Motorway rip-off pricing

GreyPilgrim

Nice one rog, I'll bookmark that one. I find that buying stuff on the motorway is like going to the sweetshop in a cinema - it's only when you're standing there paying through the nose for something do you think "why didn't I plan ahead ang get this from the local shop"

I don't know whether the "we need to cover the expense of building access roads and staying open 24-7" stands - I may be able to allow a little bit of markup for that, but motorway service prices as they are are completely indefensible.

GP

rog2

We don't have to worry about the expense of building approach roads - if the corporate giants who own these chains did not see the potential, they would not invest.

C_Ronaldo

that is a good site., some years ago a couple did a similar sort of thing but put it into like a book which is better then you can keep it in your car

GreyPilgrim

Well I for one shall never use a moto / Welcome break station again, and I shall always pee in a bush in a lay by (using Tesco Value toilet paper for anything more strenuous, I hasten to add!!!)

rog2

C_Ronaldo wrote:

that is a good site., some years ago a couple did a similar sort of thing but put it into like a book which is better then you can keep it in your car

It is good, but it's more difficult to update a book. :beer:

Dr.Shoe_2

You will find that most largish towns that are situated near motorways will have at least one superstore near a junction...

rog2

GreyPilgrim wrote:

Well I for one shall never use a moto / Welcome break station again, and I shall always pee in a bush in a lay by (using Tesco Value toilet paper for anything more strenuous, I hasten to add!!!)

Tesco Value Toilet Paper has got to be better than those service station bog rolls that disappear back into the dispenser, when you try to pull off more than one square:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Smashing

rog2 wrote:

Tesco Value Toilet Paper has got to be better than those service station bog rolls that disappear back into the dispenser, when you try to pull off more than one square:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

God, I hate those ferris wheel dispenser things, with their lovely serrated edges taking off the top layer of your skin as you disappear up the side trying to reach the loose end. :rolleyes:

rog2

KathrynPenguin wrote:

In defense of motorway service stations. They are required to pay for suitable access roads to be built, they have to open 24/7 365 days a year (and believe me on Xmas day when they are paying top dollar for staff they have naff all customers - I've been one!). They have to provide free toilet facilities to everybody and last of all they take coaches.

In my youth I played in a marching band and travelled extensively - often the only place we were able to stop was the service station - nowhere else would take a coach full of kids, with their packed lunches who just wanted to use the loo and not buy anything.

I'm sure they do profit, but probaby nowhere near as much as Tesco - who are indeed a cheaper alternative!

The Motorway Service Stations, and I include Little Chef/Happy Eater for the Non-Motorway Trunk Roads, set out to 'kill-off' the traditional Greasy Spoon Transport Cafe, where you could get a 'brew' for a few pence, and knew that the food you ate had been cooked on the premises (not just re-heated). For the most part they succeeded.
I accept that one could use the same argument for 'Tesco' and their ilk, against the small shops.
However, there is one major difference - Tesco brought prices down, and still have to compete on price to keep their business. Motorway Service Stations operate purely on a 'Supply and Demand' basis - they do not need to compete with each other as they are well spaced out, so once they had gotten rid of the independent competition, Up went their prices and Up they have stayed.
Yes, for a large group, e.g. Coach parties, they provide a service for 'comfort breaks'. If you look at our European Neighbours, you will find that their Motorway Service Stations are not particularly cheap, although generally a lot cheaper than the UK, and the majority are smaller than those here. But, at the same time, their Motorway networks include Parking/Picnic areas, usually every 10/15 miles, equipped with free toilet facilities and, with unfortunate exceptions, usually kept spotlessly clean.

lynzpower

I have such objections to motoway services stations.

I had 2 terrible experiences only last week whne we motored to creamfields from london

stop one. Hot drink. I know these places cant manage to make a decent cup of tea, so i plumped for a £2 hot choc courtesy of our freinds at starbucks (who i object to on a moral level in any case) it tasted of grit. thanks for the reminder I need to complain about that

STOP 2- way home, so obv didnt have anything & hadnt eaten all day. Wimpy ( not good) bean burger meal . 2 meals from there equivalent to half the weekely shop. One bean located in the bean burger - predominantly carrot. Very greasy. Glad i didnt choose the meat version!

Such a blatant rip. And they alwasys have those cash points that charge you 1.75 to draw cash out.