Version : Are people in NJ too stupid to pump their own gas?
lindrusso
08-07-2006, 08:07 PM
Anyone catch this clip with Ed Helms from The Daily Show? Here's the link (http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/videos/ed_helms/index.jhtml) - click on the clip for "Pump My Ride". It is absolutely hilarious. I laughed so hard I cried.
But after viewing, DH and I have been discussing this and wondering if anyone in NJ supports having only full serve at the pumps? If so, why? Who does it benefit - as in, why have any attempts to introduces self-serve been unsuccessful?
Well, in any case, the whole issue sure made for some good fun on The Daily Show. :)
mbrogier
08-07-2006, 08:17 PM
That was hilarious!
Watch out for those bears or wild dogs!
newtricks
08-07-2006, 08:37 PM
Are people in NJ too stupid to pump their own gas?
I don't know, first tell me how much you pay for the privilege of pumping your own. ;) After living in CA for many years I certainly am capable of it, but enjoy not having to anymore.
Okay, I do have to admit that clip was hilarious! I guess making fun of Oregon wouldn't have been nearly as funny... :rolleyes: But I also admit that I love not having to pump gas, and every time "they" try to introduce a bill to bring self-serve here, I cross my fingers and hope it doesn't work out. So far, so good! :D
aggie94
08-07-2006, 10:23 PM
But after viewing, DH and I have been discussing this and wondering if anyone in NJ supports having only full serve at the pumps? If so, why? Who does it benefit - as in, why have any attempts to introduces self-serve been unsuccessful?
Not NJ (and didn't watch the clip), but I can say that when I leaved in OR (the only other state where self-serve is illegal), every attempt to introduce self-serve was unsuccessful for a lot of different reasons. And yes, it was easy to get used to having someone else pump your own gas, especially in the rainy season (which is pretty much the whole darn year!). The only frustrating part was having to wait for an attendant when there were empty pumps available, just not enough people to actually pump the gas.
BTW, at least in OR, the attendants will always let you pump your own gas if you are in a motorcycle. At least that's what DH tells me.
Clover
08-07-2006, 11:20 PM
But after viewing, DH and I have been discussing this and wondering if anyone in NJ supports having only full serve at the pumps? If so, why? Who does it benefit - as in, why have any attempts to introduces self-serve been unsuccessful?
I don't know about NJ, but I think the lack of self-service pumps is one of the very nicest things about Oregon. Of course, I grew up and was owning cars when the smiling attendant filled the tank, checked the oil and radiator, washed all the windows--not just the windshield--and the outside mirrors, all without being asked, checked the tires if requested, and gave you a free drinking glass and savings stamps. Free maps, too. Now you have to work all day at your own job, and then go to work as a gas station attendant, but instead of getting paid for it, you pay them. I don't see this as a good thing. Life was better when I could relax and be waited on.
honeygirl1971
08-08-2006, 03:54 AM
That clip is awesome...hilarious!! :D I didn't even realize NJ also had the full-service thing like Oregon (I haven't spent much time in the NE). In Oregon I don't mind the full-service thing since it IS nice to have someone else do it for a change, although I agree that waiting around for an attendant can be annoying. And with prices so high, I can see why people might prefer to pay less and pump their own...
Chefzhat
08-08-2006, 04:59 AM
Just out of curiosity, what does full service cost?
I'm another that grew up with full service stations, and I remember them fondly. My mom has never gotten used to pumping her own gas, and a lot of her friends won't do it at all. So every Sunday morning all the hubbies are out gassing up the wife's car - then the guys all go for coffee. :) Small town.
Funny clip. I love the daily show.
momqat
08-08-2006, 05:25 AM
Just out of curiosity, what does full service cost?
Although I live in MA, I grew up in Jersey and still have family and friends there, so travel from MA to Jersey several times a year. And have found that gas in Jersey is, for the most part (can only speak to my own experiences, but do stop at pumps all over the state), cheaper than gas prices in MA and CT.
I have also recently found a couple of local (MA) gas stations not too far from me that are full serve (an oddity, to be sure) and they, too, are cheaper than the self serve.
It really IS nice to be waited on and have your windows washed and even *GASP* your oil checked occasionally!!! :eek: :D :D
lindrusso
08-08-2006, 06:02 AM
I guess our question stems more from the point of view of the station owner rather than the consumer. It seems silly that they are mandated to offer full service. Just an example of something that government doesn't need its nose in.
It would be rather like forcing FF restaurants to have waitresses. It might be nice for the consumer, but should establishments be forced to offer it?
In any case, the most unbelievable part of the clip was the lobbyist who tried to show that you may well be taking your own life in your hands if you try to pump your own gas. Apparently he doesn't mind putting the gas station attendants in "harms way", though. :rolleyes: What a juicy find that guy was - Ed didn't even have to work too hard to make it funny. :D
greysangel
08-08-2006, 06:47 AM
Well most stations I go to are not full service meaning window washing and oil checking. They just pump your gas for you. I paid 2.95 a gallon over the weekend.
mrswaz
08-08-2006, 07:54 AM
It seems to me that with full serve there is less of a risk of drive-offs, so you could offer your gas at a slightly lower price. I know here since gas keeps going up, gas stations are reeling from all the drive-offs, and many of them are requiring pre-pay.
BarbaraL
08-08-2006, 09:19 AM
A New Jerseyan checking in. My understanding is that the state banned self-serve in order to block the creation of enormous mega-service stations. New Jersey tends to have lower gas prices than our neighbors, despite the lack of self-serve, so I don't understand the argument that self-serve will lower prices. If they introduce self-serve, our current prices will become the self-service prices, and they'll raise the price for having someone else do it.
I have pumped my own gas when I've traveled out of state. I do enjoy not having to pump my own gas, especially when it's freezing cold or raining, not having my hands smell like gasoline, and not worrying about splashing gasoline on myself or my clothes.
newtricks
08-08-2006, 09:34 AM
New Jersey tends to have lower gas prices than our neighbors, despite the lack of self-serve, so I don't understand the argument that self-serve will lower prices. If they introduce self-serve, our current prices will become the self-service prices, and they'll raise the price for having someone else do it.
I think people who haven'tbeen here might not understand this point. In California, at least when I lived there, they added a huge premium (like .50 a gallon maybe?) for full serve gas. But in NJ, we don't pay that premium - we pay the same price for full-serve as other states pay for self serve.
Which still sort of begs the question - Why are New Jerseyans stupid for only having full serve? :confused:
(I agree that the piece was funny but not sure why this thread went the stupid route)
lindrusso
08-08-2006, 09:49 AM
(I agree that the piece was funny but not sure why this thread went the stupid route)
Because the guy in the Ed Helms piece bascially said that unless people from NJ had been conditioned from birth to peform this task, they really wouldn't know what they were doing. Kinda like it was just too hard to teach them now that they'd been pampered by full service for so long. :rolleyes:
There may be perfectly good reasons for keeping NJ full-serve, but this guy certainly wasn't giving us ANY of those reasons. What a dolt!
aggie94
08-08-2006, 09:51 AM
Well most stations I go to are not full service meaning window washing and oil checking. They just pump your gas for you. I paid 2.95 a gallon over the weekend.
Ditto what Jeanne said. Most stations in OR are not full-service, they just aren't self-service. The attendants pump the gas for you and take your payment but most don't wash your windows or check your oil. Some will ask if you want your window washed, but the price of gas there is not any higher than, say, just up the interstate in Washington.
Former Jerseyan checking in here, and I loved not having to pump my own gas -- and, the price was always less than over in New York (and probably in other areas of the Northeast as well). It used to burn me up no end when I'd go visit my parents in NY, and I had to fork over *more* money, and do the work myself. Especially when it was raining, snowing, or hellishly hot.
Even though self-serve gas is legal in most of Massachusetts, I happen to live in a town where it is prohibited -- towns in Mass. have the right to make self-serve illegal if they want to. (New England = home-rule capital of the world). I wasn't aware of that when we moved here, but I consider it a delightful little perk. I do pay a little extra (literally, pennies) to buy gas in my town, but it's worth it to me -- I could always buy gas on the way home from work if I wanted to save the $ though. And, at least at my local station, they always wash the windows; ask if I need anything topped off; will fill my tank with washer-fluid or install new wiper blades at no extra charge, etc.
Helene
beacooker
08-08-2006, 10:07 AM
That video was hilarious!! The next time I pump gas, I will be very careful not to fall and slide under my car. And I always watch for packs of wild dogs while I pump.
I have a silly question - do the gas pumps in NJ and OR have the credit card payment thingies on them, or do the attendants take your card into the store? Because if they don't already have the credit card things on them, it seems like allowing people to do self-serve would cost gas stations a lot of money to replace their pumps.
Adding: does anyone remember the episode of the Sopranos where Chris and Paulie get lost in the Pinelands? That's the first time I've ever caught a major error in the show -- they showed Chris pumping his own gas!! DH and I couldn't believe it.
H.
aggie94
08-08-2006, 10:13 AM
I have a silly question - do the gas pumps in NJ and OR have the credit card payment thingies on them, or do the attendants take your card into the store? Because if they don't already have the credit card things on them, it seems like allowing people to do self-serve would cost gas stations a lot of money to replace their pumps.
Both in OR. Newer stations have the credit card swiper right at the pump, and older stations have them inside.
Sookie
08-08-2006, 10:13 AM
I live in NJ and love not having to pump my own gas. But, I certainly know how to!! Every time I travel anywhere I pump my own gas.
I paid $2.909 yesterday for regular and I'm pretty sure it's cheaper than in PA or NY.
Oh, and when I'm dressed up and going somewhere nice and I need gas - it's great having someone else do it for me!
BarbaraL
08-08-2006, 10:40 AM
I have a silly question - do the gas pumps in NJ and OR have the credit card payment thingies on them, or do the attendants take your card into the store? Because if they don't already have the credit card things on them, it seems like allowing people to do self-serve would cost gas stations a lot of money to replace their pumps.
The stations I visit do not have the self-serve credit card readers. My brother (who visits from Maryland) has some sort of Exxon fast-pass card, and the NJ Exxon stations have machines that read that. I can't vouch for the entire state, or even a portion of it. I have a couple of discount stations I regularly use, and it's likely they're behind the curve with technology.
Adding: does anyone remember the episode of the Sopranos where Chris and Paulie get lost in the Pinelands? That's the first time I've ever caught a major error in the show -- they showed Chris pumping his own gas!! DH and I couldn't believe it.
H.
YES!!! DH and I laughed ourselves sick when we saw that! :)
Blissful_in_TX
08-08-2006, 10:45 AM
I have to ask....do you tip the gas attendant? What if he does the extra things like washing your windshield, checking your oil, etc?
lindrusso
08-08-2006, 10:46 AM
I have to ask....do you tip the gas attendant? What if he does the extra things like washing your windshield, checking your oil, etc?
Noooooooooo! Not the tipping thing again! :p :D
Needless to say, if I lived in NJ, I wouldn't be tipping the gas attendant.............
I have to ask....do you tip the gas attendant? What if he does the extra things like washing your windshield, checking your oil, etc?
Nope, just say thanks with a big smile, although DH has been known to tip at Christmastime when it's freezing out.
(Blissful, I *love* your sig line!)
MrsReber
08-08-2006, 10:51 AM
This issue has been debated many, many times. It certainly wouldn't be any cheaper to have self-serve here for many reasons. This was in the paper recently, too. Apparently, the stations would have to put out a lot of money to make those changes- including certain types of insurance and different equipment.
The pumps do have credit card readers on them. The attendants don't have to walk into the store (at least I've never seen them do that).
I know how to pump gas just fine. However, I found that when I was first driving and I went out of state, I would forget about self-serve. A couple of times, I sat there waiting for the attendant :o ! Duh.
Ummmm, do they ever wash the windshield??? It's been a looooong time since an attendant washed my windshield. Mostly they just pump the gas and occasionally make small talk.
Personally, when the station is crowded, I'd rather have self-serve. You have to wait for someone to come over to your car and then, when the pump shuts off, you have to wait for them to come back so you can pay and be on your way. Not fun.
lindrusso
08-08-2006, 10:54 AM
I know how to pump gas just fine. However, I found that when I was first driving and I went out of state, I would forget about self-serve. A couple of times, I sat there waiting for the attendant :o ! Duh.
I had the opposite happen. I stopped at a place in NJ and totally forgot - I got dirty looks from the attendant when I tried to pump my own gas! Whoops! :o
badunnin
08-08-2006, 11:47 AM
As far as the price compared to other states, you really can't look at that unless you look at what taxes are involved, other sources of revenue for the state as far as paying for the roads, etc.
MISSINDI
08-08-2006, 06:04 PM
The stations I visit do not have the self-serve credit card readers. My brother (who visits from Maryland) has some sort of Exxon fast-pass card, and the NJ Exxon stations have machines that read that. I can't vouch for the entire state, or even a portion of it. I have a couple of discount stations I regularly use, and it's likely they're behind the curve with technology.
Speedpass. Our Exxon stations in NJ can read them - I use it sometimes.
I bristled a little at the subject heading as, without looking at the clip, it implies that should Jerseyans be outside of the state, we wouldn't know what to do, no? ;) Quite frankly, I'd rather pump my own gas as a lot of times, I'd be in and out a lot quicker that way, instead of waiting for the attendant to realize I'm there, finish with another customer, come back outside, whatever. But on the flip side, when there's a snowstorm, and we have real doozies, it's nice to get to sit in my nice warm car and let someone else take care of the pumping. Paid 2.89/gallon for that privilege this week. :D
MrsReber
08-08-2006, 06:15 PM
As far as the price compared to other states, you really can't look at that unless you look at what taxes are involved, other sources of revenue for the state as far as paying for the roads, etc.
This is very true! Glad you pointed it out. Different states levy different taxes so all prices aren't equal. The odd thing is that when we go to VA, we can generally find gas 10-20 cents cheaper than in NJ. It doesn't make much sense at all.
lindrusso
08-08-2006, 06:50 PM
I bristled a little at the subject heading as, without looking at the clip, it implies that should Jerseyans be outside of the state, we wouldn't know what to do, no? ;)
You didn't really think I was going around calling people stupid, did you? :eek: But I guess I succeeded in getting you to open the thread....... ;)
mbrogier
08-08-2006, 07:12 PM
I remember some full service stations in NC when I was little. I think most people preferred the speed of self service.
Up here in the winters, full service would be nice.
I was laughing at the politician that was so over the top. I wasn't laughing at our NJ friends.
gertdog
08-08-2006, 08:04 PM
Great clip!
I don't mind pumping my own gas when I'm out of state, and I like having someone pump it for me in NJ. I just hate it when I'm driving from NJ to upstate NY and stop at a station along the highway in PA... and sit and wait in my car for a moment before I realize I ain't in NJ anymore and I'd better get out and pump the gas myself! ;) :o
The station with the cheapest prices near us is currently $2.95/gallon. They don't have card readers on the pump, but other places do. There is one place in our area where full-serve really means full-serve: they clean your windows, check your tires, and ask if you'd like your oil checked. It's the only place in our area I know of that does those things, though.
There have been lots of letters to the editor in the Star-Ledger lately that have made me laugh- people claiming that pumping their own gas is so dangerous, there's a risk of fire or explosion, no one wearing a business suit should be forced to pump his/her own and show up for a meeting smelling like gasoline blah blah blah. As for the "dangerous" claim, yeah, people get blown up every day in the 48 states with self-serve. :rolleyes: And for the suit-wearers, I assume full-serve would still be available, just not at every pump in the state.
It's nice not having to pump my own gas, but I won't care if NJ goes to self-serve either.
lindrusso
08-08-2006, 08:06 PM
I was laughing at the politician that was so over the top. I wasn't laughing at our NJ friends.
That's one of the fun things about The Daily Show or Stephen Colbert - they seem to be making fun of one thing, but in reality, they are really poking fun at something else - in this case, the law itself, not the people of NJ.
Hopefully most who read this thread and/or saw the clip could see that. :)
kelly1964
08-08-2006, 08:16 PM
I live in NJ and I drive a Volkswagon Passat Diesel.....and I can tell you that most of the time we have to pump our own diesel......not always but most of the time......the attendants are not required to pump diesel...it actually is a courtesy if they pump the diesel......so we do need to know how to pump fuel.
lindrusso
08-08-2006, 08:26 PM
I live in NJ and I drive a Volkswagon Passat Diesel.....and I can tell you that most of the time we have to pump our own diesel......not always but most of the time......the attendants are not required to pump diesel...it actually is a courtesy if they pump the diesel......so we do need to know how to pump fuel.
That's odd. Why the exception for diesel? Huh, interesting.
mbrogier
08-09-2006, 12:50 AM
I pump gas all the time and even though I'm quite accident prone, I've never managed to blow myself up, or set myself on fire... :D I don't smell like gasoline or splash fuel on myself, either.
The fuel splashing has stopped since most gas stations request that you not top off. It's bad for your car and the evironment. All the gas run off gets into the ground water.
Jazzmatazz49
08-09-2006, 02:22 AM
Hmmmm....it's not more expensive and you get to sit in your car. I think the rest of us are stupid for having self-serve.
lindrusso
08-09-2006, 05:38 AM
Hey - I DID have a dangerous incident at the pump once.
I got out to pump my gas, lifted the nozzle and gas went spraying everywhere! :eek: I think someone rigged the pump to do this as a prank. Fortunately it sprayed on the ground and not me or my car.
So, I guess it CAN be dangerous. ;)
wallingjan1
08-09-2006, 07:57 AM
I'm glad to know about the diesel thing. The first time I went to NJ to visit inlaws, I got absolutely screamed at for trying to pump my own gas, it was like I was the dumbest person in the world. But on my last trip, now driving a Jetta diesel, I sat forever waiting. Very few things make me nervous, but I admit, the thought of fueling up in NJ does. :rolleyes:
Pam
MISSINDI
08-09-2006, 01:24 PM
You didn't really think I was going around calling people stupid, did you? :eek: But I guess I succeeded in getting you to open the thread....... ;)
Nah, I know you better than that. ;) :)
BarbaraL
08-09-2006, 01:50 PM
Hmmmm....it's not more expensive and you get to sit in your car. I think the rest of us are stupid for having self-serve.
I was thinking this, but wasn't going to say it . . .
myredcactus
08-09-2006, 03:23 PM
My points... re: NJ and GAS
1) ive in NY, and Jersey gas is way cheaper (like $2.95 vs NY at $3.35)
2) I got yelled at for pumping my own gas on the NJ Turnpike. How the heck was I supposed to know?
3) I think its mainly to keep people employed.
4) I don't tip gas station attendants if I didn't have the choice of pumping my own gas
mbrogier
08-09-2006, 03:27 PM
Hmmmm....it's not more expensive and you get to sit in your car. I think the rest of us are stupid for having self-serve.
Around Chicago, I don't have hours to sit in line waiting to get waited on. It would be nice when the stations aren't busy, but that's never around here. :rolleyes:
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