Why People Love Buying Car Accessories at Petrol Stations

Petrol stations have evolved far beyond being just places to refuel vehicles. In today’s fast-paced world, they serve as convenience hubs where customers solve problems on the go. Among the strongest performers in these environments are car accessories—products that shoppers didn’t plan to buy but instantly recognise they need.

From phone chargers and mounts to air fresheners and sunglasses, petrol stations have become one of the most effective retail environments for automotive accessories. Customers trust these locations, they are already in “car mode,” and the products are positioned at exactly the right moment in the customer journey.

In this blog, we explore why people love buying car accessories at petrol stations, the psychology behind these purchases, which products perform best, and how retailers can maximise this opportunity with the right wholesale partner—IPL Retail Group.

The Unique Advantage of Petrol Station Retail

Unlike traditional retail stores, petrol stations serve customers who are already thinking about their vehicle. The shopper mindset is different from someone browsing a shopping centre or scrolling online. At a petrol station, customers are:

• Actively using their car
• Thinking about driving comfort and safety
• Preparing for a journey
• Already handling payment
• Short on time but open to quick solutions

This creates the perfect environment for impulse purchases—especially products that improve the driving experience immediately.

Car accessories fit naturally into this context. When customers see them at petrol stations, the relevance is instant.

Convenience Drives the Purchase Decision

The number one reason people buy car accessories at petrol stations is convenience.

Most customers do not plan to purchase items like:

• Phone chargers
• Phone mounts
• Air fresheners
• Sunglasses
• Reading glasses

They buy them when a need arises.

Examples include:

• A phone battery running low during a drive
• A noticeable smell inside the car
• Sun glare making driving uncomfortable
• A broken or forgotten charging cable
• A need for hands-free navigation

Petrol stations offer a simple solution: fix the problem immediately, without another stop. This convenience factor outweighs price comparison or brand research.

Impulse Buying Happens at the Perfect Moment

Impulse purchases are most likely when three conditions align:

1. A need is recognised
2. The solution is visible
3. The effort required to buy is minimal

Petrol stations tick all three boxes.

Customers are already stopped. They are waiting to pay or returning to their car. Their wallets are out. Their attention is free for a few seconds—and that’s all it takes.

Car accessories displayed near the counter or along the customer’s path trigger instant decisions. There is no hesitation because the purchase feels practical, affordable and justified.

Car Accessories Feel Essential, Not Optional

One of the key reasons these products perform so well is that they don’t feel like luxuries. They feel like necessities.

A phone charger is not seen as an indulgence—it’s a requirement.
An air freshener improves comfort instantly.
Sunglasses enhance safety by reducing glare.
A phone mount enables safer, hands-free driving.

When products feel essential, customers don’t question the purchase. They act quickly and confidently.

Low Price Points Remove Buying Resistance

Most car accessories sold at petrol stations sit within a low to mid-price range. This is critical.

Customers are far more likely to make unplanned purchases when:

• The price feels reasonable
• The cost doesn’t require thought
• The value is obvious

A $5–$15 accessory feels like a smart addition, not a financial decision. Customers often justify it by thinking, “I’ll use this straight away” or “I needed this anyway.”

For retailers, this means high conversion rates and fast stock rotation.

Trust Plays a Big Role

Petrol stations are trusted environments. Customers assume that products sold there are:

• Suitable for vehicles
• Safe to use
• Compatible with everyday driving needs

This trust reduces hesitation. Unlike online marketplaces where quality may be uncertain, petrol station shoppers feel reassured by physical presence and established retail brands.

When accessories are well-packaged and professionally displayed, the trust factor increases even further.

Car Accessories Solve Immediate Problems

The best-selling products in petrol stations share one thing in common: they solve a problem right now.

Some of the most popular categories include:

• Mobile accessories such as charging cables, car chargers and phone mounts
• Air fresheners that instantly improve the car environment
• Sunglasses and reading glasses for visibility and comfort
• Small convenience accessories that enhance the driving experience

These products don’t require explanation. The customer already understands the benefit.

The Role of Display and Placement

Even the best products won’t sell if they’re hidden. Petrol stations that perform well with car accessories understand the importance of placement.

Successful strategies include:

• Countertop displays near EFTPOS terminals
• Peg hooks at eye level
• Gondola ends close to entry and exit points
• Displays near fuel payment areas

Visibility is everything. Customers buy what they see—especially when they only have a few seconds to decide.

This is why retailers benefit from retail-ready packaging and compact display solutions, something IPL Retail Group prioritises across its product range.

Why Car Accessories Are Ideal for Impulse Sales

Car accessories are perfectly suited to impulse buying because they:

• Are compact and easy to carry
• Do not require comparison shopping
• Have clear, immediate benefits
• Appeal to all demographics
• Fit naturally into the petrol station environment

From commuters and tradies to families and travellers, nearly every petrol station customer can benefit from at least one car accessory.

How Petrol Stations Increase Basket Value

Adding a car accessory to a fuel purchase significantly increases the average transaction value. Customers who come in for fuel alone may spend a fixed amount. But when an accessory is added, that spend increases without additional foot traffic.

This makes car accessories one of the most profitable add-on categories for petrol station retailers.

Why Retailers Choose IPL Retail Group

IPL Retail Group is a trusted Australia-wide wholesale and distribution partner, supplying fast-moving products designed to perform in petrol stations and convenience retail environments.

Our Product Range Includes

• Cutting-edge technology and mobile accessories
• Sunglasses and reading glasses
• Soft toys and novelty items
• Aeropure air fresheners
• Footwear, hats and socks
• Everyday convenience and impulse products

Our focus is simple: deliver top-tier products with competitive pricing, consistent quality and exceptional customer service.

Serving Thousands of Australian Retailers

IPL Retail Group proudly supplies:

• Fuel stations
• Pharmacies
• News agencies
• Convenience stores
• Independent retailers

With a nationwide delivery network and experienced sales representatives, we support retailers with product selection, merchandising guidance and consistent supply.

Wholesale Access Made Simple

Retailers looking to expand their car accessory range can easily join IPL Retail Group’s B2B platform.

Signup Link:
https://sales.iplretail.com.au/b2bsignup_registration

Our team is ready to assist with tailored recommendations for your store.