From: tzeruch@ceddec.com
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 1997 05:10:57 +0800
To: Brad Dolan <bdolan@USIT.NET>
Subject: Re: Shell cancels all but $25 pre-paid cards
In-Reply-To: <Pine.GSO.3.95.970625065731.890A-100000@use.usit.net>
Message-ID: <97Jun25.163258edt.32257@brickwall.ceddec.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain



On Wed, 25 Jun 1997, Brad Dolan wrote:

> 
> About 6 months ago, Shell introduced pre-paid cards in $25, 50 and 100
> denominations which could be used to ~anonymously pay for gas at the pump.
> Suddenly, Shell has withdrawn all but the nearly-pointless $25 cards.
> 
> Security problems?
> 
> Complaints from the Freehdom usurpers?
> 
> Inquiring minds want to know.

Probably because they sold the $50 and $100 at a discount ($48 and $94).

Margins are slim in the competitive areas, so getting a 6% discount (on
something you can charge to a cashback card) probably ate into their
profits.  I didn't ask why, but I bought a few $100 since there is a
Shell station at the corner :).

$100 of gas for $94 - I'll take it while I can.