Total petrol station - sharp practice to watch out for

grizzly1911

I had the same issue but just re-holstered the nozzle and moved to another pump.

Chatting to the chap on the till he said it happens all the time.

I know it is a marketing ploy but what is the point, why do people buy it.

I know the petrol may make some difference in a small proportion of cars - perhaps. But for the majority they are fixed/tuned to run on the bog standard stuff.

I see even less point with Diesel.

No doubt someone will pipe up saying how rubbish certain supermarket fuel is too.

mgdavid

taxiphil wrote: »

....... people can't be expected to automatically know that this ISN'T the fuel being advertised on the main price tower - they may just assume that Excellium is a gimmicky brand name given to the standard product, as in the case of Shell's Fuelsave.
..............

... but people CAN be expected to check; anyone that just assumes things is going to be a victim of some sort or other sooner or later.

Notmyrealname

taxiphil wrote: »

My point is as stated in my original post. Have you got any opinions to contribute?

Yes. They have the words Excellium plastered all over the pump. When you pick up the pump handle, the pump displays the cost per litre.

You have to be over 16 to use a petrol pump and therefore are more than capable of checking you are putting in what you want to. It is your responsibility to ensure you're buying what you want to.

Notmyrealname

newbutold wrote: »

I fell for this at a Total garage in Manchester. It's only upon paying a noticed the diesel price on receipt was higher than quoted on the massive board at edge of forecourt. I queried this with the cashier and they said that price is for regular diesel, you bought premium.

I must admit I did feel cheated as this was not clear at the pump.

So the words Excellium on the pump and the fact that the pump displayed a higher price per litre on the display at eye height higher than the regular price diesel wasn't enough? What did you want, a big flashing light and siren?

Crabman

Notmyrealname wrote: »

So the words Excellium on the pump and the fact that the pump displayed a higher price per litre on the display at eye height higher than the regular price diesel wasn't enough? What did you want, a big flashing light and siren?

If many customers are falling for it (comment from the till operator) then it suggests that Total have got it wrong.

2010

The simple answer is don`t use Total.

I always use the supermarkets who are cheaper and can we NOT have the old chestnut about supermarket fuel being "inferior".

pelirocco

You are assuming that because this fuel costs more at the pumps the garage will make more money . I would hazard a guess its more expensive because it costs more to produce and is more expensive for the garage to buy in , and that the mark up is the same / similar for all fuels . Therefor the garage would 'make' the same amount of money no matter what fuel they sell ?

roddydogs

Its the same with Shell--you have to look carefully to see which Unleaded it is.

Hintza

taxiphil wrote: »

Around a year ago they changed the 4 pumps at the rear of the forecourt,

They have missed a trick the local BP franchise has done i on one of the front Diesel pumps so you can't even reverse when it's busy.

But at the prices they charge or normal diesel that is not very often.

giraffe69

Whether you should look or not both Total and others make a marketing ploy of blurring the brands and hoping you will buy the more expensive unleaded petrol whatever they choose to call it. It is possible but quite awkward to reverse and go to another pump especially in a crowded station . It is also annoying to queue and find they have decided to remove the best selling brand from the pump configuration and I, for one, can quite understand OP's annoyance. I share it!