7-Eleven has just released a smartphone app that allows drivers to ‘lock in’ the cheapest price for petrol, based on their location and real-time fuel-price data.
The way it works is that you select the type of fuel you want (unleaded, diesel, gas, etc.) and the app automatically finds the 7-Eleven station where this fuel is the cheapest. You can then pre-purchase your fuel – selecting between 10 and 150 litres – and the app calculates the cost based on that price. Following purchase, you have seven days to visit your chosen 7-Eleven and fuel up.
The Lock It In app, designed to compete with Coles and Woolworths’ fuel discount promotions, has the potential of giving customers a very good deal – and, of course, 7-Eleven benefits, too, because while paying for your petrol, you can add on additional convenience-store goodies.
While the app is free, users must purchase a 7-Eleven petrol card and load it up with between $10 and $100. By forcing users to commit money and by giving you a strict seven-day validity period, 7-Eleven’s app essentially guarantees your business.
So, should you try it? Since the app went live early last month, reviews have generally been positive, with users reporting on the smooth useability of the app itself. However, you might consider holding off until petrol station attendants get their heads around how to process the in-app purchase, as this appears to have caused confusion for some users once in-store.
Lock It In is available to download for free on iPhone and Android.