Today I had the misfortune of meeting an attendant claiming to go by the name of "M.D." at the Pure gas station at 28th st and 5th ave south in St. Pete. Florida. I wanted in to purchase a four pack of beer priced at $3.49 but when I got to the register, the price has jumped to $5.00. I inquired about the mark-up and was told that it was a Sunday surcharge on beer.
Having been born in the U.S. and therefore familiar with the crude shakedown, I smiled and handed over $5.00. I then made the mistake of asking for a receipt because Mr. M.D. informed me he would not issue one for his overpriced beer. Being disgusted at his underhanded behavior, I got my money back and found a gas station that didn't have a "Sunday Surcharge".
Before I moved on, I had a brief conversation with a local who told me this is common practice for the store and they've been doing it for years. Realizing I was not singled out and they are known for this, I had to write this report.
1. A shop can charge what it wants but has to write a receipt.
2. The fact that they wouldn't leads me to believe they are pocketing the difference and therefore defrauding the I.R.S. (along with any other laws they may be breaking).
3. This area can only be described as a lower socioeconomic so Mr. M.D. and the fine folks at Pure gas station are running this scam on the disenfranchised (poor people who need the money the most and can't fight back due to their position in society).
Pure Gas Station Reviews
Today I had the misfortune of meeting an attendant claiming to go by the name of "M.D." at the Pure gas station at 28th st and 5th ave south in St. Pete. Florida. I wanted in to purchase a four pack of beer priced at $3.49 but when I got to the register, the price has jumped to $5.00. I inquired about the mark-up and was told that it was a Sunday surcharge on beer.
Having been born in the U.S. and therefore familiar with the crude shakedown, I smiled and handed over $5.00. I then made the mistake of asking for a receipt because Mr. M.D. informed me he would not issue one for his overpriced beer. Being disgusted at his underhanded behavior, I got my money back and found a gas station that didn't have a "Sunday Surcharge".
Before I moved on, I had a brief conversation with a local who told me this is common practice for the store and they've been doing it for years. Realizing I was not singled out and they are known for this, I had to write this report.
1. A shop can charge what it wants but has to write a receipt.
2. The fact that they wouldn't leads me to believe they are pocketing the difference and therefore defrauding the I.R.S. (along with any other laws they may be breaking).
3. This area can only be described as a lower socioeconomic so Mr. M.D. and the fine folks at Pure gas station are running this scam on the disenfranchised (poor people who need the money the most and can't fight back due to their position in society).
Shame on them.