http://community.csdecisions.net/ Convenience Store Decisions Community: Last 35 Posts en Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:11:18 +0000 http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/65#post-129 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:46:07 +0000 s2j 129@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Operating partner sought by developer / builder / investor<br /> new convenience / liquor / fuel store: $2,200,000, 3000 sf, 8 pumps<br /> 1.25 mi from I-25 interchange, across from college and mega-church<br /> Kwik Way today, BCP 7-11 potential<br /> You must qualify for SBA financing and have cash reserve.<br /> We will invest 20% equity required for loan.<br /> LLC agreement negotiable.<br /> Please, email resume. Thank you.</p> <p><a href="mailto:interquest@mac.com">interquest@mac.com</a> </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/64#post-128 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:41:35 +0000 s2j 128@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Operating partner sought by developer / builder / investor<br /> new convenience / liquor / fuel store: $2,200,000, 3000 sf, 8 pumps<br /> 1.25 mi from I-25 interchange, across from college and mega-church<br /> Kwik Way today, BCP 7-11 potential<br /> You must qualify for SBA financing and have cash reserve.<br /> We will invest 20% equity required for loan.<br /> LLC agreement negotiable.<br /> Please, email resume. Thank you. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/61#post-127 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:26:52 +0000 s2j 127@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Are you an experienced operator with interest in our Colorado Springs location?</p> <p>Steve </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/63#post-126 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:56:42 +0000 andrem 126@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I am looking for Individuals who do not like to sit on the sideline but like to get involved in the game! If you really want a financial opportunity that could increase your customer traffic and sales this is it! </p> <p>Dotcom Wireless is a new cellular phone company that has just launched in the Georgia market place &#38; throughout the country. We offer A NO CREDIT CHECK, NO DEPOSIT AND NO CONTRACT Cellular Phone service. With our phones &#38; service, customers can not only talk Nationwide but also travel Nationwide! (This is not Cricket!). Rate plans start as low as $29.99/monthly and we use the same CDMA Network as Verizon. The Nations #1 cellular network in the industry. </p> <p>We offer what no one else in the industry does as a cellular phone company. For any business owner or individual looking for an outstanding opportunity. You don't need a store! You don't need a computer! You don't need credit to get started. We are looking for some people and businesses that want to be apart of our Nationwide explosion going into 2009. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity, like others we will grow fast and everyone that takes part has the ability to earn big payouts. </p> <p>We pay commission, bonuses, and residual on all the customers you activate. Imagine getting paid every time someone uses their cell phone and pays their monthly bill. You don't get paid once on a customer, you get paid monthly as they continue using our service. Also we have no charge backs, no monthly minimums, and you can accept cash payments as a retail store owner!!! Best of all, every customer is qualified. Never lose a customer to credit again! </p> <p>If you have a desire to succeed then you need to follow up on this opportunity. Success is just a phone call away!</p> <p>For more information regarding this great opportunity give me a call... </p> <p>Look Forward to selling the First Video Cell Phone here in the USA coming soon. </p> <p>Garfield Moodie<br /> 404-574-9697 Cell<br /> <a href="http://www.1dotcomwireless.com" rel="nofollow">www.1dotcomwireless.com</a> </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/62#post-125 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:29:16 +0000 joryeln 125@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>I'am new to the c-store business. Currently in the preliminary stages of research.</p> <p>I was hoping to get the following information.</p> <p>Permits required / cost:</p> <p>Licenses required/ cost:</p> <p>initial setup / Misc./ Cost: </p> <p>Liquor / ciggerate license: </p> <p>stock / cost:</p> <p>We want to start small and work our way up. The understanding is that everything is hard how ever with<br /> our strong work ethic, disire, and strong will we can make it happen.</p> <p>Any and all information is appreciated, more posts<br /> to come </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/61#post-124 Thu, 21 May 2009 09:45:57 +0000 rmaherali 124@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I am a retail investor interested in acquiring corporate offered surplus properties (gas stations and convenience stores) 5-50 properties. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/60#post-123 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:18:23 +0000 jayava 123@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hi, I am new here. We started a very small convenience store in downtown in small town in Minnesota state.<br /> I am looking for wholesale mart info, who is reasonable in prices and can take orders in low. items I am looking are beauty, counter medicines, general merchandise, stationary, household, batteries things like that. If anybody have good wholesale mart info. Please let me know. I would greatly appreciate your help with this.<br /> Thanks,<br /> Jay </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/59#post-122 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:20:53 +0000 barbaracragg 122@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hi, I am looking to recruite division managers who have been over about 80 convenience stores. Also, Where arethe headquarters or large corporate offices in the southeast.<br /> Barbara Cragg<br /> 615-297-3898<br /> <a href="mailto:barbaracragg@aol.com">barbaracragg@aol.com</a> </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/58#post-121 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:34:09 +0000 homieshot 121@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Krush Communications is the exclusive and sole manufacturer of HOMIES Phone Cards and NOW Homieshot Energy drink. Krush has the proprietary rights to create products using the highly recognized Homie characters. Krush brings entertainment to the phone card industry and the energy drink 500 million dollar business. Homie characters appeal to Hispanics on a global basis. Cross branded folders, toys, posters and other products are popular worldwide and available through major retailers such as Walgreens, Walmart, Office depot and others. Krush was awarded BEST NEW PRODUCT by Convenience Store News Magazine in 2007. They were recognized for the unique product appearance and the fact that we merged entertainment and consumer product together. Email me for a sample of The new HOMIE SHOT for your stores!!! </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/57#post-116 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:04:45 +0000 amos 116@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Wow great.<br /> <a href="http://www.google.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.google.com/</a> </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/57#post-115 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:02:31 +0000 asnyvending 115@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hello we recently started to carry a new product called Police Fuel <a href="http://www.POLICEFUEL.com" rel="nofollow">www.POLICEFUEL.com</a> and what we have found is that it brings the cops to the stores. Police Fuel, energy drink is the first ever law enforcement specific energy drink.</p> <p>We all know C-stores are unique in that they are large cash based businesses and usually open 24-hours and are conveniently located for quick in and out shopping, and that makes it very convenient for customers. Unfortunately, it can be an attractive target for robbers and other criminal activities. I read a study that said convenience store robbers used a selection process before choosing targets and that if they see cops often in a store they will most likely not try to rob it. So if you carry Police Fuel you could be deterring criminals by making your c-store less attractive to them. </p> <p>We have stores that are that carry the Police Fuel Energy Drinks and they are advertising to the local cops that they now carry the drink and guess what our clients stores are being visited by more cops, and that equals security. </p> <p>“POLICE FUEL ” is a great crime deterrent, No other energy drink in the market can make the claim that it can also be a crime deterrent. </p> <p>If you are looking to find ways to get more police officers to your store especially on the midnight shift tell them you carry Police Fuel its an effective robbery and crime prevention program.</p> <p>The company just came out with its own vending machines and they are great, just started to install them in Police department, and in other stores and shops in the south east, can't keep them full long enough, the cops love the product. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/56#post-113 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:59:40 +0000 Seafighter 113@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>When included, the OurEnergy Carbon Offset option increases the revenue stream from the sale of fuel. So while offering a “green” solution, the fuel operator is able to increase their revenue stream while projecting a positive image. Our analysis shows that there are 4 additional items that are addressed with inclusion of carbon offsets in the fuel price at the pump:</p> <p>1) Impulse - The choice is there in front of the consumer to offset their behavior – right now.</p> <p>2) Point of Sale - The cost is built into the price at specific pumps or available as an option at all pumps (similar to the car wash or receipt options at gas stations)<br /> 3) Tied to Emissions - The point of sale is tied to the activity which leads to the release of greenhouse gases (CO2), direct linkage to behavior<br /> 4) Marketing Leverage – Possibly the most important factor besides the added revenue stream - The inclusion of the offset enables conversation, ability to promote the pump as "Green" and leverages the image of the offering fuel facility, enhancing public perception and business marketing opportunities.</p> <p>OurEnergy Carbon program benefits:</p> <p>1.no inventory investment – only pay for what you sell</p> <p>2.double-digit margins, and earned interest on income before purchase</p> <p>3.increase pumps point-of-sale revenue from pump only customers</p> <p>4.portray positive image while increasing profits </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/55#post-112 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 15:07:57 +0000 alextelcom 112@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Finally, Energy Candy that Kids crave! &#38; approved by moms everywhere. Kabang Energy Candy taste awesome plus giving you energy all day. Kabang Energy Candy contains 100% of Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 VItamin C plus Ginseng NO CAFFIENE Kabang Energy Candy come in 4 flavors Cherry,Watermelon,Grape and Apple. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/28#post-111 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 15:06:34 +0000 alextelcom 111@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>#1 Energy Candy.Finally, Energy Candy that Kids crave! &#38; approved by moms everywhere. Kabang Energy Candy taste awesome plus giving you energy all day. Kabang Energy Candy contains 100% of Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 VItamin C plus Ginseng NO CAFFIENE Kabang Energy Candy come in 4 flavors Cherry,Watermelon,Grape and Apple. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/52#post-110 Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:55:42 +0000 suprmark 110@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>The selling price of any item is based on supply &#38; demand. What does the same item sell for elsewhere?<br /> Buying from a distributor has it's advantages. First of all, they are licensed to do business, the product that they sell is being tested by the Food &#38; Drug Admin.<br /> Buying from private people is scary. What happens if one of your customers gets sick? Are the private people being watched by the Food Saftey programs? Are they licensed?</p> <p>The distributors WILL make money, don't worry about that. what you need to do is find out specific items that you will be selling, and go and find what other stores are selling that identical item for.<br /> For example, Store "A" sells a ham sandwich for $3.50<br /> Distributor "B" sels you the ham sandwich for $2.00, you would make a $1.50 profit, which is about 60%...which is about right for perishable items. But, on the other hand if Store "C" sells that same sandwich for $2.50, you would only make 50 cents, which is NOT a good enough mark up. Perishable items should typically garner at least 60%, if not 100% because of loss.<br /> Packaged items that are not perishable, should garner at least 35% and up...providing the market can bear that (i.e. that other stores in your area have the same products for even or more than you sell it for)</p> <p>This is a task for ALL retailers is making sure that you make enough money to stay in business, but be competitively priced so that customers will come to your store...it is a fine balancing act. </p> <p>One wise old retailer once told me to start selling product very cheaply at first (when you first open) to get them into the store, and then gradually, over months, raise your prices so that you can start making money. I think the thing that drives most retailers out of business myself is marking an item to inexpensive. There are tons of hidden expenses in running an establishment.</p> <p>Good luck! </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/47#post-109 Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:45:51 +0000 suprmark 109@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I agree with the other two responders,,run!! I have swold a c store before and was willing, with a bonifide buyer, to disclose EVERYTHING. Why not? They are going to pay you money for the business, you should know everything about it---everything!</p> <p>Profit &#38; loss is easily made, beware of them...if they have a program like Quickbooks, have them show you everything, and then back up their information that is on the P &#38; L. Also, P &#38; L shows somethings, but not everything, a P &#38; L, along with a balance sheet gives you a more better picture.<br /> If you are uncertain---hire somebody to look into it further for you. And, if the seller agrees to show you info, I am always the one to get your monthly payments down, so I would opt for the lower monthly payments myself...providing the store can pay for it.<br /> Mark </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/54#post-108 Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:34:44 +0000 suprmark 108@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I own and operate two c-stores here in Alaska. I have been in this business for 15 years and am just about ready to open up a third. What I do, is this:<br /> I find the very busiest locations (C-Stores) and walk in with my video camera and slowly shoot the whole location, inside &#38; out. The way I look at it, is why try to re-invent the wheel? There are places that you can go that will draw you up some plans that you can go by, but why spend that extra money?<br /> Location is just about everything. My most absolute criteria is traffic count. That is about the best way to determine if a site if viable or not. Also, a good rule of thumb is to try and be on the "going home" side of the road. Try and be where vehicles can enter and exit easily.<br /> I went to my local Department of Business, and asked them to do some research as fas as demographics. If you live in or near a college town, there business department would be more than happy to help you in this regard. Bear in mind thought that you OWN expertise is critical in this department. YOU should know the area more than anybody.<br /> As far as fuel jobbers (distributors) helping you out with your location...You bet! I don't hink you will find any that will help you with your underground storage tanks...but you WILL find distributors that will help you with branding costs, and more importantly, fuel rebates. For my third location, I had Shell, Chevron, and Tesoro (a local brand) all bid on my location. I ended up going with Chevron. They gave me $85,000 cas upgront ($60,000 of which I will have to spend on the canopy wrap and signage), and then gave me 3 cents a gallon for four years. Rarely will they help with the canoy either, but it depends on your location...my very first store, Tesoro put up the canopy for me, and the jobber gave me the dispensers, but I wouldn't count on it.<br /> Do this work yourself, not only do you know your location better than anybody, you should know it also! Talk to ALL of your fuel distributors, and let them bid against each other. Do your own building design---and then hire a contractor to build it for you, or do what I did and general the job yourself (you will save about 30% of the construction costs---but you EARN IT!)</p> <p>Good luck &#38; if you have any more questions, please e-mail me at: <a href="mailto:suprmark@mtaonline.net">suprmark@mtaonline.net</a> </p> <p>Mark </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/54#post-107 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 08:44:27 +0000 gesb 107@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>hi everyone! I just found this site yesterday and think it is great!!! A new highway in MS opened a few months age and we own a 1.8 acre lot at an exit. We are considering the feasability of building a cstore/gas station/donut shop/subway. At this point, we are trying to have property rezoned for commercial use. Questions I have that hopefully you can help with include:<br /> 1. I don't know the first thing about designing/opening/managing a cstore. Where is a good first stopping opoint for me to begin to educate myself (I've spent the last 15 years in the corporate world but have managed a global team)<br /> 2. I've read on this forum there are vendors that can help analyze the location and demographics.....where can I find more information on this type of vendor.<br /> 3. How do I determine if a gas partner would be interested in installing the tanks/pumps/canopy at my location.</p> <p>Obviously I have plenty more but think thisis a good starting point.<br /> Thanks in advance for your expert advice<br /> 2. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/53#post-106 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:05:45 +0000 yaahhuu 106@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Thank you for the response. Roughly how much does a broker charge for c-store? Is there any site where they have private (non-broker) listings? </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/51#post-105 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:36:38 +0000 Insights 105@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Without more information it is hard to answer this question.<br /> Is your beer 3.2 or 6 AV?<br /> What is your competition? Are they selling the same brands?<br /> Do your customers know about your low prices?<br /> What are the liquor laws in your state?<br /> Obviously, there has to be some determining factor that is affecting your sales.<br /> Are your customers being treated good when they walk in to your store?<br /> Is your pricing clearly marked?<br /> Are your beer cooler doors being stocked in your absence?<br /> Are you selling the best brands for your geographical area?<br /> One source of assistance could be your suppliers. Your pre sales people could offer advice on what brands are popular in your area. Ask them why they think your sales are dropping.<br /> They could possibly help you with marketing and advertising, and could hold a promotional event at your store.<br /> In our area, energy drinks have outsold beer for the last 3 years, and we have adjusted accordingly. We used to have 6 beer doors in our set, we now only have 4. We took the 2 doors and stocked energy drinks galore. Our wine sales have increased. But we did have to start carrying more of the wines that did not have preservitives, etc.<br /> for the more health conscious customers.<br /> Let us know what you find out.<br /> Thanks,<br /> Katy </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/42#post-104 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:22:24 +0000 Insights 104@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>First off, these numbers are exceptional, but possible. I have operated stores that did do that type of volume. However, all that glitters is not gold. Remember, Byron, although these stores may be selling that much gas, to sell gas competitively, the basic profit margin on gas is sometimes less than 1 cent per gallon. After overhead, you sometimes barely make a profit. Getting the consumer inside your store to buy your high margin items is the key. Then, considering merchandise sales is also tricky, also. Every merchandise category in a store has a different level of profit. Figuring gross profit for these stores can be tricky. Given your lack of experience in the field, you might be better off hiring a consultant<br /> to help you with a business analysis of whatever c store<br /> you decide to purchase or to do a market anaylsis of the area you plan to build.<br /> Hope that helps, and good luck should you decide to buy!<br /> Katy </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/47#post-103 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:13:27 +0000 Insights 103@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Run very far away if the owner does not provide financials. He could have the financials prepared for viewing without providing his confidential information.<br /> It would be very tough to begin the operation of a C Store with only 40K to work with. You could spend that alone on licensing, etc. Try to remember in business that if they are not willing to share, more than likely, they have something to hide.<br /> Also, have you considered using a broker to handle the sale. Remember, there are lots of things to consider. Liquor license transfer/purchase, licensing for food service, etc. I am not familiar with the procedures in your state, but a broker or business consultant could help in this situation.<br /> Good Luck in your endeavor.<br /> Katy<br /> Good luck, and I am sure there are more opportunities out there. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/53#post-102 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:06:00 +0000 Insights 102@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hi,<br /> There are many things to consider when starting a business, especially a C Store. Many popular C Store Brands offer franchise opportunities and the benefits of owning a franchise may surprise you. It takes away the headaches and they actually train you to operate their stores. Most major C Store brands offer franchise opportunities. 7 Eleven and Circle K have terrific opportunities. I am a former Franchisee and now current Business Mgmt Consultant for a major C Store company.<br /> If this doesn't interest you, the following website have C Stores listed for sale:<br /> <a href="http://www.sunbeltnetwork.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.sunbeltnetwork.com</a><br /> and <a href="http://www.cstorebroker.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.cstorebroker.com</a><br /> Good Luck! </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/50#post-101 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:57:19 +0000 Insights 101@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hi William,<br /> You can go here to order them. <a href="http://shop.jaysimport.com/category.sc?categoryId=2" rel="nofollow">http://shop.jaysimport.com/category.sc?categoryId=2</a><br /> Good Luck,<br /> Katy </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/53#post-100 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:40:38 +0000 yaahhuu 100@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>We are planning to buy a convenience store (may be with gas station and beer/liquor license) in Northern Virginia area. My husband has some experience working in convenience store and thinks he can mange the store by himself (with other staff). How do we start looking for a business on sale - broker info., websites etc. would be appreciated.<br /> Also any information about getting loan is welcome.<br /> Is it a right time to buy business in this economy? </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/52#post-99 Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:45:22 +0000 AntBea 99@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>My idea is to open a store where people on the go can purchase good food products so I am considering selling products from local vendors like their fresh salads, sandwiches, cookies, pies, cakes and other food items that I feel will sell. I understand buying from a distributor but:</p> <p>How are these items priced?</p> <p>How much should I be paying the vendor for their product?</p> <p>Can both myself and the vendor make money?</p> <p>I have a management background, but I have never owned or operated a store. This willbe a new venture for me and I am trying to learn all I can.</p> <p>Thanks so very much! </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/51#post-98 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:04:21 +0000 rbabi18 98@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I have a P/S with beer, wine, liquor and a deli. While everything else has stayed moderately consistent (Michigan is a mess) our beer volume sold has dropped significiently in the last two years. We have a 12 door cooler with all the mainstream beers, some niche/imports, and single beers, including 24, 32, and 40oz varieties. Has anybody else had this problem and why can be done to increase beer traffic when you already have the lowest price on the block. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/42#post-97 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:18:45 +0000 smilan 97@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Those numbers would be exceptional. We provide all types of financing for C-Stores; check out <a href="http://www.cstoreloan.com." rel="nofollow">www.cstoreloan.com.</a> Most of the stores we finance are in the range of 50,000 to 100,000 gallons a month, and $50,000 to $100,000 a month inside sales. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/49#post-96 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:14:10 +0000 smilan 96@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>For all types of financing, you should look at <a href="http://www.cstoreloan.com" rel="nofollow">www.cstoreloan.com</a> </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/45#post-95 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:52:03 +0000 bbishop 95@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p><a href="http://www.threedc.com" rel="nofollow">www.threedc.com</a> can provide branding and interior package.<br /> There was a company named c-store source that did a good job. I have their number somewhere if your interested.<br /> He sells equipment and does store layout.</p> <p>Don't get discouraged. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/49#post-94 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:45:55 +0000 bbishop 94@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Check out <a href="http://www.threedc.com" rel="nofollow">www.threedc.com</a><br /> not for full store setup but will help with many store needs like signage, branding, layout, interior design.<br /> Works within your budget as well. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/50#post-93 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:04:51 +0000 williamshihata 93@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hi<br /> once i read an article about how to increase your margin<br /> on beer sales by buying cases and buying sleeves for six pack and package them you self.<br /> if any one have that article, please forward it to me<br /> because i want to know where to buy those plastic sleeves<br /> from<br /> thanks </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/49#post-92 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:53:30 +0000 TAZ 92@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Give TAZ Marketing &#38; Consulting Group a call @ 267-229-6391 </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/49#post-91 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:39:33 +0000 jtfoodmart 91@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>HI, I JUST PURCHASED A GAS STATION IN LEDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, THE STORE IS CLOSED ARE THERE ANY COMPANIES IN MY AREA THAT COME IN AND SETUP THE WHOLE STORE </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/47#post-90 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:30:48 +0000 sjmb2bSolutionsLLCcom 90@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I could never recommend that you purchase a store where the seller does not provide you financials. They do not have to give their personal tax return, but at a very min. they should provide a store P&#38;L. </p> <p>When I began in this industry 30 years ago we used a simple paper based P&#38;L system. Today most independent retailers use something like QuickBooks which can create a store level P&#38;L. Armed with information you can then make a better decision regarding the two alternatives should you elect to move forward. </p>