http://community.csdecisions.net/ Convenience Store Decisions Community: Last 35 Posts en Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:37:54 +0000 http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/81#post-168 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:47:28 +0000 Guidingstars 168@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Checkout <a href="http://www.guidingstars.com" rel="nofollow">www.guidingstars.com</a><br /> Guiding Stars is an objective food rating system that rates food based on nutrient density using a scientific algorithm. Rated foods are marked with easy-to-follow tags indicating 0, 1, 2, or 3 stars. The more nutritional value a food has, the more Guiding Stars it receives. If a food doesn’t receive a star – it means it doesn’t meet our rigorous criteria.</p> <p>One Guiding Star indicates good nutritional value<br /> Two Guiding Stars indicate better nutritional value<br /> Three Guiding Stars indicate the best nutritional value<br /> As you go through each aisle of the store or navigate through your cafeteria at lunchtime, the Guiding Stars system can help you identify more nutritious choices. Guiding Stars is not intended to tell you what to buy, but rather point you toward foods that have more vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, whole grains –and less fats, cholesterol, sugar and sodium.</p> <p>Guiding Stars is objective, based on consumer research, and not influenced by price, brand or manufacturer trade groups. And with over 60,000 rated foods, making nutritious choices for you and your family is now simple… and even fun.</p> <p>Contact Katie Jones at 207-885-7260 for more info and all the possibilities for your store. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/80#post-167 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:47:37 +0000 meyerbp 167@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>For the last three months we have had a group of individuals entering our property one individual will cover the satellite receiver with tinfoil. This is done to circumvent credit/gift card approvals. We have a phone line backup but it will not always work with gift cards. The card will be approved by the system but the charge will not be deducted from the gift card nor be credited to your account. The group will come in one by one or in pairs and attempt to purchase large quantities of Newport Cigarettes and will present several gift cards and credit cards until the system approves one of them. One of the individuals is a truck driver from a national trucking company. We have identified 6 subjects and they are operating along interstate 55 in Illinois and in St. Louis. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/75#post-166 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:31:43 +0000 dotheextra 166@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>The midwest has all of those markets, it just depends on where you locate your store.</p> <p>Casey's General Store based out of DesMoines Iowa has a large number of stores (1000+) but they are not really a local or family minded store. They are more of a "do it the corporate way" store with little thought of tayloring there store to the local (smaller) markets.</p> <p>gotheextra </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/45#post-165 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:21:51 +0000 dotheextra 165@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>What's the status of your store??</p> <p>Steve </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/44#post-164 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:19:05 +0000 dotheextra 164@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I wish this had an answer.....</p> <p>Steve </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/77#post-163 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:15:18 +0000 charles 163@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>you could try going to shift audits as opposed to just daily audits. also have all carton tops saved that are filled to help control inventory </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/79#post-162 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:36:21 +0000 JAVSnyc 162@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p><a href="http://www.csdecisions.com/article/8819/the-ny-coalition-and-cff-speak-out-on-proposed-sin-taxes.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.csdecisions.com/article/8819/the-ny-coalition-and-cff-speak-out-on-proposed-sin-taxes.html</a></p> <p>Soda companies are good corporate citizens. They employ people in various communities and give to those communities in times of need. One of the first companies to respond to the tragedy in Haiti was Coca-Cola with a donation of $1 million dollars to the Red Cross. On the ground, Coca-Cola is getting four thousands cases of water through to Haiti each day. Keep going Coke -- Please keep helping! </p> <p>Governor Paterson should back off the soda. It is not the source of the obesity problem. Inferior physical and nutritional education, which of course leads to poor exercise habits and ill-advised diets, are the cause of inflated waistlines. Having a salad with a Coke is far better then a bottle of water to wash down a face full of dirty water dogs. Add walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator and you’re golden. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/77#post-159 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:29:43 +0000 Jessica 159@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I am new to the management of convenience stores, although I have worked in one for the last 6 years. Today I had my first audit that I'm responsible for. I came up almost $500 short in cigarettes. I do count every morning after day close and my cartons are locked away in a cage. I use a scanning system which only breaks down packs into premium and discounted. This is a company wide program, not of my choice. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to eliminate the shortages. I do require all employees to fill out an employee requisition form with all purchases whether they are on the clock or off and have not seen any evidence of theft upon reviewing the videos, although, I know this does not rule out theft completely. Any suggestions on a method to minimize this would be extremely helpful. Thanks in advance. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/73#post-157 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:22:45 +0000 csdjcc 157@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Need to know more detail than what you listed.<br /> Own stores? Own bulk plant?<br /> Send info on how to contact you.<br /> jcc </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/75#post-156 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:18:36 +0000 bajenby 156@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>-What types on c-stores are there in the Midwest? (neighborhood/community stores? commuter stores? interstate stores? other?)</p> <p>-Are there any big chains of convenience stores that are very geared towards local communities and families?</p> <p>Brief survey:<br /> <a href="http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&#38;formkey=dGZiSXkzU2RJc05fLXJXcHNCZGI3UUE6MA" rel="nofollow">http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&#38;formkey=dGZiSXkzU2RJc05fLXJXcHNCZGI3UUE6MA</a> </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/74#post-155 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:17:02 +0000 bajenby 155@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>-What types on c-stores are there in the Midwest? (neighborhood/community stores? commuter stores? interstate stores? other?)</p> <p>-Are there any big chains of convenience stores that are very geared towards local communities and families?</p> <p>Brief survey:<br /> <a href="http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&#38;formkey=dGZiSXkzU2RJc05fLXJXcHNCZGI3UUE6MA" rel="nofollow">http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&#38;formkey=dGZiSXkzU2RJc05fLXJXcHNCZGI3UUE6MA</a> </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/73#post-154 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:39 +0000 rmaherali 154@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I am look for an inventory management system, for managing petroleum inventory, (first in, first out method). Any advice? </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/38#post-152 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:34:41 +0000 astaire10 152@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Donna.. I was the "Mickey Mouse" lady who brought some toys and the baby doll to the girls.My heart simply wentout to them and to Jennifer's memory, and the tragedy you all had suffered. I would like to offer, if its not too late, my time and help in getting some state legislation over to protect these kids stuck in these late hour jobs..I'm damn good at speech making, and have been told I can "cut to the heartstrings" very quickly when such emotional issues are involved.<br /> Though I WISH to Heaven I had seen your post here a year ago(I just ran across it tonight), I would be honored to volunteer my services to aid in doing some real GOOD for the innocents still out there in possible harm's way during the night.They NEED this protection, and what happened to your daughter should NEVER happen again! Im ready, if you need a very stubborn "right hand" to do some work towards this effort.<br /> GOD BLESS YOU and her children..So many people are still out here on your side!<br /> T. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/72#post-151 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:57:45 +0000 CashAdvocate 151@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Is contactless payment reducing the amount of cash your comnpany deposits? The Smart Card Alliance says the industry will have 80 millon cards issued by the end of 2009 &#38; up to 120,000 merchant locations. My perspective has to do with transaction expense by method of payment. It would seem that if cash volumes are in fact decreasing, then taking steps to lower the cost of having cash in the business would offset electronic payment transaction fees. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/71#post-150 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:39:58 +0000 CathyHopkinson 150@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I am a Territory Manager for Merchandising Services,LLC. Check out our website. I believe you will find us different than that of the average merchandising company out there. We have what we call a "VISUAL EXECUTION." I am a firm believer that every company whether it be a store, manufacturer or a supplier, has the right to have THEIR expectations met.<br /> Let's face it. You KNOW if you could get the right brands in the right packages in the right location with the right inventory levels in each and every outlet your sales would GROW! But HOW? Let me show you!!!<br /> Checking out our website cost you nothing, but NOT checking it out could cost you everything!<br /> <a href="http://www.merchandisingservicesllc.com" rel="nofollow">www.merchandisingservicesllc.com</a><br /> If after viewing our website, you still don't understand, give me a call! 901-212-5446. I will happy to go over everything with you. Oh, and did I mention that many times our services can be at little or NO COST TO YOU!!!!!!??<br /> I look forward to hearing from you! </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/14#post-149 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:29:32 +0000 CathyHopkinson 149@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I have found that when you have someone in your store that is stealing, he or she isn't doing it alone. They are just the one that got caught. Pay attention to the relationships among your staff members. Sometimes you will have to weed out even further, if you know what I mean. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/36#post-148 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:26:25 +0000 CathyHopkinson 148@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>The best way I know is to get the address of the home office of the company you are ineterested in, find out who in that company is the buyer and start emailing them. Offer to send them a free case to try with their office staff. Sometimes you just have to spend money to make money.Know what I mean? Do your homework.....you'll find your "in". </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/67#post-147 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:19:58 +0000 CathyHopkinson 147@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I do not own a store, but I am a Territory Manager for Merchandising Services,LLC. I see and touch all sorts of products every single day. Make sure you have Magnum condoms. They are HOT right now. I'm not sure why, but they are. Anything ENERGY as well. Whether it be Energy Drinks or Energy Shots.....doesn't matter...they are selling.<br /> What you don't want to do is make your prices too high. Stay competitive!!!!</p> <p>Best Wishes for SUCCESS!! </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/69#post-146 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:59:28 +0000 CathyHopkinson 146@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Deansplace:</p> <p> Where are you located? I have MANY contacts and may be able to put you in contact with the right person at Coke &#38; Pepsi that can help you. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/69#post-145 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:57:11 +0000 CathyHopkinson 145@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>It is going to depend on how big you are/ how many stores you have. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/55#post-144 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:52:16 +0000 CathyHopkinson 144@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>This sounds cutting edge! </p> <p>I can possibly help you in getting into other outlets. Send me an email and lets see if we can help each other out. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/57#post-143 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:49:23 +0000 CathyHopkinson 143@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>WOW!!!! What a concept! I LOVE it!</p> <p>I would love to help you get into more outlets. </p> <p>With your direction we can quickly determine if we can assist in providing equal or even greater results. Our promise is that if we can't deliver, we will not ask for your business partnership.</p> <p>I have a short powerpoint presentation that I would love for you to see. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/58#post-142 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:47:29 +0000 CathyHopkinson 142@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I would LOVE to speak with your about your products!</p> <p>With your direction we can quickly determine if we can assist in providing equal or even greater results. Our promise is that if we can't deliver, we will not ask for your business partnership. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/52#post-141 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:36:39 +0000 CathyHopkinson 141@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I agree with Suprmark in a previous post. There are many hidden cost in operating a store.</p> <p>Something that some new store owners aren't aware of is that you can get some services for free. For example, without mentioning anyone in particular, Lets use the cold vault. Sure a large supplier of soft drinks will come in there and set up the cold vault for you. They may even tag the glide in the back for their product. but what about all the rest of the products? Are ALL the products shoppable and are they set to be consumer friendly? Is everything spaced correctly? Are you getting optimal shelving space to place as much product in a door that you can? Probably not! But your thinking, so what...it was FREE! It can in many cases still be FREE to YOU and be done correctly and to your expectations. I can show you exactly how this is done. Let me know if you would like a copy of my powerpoint presentation. It is short and to the point. You should always look at getting everything for your store to YOUR expectations, not someone elses.</p> <p>Best Wishes for years and years of succcess! </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/28#post-140 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:25:08 +0000 CathyHopkinson 140@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>If you are having problems selling your products in or if you have sold them in and need someone to merchandise them to your expectations, let me know. I will be happy to help in any way that I can.</p> <p>Alex in the previous post is correct, ENERGY is big seller right now. Energy shots are huge here in the West Tennessee market. And as always, beer is still king of the road in the cold vault. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/69#post-139 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:34:06 +0000 lhanna 139@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I just found them on Sam's Wholesale Club website for much much less. Is buying at Sam's an option for you? At the very least, share the info with the reps and see what their response is. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/70#post-138 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:31:12 +0000 lhanna 138@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Where are you located? </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/70#post-137 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:28:18 +0000 Rhonda 137@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>We are looking for a magazine wholesale company with great service , easy to order/return and invoice . Any suggestions ?<br /> Thank you </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/69#post-136 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:13:15 +0000 deansplace 136@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Can anyone tell me any tricks to dealing with pepsi and coke. they are killing my business and not giving me much of a deal on anything. Is these prices right? 12 pk can 8.30 case and 2 liters 10.60 a case? </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/32#post-135 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:10:12 +0000 deansplace 135@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I dont know which state your in but ohio is about as screwed up as they come. you should be getting money from your supplier and your contracts with cig companies should help. Dont get excited you will never make alot of money on cigs. And theres always the price match that says you can match anyones price but they wont tell you how the competition can sell at that price. Theres alot of lying going on do not trust any of your reps they are there for their company and not yours. your only going to make about .25 cents a pack and thats sometimes on the high end </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/68#post-134 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:51:43 +0000 CashAdvocate 134@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>If you've integrated a smart-safe to POS, have you seen an impact on transaction time? </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/67#post-133 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:16:19 +0000 SallysConvenience 133@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hello All,</p> <p>Does anyone know how best to cater to customers (especially males) between the ages 18 to 24? What products, services, etc do they prefer?</p> <p>Thanks in advance for any advice you can share!</p> <p>Sally </p> 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>