A small gas station in the countryside was struggling to attract customers. Business was slow, and the owner, Hank, knew he needed a clever idea to bring people in.
After a long night of brainstorming, Hank came up with a plan. The next morning, he put up a huge sign that read:
“FREE PRIZE WITH FILL-UP!”
But Hank wasn’t giving away just any prize. He wanted to make it a mystery.
Soon, a local customer named Earl pulled in with his old pickup truck.
“I saw the sign,” Earl said. “I filled ’er up. Now where’s my free prize?”
Hank smiled. “It’s a guessing game. Guess the correct number between 1 and 10, and you win the prize.”
Earl scratched his head.
“Alright… 7!”
“Nope,” Hank replied. “Today’s number was 3. Good try, though. Come back again!”
Earl grumbled as he climbed back into his truck and drove away.
The next day, Earl returned and filled his tank again.
“Okay, this time I’m feeling lucky. The number is… 5!”
Hank shook his head.
“Sorry. Today’s number was 8.”
This continued for several days. Earl would fill up his tank, guess a number, lose, and drive away even more determined to figure out the mystery.
The gas was good, and he really wanted that prize.
On the fifth day, Earl brought his buddy Lester with him.
“Lester,” Earl said, “you’ve gotta help me win this thing. We’ll take turns guessing!”
Lester nodded confidently.
“We’ll crack the code.”
They filled the tank, walked inside, and proudly announced their guesses.
“6 and 9!”
Hank grinned.
“Today’s number was 4. So close! Better luck next time!”
As they drove away, Earl shook his head.
“I’m starting to think this game is rigged.”
Lester thought for a moment.
“Yeah, but at least the gas is cheaper here than anywhere else.”
Earl nodded.
“True. I guess Hank’s still winning.”
Sometimes a little mystery and a lot of imagination can go a long way in marketing—especially when your customers are too curious to quit.