pretty sure they also own iffy lube...

Your guess would be wrong. As someone who has actually worked at a JL
(needed money while in school and they were hiring) I can say that the
bulk is NOT all the same grade. Yes it is cheaper, because they are
OWNED by an oil company and the franchises get a discount off wholesale
prices as well. The normal stock is Shell 5W30, 10W30, 15W50 Rotella,
Dexron II and ATF. They also stock bulk synthetic in 5W30 and 10W30.

The reason the bottles are more money is real easy. Personal preference.
Some people don't like Shell oil and prefer Pennzoil. They are also
convinced that the bulk oil HAS to be garbage so they buy the Pennzoil,
thinking it is better.
Royal Dutch / Shell (SOPUS) owns Quaker State and Pennzoil.

Either the bulk stuff is all one grade--and cheap to boot--or else
they're charging $15 for the privilege of your being able to watch it
come out of the sealed, name-brand bottles.

My guess is the former.

The bulk oil is the same as what's in the bottles.  I have actually
delivered the stuff into the tanks.  The good Lube places will have all
the grades, i.e. 0-30, 5-30, 10-30, 10-40 or whatever.  The bad places
just order 10-30 and put it in every car, but they are usually auto
shops, not lube places.  In my opinion, they charge way too much anymore
for an oil change and many use the cheapest oil filters to boot.

If Pennzoil is the optional "upgrade" oil, then what crap is in the bulk
tank?  I bet they are just milking the customer even more with that line.

dan

I am on the road often enough where I need to get my oil changed at
Jiffy Lube or other convenient type of oil change place. Is there any
quality or performance difference between the bulk oil they use or the
optional bottled oil (penzoil) that they offer for $10-$15 more?
I have heard many horror stories regarding Jiffy Lube, although I
guess I am lucky with 220K on my Honda Accord. Taking my car to the
dealer just for an oil change on the road seems ridiculous. Just
wondeingr what others look for in an oil-change place to insure
quality work (those who fear Jiffy Lube) when they can't do it
themselves.
Thanks