Comments on: Getting Pumped at Esso

By: Angus

Angus — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:42:12 +0000

I too have speculated that Esso throttles fuel delivery speed at their pumps based on the time of day. At peak hours, the fuel is likely delivered more efficiently. But when I was there (not peak hours), the delivery was painfully slow. I immediately speculated that Esso was deliberately throttling in order to expose customers to more advertising. Needless to say, I have not returned to Esso since. Shell has fast pumps. Compare for yourself, and then tell me Esso isn’t throttling.
I have no doubt that FuelCast Network is NOT directly involved to this. They wouldn’t have the ability to control fuel delivery. But that’s not to say Esso isn’t consciously doing this.

By: And They Say Digital Signage Is An Immature Medium? « >> Advertise Here!

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:27:52 +0000

[...] screens, all broken, etc. I’ve taken a poke or two at Esso for the same type of thing (Dead screens, etc). We, as an industry, had better be pretty damn cognizant that by allowing the type of thing above [...]

By: Tony Herunter

Tony Herunter — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 23:45:23 +0000

Dear Rob,

I wish to clear up a misunderstanding you have communicated to your readers with regard to our system. The Fuelcast Network does not have any linkage to Esso’s Fuel dispenser’s and there is no connection to our loop and the speed inwhich these dispensers pump fuel. Your statement, “You’ve got to know that they more than likely can control the pump speed internal to the pumps and the same company likely provides the hardware for the 2 different types of pump.” is totally inaccurate. Your suggestions are without any fact-based knowledge and are pure conjecture. I would be happy to provide you with the correct information at your convenience. You have my email address.

By: Rob Gorrie

Rob Gorrie — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:45:26 +0000

UPDATE:Mar 1,2007
These poor guys at Fuelcast – So the screen was finally fixed today, a week later, but right after it was fixed another screen at another pump at the same location went dark

Tough business, operating these networks

By: Dave Haynes

Dave Haynes — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 17:55:13 +0000

That is not an isolated case. There are screens out all over the place.

There are two things at play here:

1 – Judging by the limited # of ads the company is not awash in cash, and therefore a servicing budget
2 – Those screens can only be serviced by a very expensive technician licensed to work around a fuel dispenser. One spark and KABOOM!!!

I have never noticed whether one company’s fillers are slower than others. Personally, I’d have the things filling as fast as a Formula One pit crew, so if somebody is just there to do $20 he’s at $30 before even noticing.

I have heard, directly, from an oil company marketing person who said he liked the idea of screens at gas pumps not so much for the additional revenue from ads, but because people might be distracted by the screens and squeeze in a few extra bucks of gas because they’re preoccupied.