BP Palmerston North: Fuel, Coffee & Car Wash – A Mixed Bag
BP in Takaro, Palmerston North (phone: +64 6 355 0355) consistently scores a 4.1 out of 5, indicating a generally positive experience for most customers. Located at 705 Pioneer Highway, this BP offers a convenient stop for fuel, a car wash, and basic amenities. Open daily from 6:30 AM to 10 PM (with daily variations - see full schedule below), it's well-positioned for travellers and locals alike. The facility boasts wheelchair-accessible restrooms, diesel gas, full-service gas options, propane exchange, a car wash, and accepts both debit cards and NFC mobile payments. Unfortunately, recent customer feedback highlights a worrying inconsistency in service quality.
The Good: Coffee, Kindness, and Unexpected Help
The positives surrounding this BP are numerous, particularly when it comes to coffee and the helpfulness of some of the staff. Many reviewers consistently praise the barrister-quality coffee and its reliable taste. Here’s a breakdown of the things people are consistently happy with:
- Excellent Coffee: Repeatedly mentioned as a highlight, with many emphasizing its quality and consistency.
- Exceptional Customer Service (Specific Staff): Several reviews specifically mention a gentleman working before 7 AM who is described as "pleasant, helpful, and friendly,” a true "asset to the business."
- Helpful in Emergencies: One customer experienced a breakdown in the car wash and was exceptionally grateful for the quick and kind assistance from a staff member who helped push the car out and even allowed them to charge their phone while awaiting AA assistance.
- Convenience: Its location is frequently described as an "ideally good spot for fuel and toilet stop."
- Free Coffee Gesture: A customer appreciated being offered a free coffee while a pump issue was being resolved.
Opening Hours:
Day | Opening Hours |
---|---|
Friday | 6 AM – 10 PM |
Monday | 6 AM – 10 PM |
Saturday | 6:30 AM – 10 PM |
Sunday | 6:30 AM – 10 PM |
Thursday | 6 AM – 10 PM |
Tuesday | 6 AM – 10 PM |
Wednesday | 6 AM – 10 PM |
The Bad: Allegations of Rude Service and Poor Food Quality
Despite the positive aspects, a significant number of recent reviews reveal concerning issues regarding staff attitude and food quality. The most alarming feedback revolves around an incident where a customer, after explaining their circumstances (having a brain tumour and needing assistance due to mobility issues), was allegedly accused of being a potential fuel thief by a staff member. This resulted in the customer leaving without fuel and feeling deeply offended.
Beyond this serious allegation, other criticisms include:
- Rude and Judgemental Staff: Aside from the specific incident, some customers describe interactions with staff as “rude” and “judgemental.”
- Poor Food Quality: Multiple reviewers reported dissatisfaction with the food offerings, with comments like "extremely hard pies," "soggy" BLT sandwiches, and food that ended up in the bin. This indicates a potential need for improvements in food quality and preparation.
- Non-Functional Pumps: Occasional reports of pumps not working, causing inconvenience and requiring customer service intervention.
Facilities and Offerings: What BP Takaro Provides
This BP location is well-equipped to meet various customer needs. Here’s a detailed look at the amenities and services:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible restroom available. |
Car Wash | Automated car wash service provided. |
Fuel | Diesel gas and full-service gas options. |
Propane | Propane exchange service available. |
Amenities | Restroom facilities. |
Payment Options | Debit cards, NFC mobile payments accepted. |
Food & Beverage | Coffee (barrister quality), pies, sandwiches, other convenience items (quality varies as detailed above). |
BP in Takaro aims to be a comprehensive service station, but recent reviews suggest that maintaining consistency in both customer service and food quality is crucial to uphold its reputation and customer satisfaction.