A big change at the gas pump that has nothing to do with price

I love paying at the pump when I fill up my car with gas. I’ve become so accustomed to it that it is just a way of life for me. But the process isn’t perfect and here’s why.

Usually, when I am done pumping the gas, it takes me a few seconds to replace the gas nozzle to the pump and put the gas cap back on my tank. During this time, the pump display is asking me if I want a receipt. Well, I always want a receipt but sometimes I forget to check the display or I don’t get to the prompt in time to answer yes. And nothing spoils pay at the pump more than having to go inside to get your receipt.

I’m convinced a local gas station in my hometown called Murphy USA has programmed their gas pumps with me in mind. I just filled up there today and was pleasantly surprised that as soon as I finished swiping my credit card, the display asked if I wanted a receipt. Not after I filled up with gas, but before, when I was still paying attention to the display.

I’ve often preached about usability and the user experience and this just proves how important it is. One small change, asking me if I want a receipt before I pump the gas instead of after, made all of the difference in the world to me.