Shell Gasoline and Jackson’s #521

The two guys working here when I got gas the other day were ill informed about how things worked. The guy pumping my gas said that I would be able to see how much I saved using my Fred Meyer’s card on the receipt that I needed to get inside but when I got the receipt, there was nothing on there indicating anything except how much money I had just paid. Then when I asked the guy at the register, he said that that information would be out on the pump (which it usually is) but wasn’t. How hard is it to be on top of working at a gas station? Apparently very.

I must say the attendant was nice, and was powerless to provide the service I wanted. I was paying cash for my gas. Need to go inside I was told. Okay, not a problem, just fill it up. Sorry I was told, cant do that until you go inside and pay. OhhKaayy, did not realize I was in such a bad part of town. Thought this neighborhood did not look too shady. You can’t start the process of filling it up? I was in a hurry, had to be somewhere that had some time constraints. The station was not busy, which is why I pulled in. There was one other car getting gas. Really, you cant begin to pump. All right. I need the gas, and I am already here, and Im in a hurry. So, I go inside, and let the lady behind the counter know which pump my car was at, and I need it filled up. She said, how much. I said, fill it up. She said how much, I said fill it up. Oh, that is not how it works, sorry I did not know that. I need to specify an exact amount like $ 61.20 or 32.50, or maybe make it easy like 20 dollars worth. Well I need the car filled, I am paying cash, I really don’t know how much gas the car is going to take. I want to put in as much as it will take, so I can fill it up. Gas prices are changing daily, and my car is new, so I dont know how much it takes exactly. I dont want to say 40 dollars, and then say I need 10 more dollars. So, I say $ 70 dollars to make sure I can get it filled up, but they will have to give me change, once they figure out the total amount. I am frustrated, go back outside, and the attendant gives me an apologetic look, and he remains very nice. Although more cars were present, and I am now waiting for him to being to pump. The pumping stops at $ 58.88. He starts to take out the pump, and I ask him to bring it to $ 59, to make it easy. No, cant do that, not allowed. I know there is something with not over filling the tank, but this was miniscule. I say really, and he looks over his shoulder to make sure the secret gas police are not watching, and he nervously gets me to the $ 59 summit!, whew. Now I get to go back and talk to the lovely lady inside to collect my change. Yes, I got her filled up, and I was do $ 11 in change. This all took an excruciating amount of time given that when I arrived there was only one other car. Im sure if I used a credit card it would have gone smoother. I prefer to pay with cash, but at this station its quite annoying, and unlike every other gas station I have been to, I ask to fill it up, go inside, and the person tells me what it I owe, and I pay, no problems. Here, you either just ask for a round number, and get an approximate tank fill up, or else you have to go back and forth.

My favorite shell. Good service.

This Shell station /​Jackson’s Food Mart has exceptional service! I stop here for gas 2 – 3 times a month, and have for years. Tonight the attendant took the time to wash both my front and back car windows (not uncommon), and did a very thorough job. On another recent visit, an attendant pointed out to me that one of my tires was really low on air. He then came over to the air station to make sure I knew how to use the gauge and how much air to put in. While helping me, he saw that I had run over a nail and recommended a couple of tire shops nearby that would still be open. Another example: a while back I was there for gas during the heat wave and decided to stock up on Vitamin Water at the Food Mart. I figured it would cost a bit more than going to the grocery store, but was certainly more convenient than braving the giant Fred’s parking lot at 6PM. When I went to pay, the cashier let me know that they had a special offer on a larger size of the same drink, which was essentially half the price I was about to pay. These guys are awesome! You can also use your Fred Meyer fuel reward points at this station to save 10 cents per gallon on gas (not all Shell stations accept the rewards card). Gas prices may be lower at the ARCO down the street, but this Shell has won my loyalty.

Nice enough guys, clean gas, convenient location, Laurelhurst prices. That’s about the sum total of what my limited experience with this gas station can offer.
They have a decently clean food mart with a limited selection of offerings (the standard ultra-​major-​brands) should you need some fuel for your body along side your car. The one bonus? Red Bull Cola. I love that stuff.

You wanted to finish your cigarette before making your way over to my car? Oh, bless your heart.

Pumps are new and quick. Pumpers are friendly, efficient, and eager to wash my horrid windshield.
The pooches are particularly fond of this location because the attendants often offer dog biscuits. They always ask first, which I appreciate. But given the Pavlovian drool that accumulates in the backseat as soon as I pull into the station, am I really in a position to say no?