Every day, we fill up our gas tanks and reluctantly pay the rising prices.
Whether you drive an SUV or a compact car, you’ve more than likely felt the pain of gas prices lately and have sworn to change driving routes or cut down on driving.
But what about businesses who rely on driving to make money?
You’re not the only one feeling the pain.
Some local businesses, like pizza shops and flower shops, have also had to make changes in the way they do business in order to make a profit.
Ron Brabo, owner of the A & A Flower Shop in downtown Oxford, said the recent increase in gas prices have forced him to up their flower delivery charge.
‘At one time, we were going $5.50 for deliveries. Now, we’re charging $6.50,? he said.
Brabo said the wholesalers he buys flowers from have begun to charge him three dollars extra for delivery to his shop.
‘I don’t like it, but what can you do?? he asked.
Fourteen miles is usually the furthest his deliveries get sent, but Brabo said the construction problems in certain areas have also hit the pocket book.
‘Yesterday, we had a Rochester delivery and (the driver) had to be routed to a dirt road and stuff,? he said. ‘It’s really a pain.?
A & A charges $10 for deliveries that far away now when they used to charge $7.50.
Drivers for A & A are paid hourly, but Brabo foots the bill for gasoline.
He said his business hasn’t been affected too much by the increase in delivery charges, but has noticed more people coming in and picking up their flowers.
‘If gas hits the $3 mark, I can see it becoming a big problem,? he said.
Brabo said he’s ‘trying to be more positive? because complaining isn’t getting him anywhere.
‘I’m hoping it’s like last summer where it will go up and come down after Labor Day,? he said.
Another business being affected by the increased gas prices is Cottage Inn Pizza also located in downtown Oxford.
Up until Wednesday of last week, Cottage Inn offered free delivery. Now, customers outside of the village are charged $2 and 50 cents if they’re in the village.
‘We don’t really compensate the drivers for gas,? said Scott Sherwood, owner of Cottage Inn Pizza. ‘Right now, our drivers are basically working for gas and whatever they have to pay for it.?
Sherwood said although adding the delivery charge hasn’t gone over well with their customers, he had to do it to compensate for the money his drivers lost.
‘We expect customers to tip, but we have a lot of customers who think it’s free delivery and think they don’t have to tip anything,? he said.
As of yet, Sherwood said he hasn’t noticed any change in their business.
‘Our business stays pretty consistent,? he said.
Oxford resident Tammy Wirth has to pump gas at least once a week to fill up her van.
She’s very angry at the almost 30 cent increase in prices last week. Gas prices are averaging $2.70 this week.
‘I think we’re being taken advantage of,? she said.
One business who has actually benefitted from the gas price increase is Guido’s Premium Pizza on S. Lapeer Rd.
Owner Shawn McGuire said his delivery business has actually increased since the gas prices shot up.
‘With the increased prices of gas, it makes pizza delivery a better value than ever,? he said.
McGuire said there’s always going to be a cost whether or not customers pick up the pizza themselves or not.
You pick it up, you pay for your gas and wear and tear on your car. If you have it delivered, you pay a couple dollars more.
McGuire raised his delivery charges to $2.95 when gas went over two dollars a gallon and said he hasn’t even thought about doing it lately.
‘I understand first hand the cost of delivery because I deliver the pizzas too,? he said.
McGuire thinks more people are wanting Guidos delivered to them because delivery has more of a value to the customer.
‘The drivers are taking more deliveries and customers have been tipping better. They’re more appreciative that ever before because they can now relate,? he said.
Guidos delivers in a five-mile radius and each driver typically drives up to 100 miles per day.
McGuire said that as long as the delivery requests stay up he has no problem with the increase in gas prices.
‘Getting pizza delivery is the best deal–period,? he said.
If you’re looking for certain areas in Michigan with the cheapest fuel prices, check out www.michigangasprices.com.