Buying a gas station in California is an important step for any entrepreneur looking to enter the market. However, there are many obstacles that can make the process challenging, and if you’re not careful, your dreams of owning a gas station in California could be dashed in just a few short months. Here are some tips on how to own a gas station in California that will help you succeed at least one way or another.
How to Own a Gas Station in California
You must follow these steps to own a gas station:
1. Planning for your business plan – The first step in owning a gas station is planning your business plan. You need to have a solid plan of action before you enter the market because if you don’t, you could be out of luck before you even get started. The best way to plan your business plan is to decide on the type of gas station you want to own and what it will sell.
2. Register your business – A business is a type of entity that operates as an independent and separate corporation. This can be done by starting as a sole proprietor, but oftentimes there are risks associated with this. Because you want to ensure your assets will be protected, it is beneficial when operating a gas station to register it with the proper business structure.
Limited liability companies and corporations are common business structures for gas stations. You might want to consult a lawyer or accountant about which structure is best for your needs.
You must file paperwork with your state’s Secretary of State Office to register as an LLC or a corporation. Usually, you’ll have to fill out the articles of the organization (if filing as an LLC) or articles of incorporation (corporation) and pay fees in order to register. You might also need to publish notices in local newspapers, but this varies by state!
- Choose a business name –
If you want to open a gas station, it is important for you to make sure that your business name is unique (not the same as another gas station). To do this, do a quick search on the website of your Secretary of State and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Register for Taxes –
When starting a small business, you’ll need to file for an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. You can apply online and receive your EIN within minutes of signing up. If you’re operating in any state that requires a state tax ID, obtain one when getting started too!
- Buy a franchise –
There are many advantages to buying a franchise like using an established trademark and operating within their proven business model. However, make sure to have a legal review of any franchise agreements before signing the agreement.
3. Secure Funding – In order to start a gas station, you will need money. You’ll have to It takes a lot of money to start up and run your own gas station. In this section, you’ll go over what it specifically costs when you factor in purchasing property, stocking up on supplies, paying employees, and keeping with the regulations.
Financing your gas station, Although gas station businesses are profitable, the fact that they make such small profits tends to be a deterrent. This makes it more difficult for them to cover their high initial costs. The National Association of Convenience Stores reveals that privately-held gas stations made a mere 0.02 cent on each dollar in sales.
Traditional lenders don’t always lend money to new businesses. Some other financing options include- Equipment leasing, SBA loans, crowdfunding, angel investors.
4. Buy the property – When buying the property for your gas station, it’s important to talk about ownership rights of any existing tanks and pumps that already exist.
Before finalizing the purchase agreement, first, determine whether ownership rights of the equipment will transfer to your name. Make sure you research its repair history as well to see how long it has been used and what is left in such a way that you can decide whether or not to replace or reuse your existing pump.
If you are purchasing a property that has an environmental contingency clause, remember to conduct your own site assessment before signing the agreement. If this environmental site assessment leads to unfavorable findings, you can withdraw from the purchase or have your deposit refunded.
5. Secure a gas supplier contract – If you are operating a franchise and they have a preferred gas vendor, be sure to review your current agreement. If not, it’s best to get an attorney’s input. They can be sure that there are no hidden fees in their contract with the gas supply provider.
6. Obtaining the Required Permits and Licenses – It is essential to research your respective state’s business requirements. Some states require permits for the following reasons:
- Occupancy Certificate
- Fire inspection
- Sale of alcohol and tobacco
- Motor fuel outlet license
- Inspection of tanks
- Restaurant codes and regulations
- Water evacuation
7. Business Insurance – Insurance is required for these types of businesses as there are many risks involved in this type of business. Such as employee injury, property damage, equipment breakdown, and more. So insurance will protect you from these losses.
How much does it cost to start a gas station?
In order to start a gas station, you should expect to secure at least $300k. This includes startup costs like funding for the business, equipment, and supplies. These included:
- Buying property
- Registration of your business
- Permits and Licenses
- Paying employees
- Business insurance
- Setting up your gas station
- Securing the gas supplier
- Marketing material
- Initial inventory (gas, consumables)
- Setting up your convenience store
- Royalty as per your franchise agreement
Startup costs are only the beginning. There will be ongoing expenses that you will need to think about and prepare for. For example, labor wages and utilities, as well as money, can be spent on replenishing inventory. In addition, fuel for the gas station must be purchased regularly. You’ll expect to pay at least $50-$70 per 20-gallon barrel of fuel to properly maintain business.
Once you have completed all of these steps, you can finally open your gas station. Congratulations!
Conclusion
With gas prices getting higher in the US, owning a gas station could be the answer to your dreams. But, before you take on the challenge of owning a gas station there are a few things you should consider first. Planning out your business plan, checking the competition, licensing and permits for your business, financing your business, and starting up your business. Once you’ve done this make sure to go through this step-by-step guide and find out what it takes to own your own gas station.
