http://community.csdecisions.net/ Convenience Store Decisions Community: Last 35 Posts en Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:27:13 +0000 http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/90#post-184 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:29:18 +0000 jmriddle 184@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hi, I am a practicing CPA with several years experience as a chain operator, both as the COO and CFO. It is typical for a seller to sell the pumps, tanks and lines, yet retain the land to lease. It is also typical for the owner to retain ownership of the pumps, tanks and lines along with the land. In other words, as long as the sale pencils, its probably okay. However deal points I would watch:<br /> a. When you acquire the pumps, tanks and lines please recognize that they have minimal value, as no one wants to buy them (EPA issues, can't move them, etc.)<br /> b. Make sure your purchase documents do not assume any of the prior owner(s) EPA liability.<br /> c. Talk to your CPA about depreciation of the entire purchase. Depreciation is key consideration, and C-stores have favorable (rapid) depreciation.<br /> d. Don't buy the site based on "if I do this" look how much better the economics are. Buy it based on the economics of the seller. Seller economics should be verified to tax returns, etc. Not a hidden set of books.<br /> e. Always think about the buyer after you. Someday you (or your estate) will need to sell the site. Make sure it will increase in value.<br /> I probably mentioned more than you wanted, but C-stores can be good or bad, and I don't like to see anyone harmed. Write back if you wish. Good Luck! </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/91#post-183 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:22:47 +0000 Iluvmyflyfish 183@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>First off this site is great! I am a convenience store owner who has been in business for a few years and I absolutely love it. I have one store with another on the way and can't think of anything I would rather be doing. Overall our business is successful and our gross profit is good, but I have a small problem:</p> <p>We live in a highly tourist driven area (in 2008 about six million tourists a year) in the months of april thru september. As you can imagine the economy has affected that number since 2008. We are making ends meet but have seen a steady decline in sales over the last two years in everything except fuel. It is frustrating to know that the people are right there and yet are not buying inside. As a result of low sales we have had to start running a few shifts a week to cut our labor back so going door to door and hunting new business among our locals is tough. As we get closer to winter, what little tourist business we have is going to drop off and we are back to serving a small local community (about 5,000 people and there are two other corporate c-stores in our are). I am a bad promoter I will admit but we have run some specials on beer (a big portion of our business especially among our locals) with realitively low response. As I stated earlier our gross profit is stable so running some low priced items are not going to hurt us. I just need to know how you do it to get the word out and in what areas, especailly in relation to getting them from the pumps inside. Last year was pretty brutal so any advice is greatly appreciated. I don't have a ton of capital so investing in a lot of new inventory or equipment is kind of out. I do however have a lot of murchandise to run so specials on. I sure appreciate any suggestions and I wish you all the best in your businesses.</p> <p>Thank you! </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/90#post-182 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:56:35 +0000 mudbug504 182@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hi, my wife and I are considering buying a c-store/gas station but have some concerns about one part of the deal. The seller is selling the business including pumps, tanks, and other equipment, but is not selling the property that he also owns. Is it typical for a gas station owner that is leasing a property to own all station related equipment including the tanks, or are the tanks typically owned by the property owner?</p> <p>Thank you,<br /> Scott </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/89#post-181 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:07:32 +0000 foxpeaknevada 181@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>We already paid ours, but it was significantly more than previous years. We were concerned about the increase, but we had issues in the past where we need the help desk, and without payment they will not help. Cost of doing business unfortunately. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/89#post-180 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:33:38 +0000 DollarBill 180@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I am curious what people are thinking about the verifone asm/help desk "bomb" that has been dropped. Do we have any choice in the matter? Any leverage to bargain at all? I've heard some people say they aren't going to do it, but is that really an option? </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/88#post-179 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:50:58 +0000 2brothers 179@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Has anyone experienced large differences between the readings from their gas pumps and the register readings. The differences range from 60.00 to over 400.00 on a daily basis. These are old pumps owned by the gas supplier. We have eliminated any chance of in store theft. We take the readings first thing in the morning and do x readings from the register and compare them with pump readings throughout the day and they get progressively worse as the day wears on. We have contacted the state to come out and check the pumps. The gas supplier has drug his feet on this. I am convinced that one or more of the pumps are not synchronized. Any input or suggestions would be appreciated. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/19#post-178 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:16:02 +0000 marcedhk 178@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Would be great if someone could answer this question - I'm very interested in selling Gift Cards if I can get them at less than face value, but don't have any idea how to get started on that. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/87#post-177 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:54:43 +0000 Urbandevelopment 177@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Are you looking for ideas or do you need a consultant? </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/87#post-176 Sun, 30 May 2010 18:05:00 +0000 thenab90 176@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I have a liquor store in Oakland,ca and i needed help modernizing my store for example: layout plan, new shelving, racks,etc...any suggestions? thanks guys </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/38#post-175 Wed, 19 May 2010 10:33:27 +0000 rs24cna 175@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>hi i just wanted you to know that sadly jennifers mom donna passed away a year ago, I am the very blessed step mom of jennifers 2 youngest daughters and they are doing wonderful. you can send me an email if youd like updates or to see recent pics and i have started a cause in jennifers name on facebook to raise money for mothers of murdered offspring thanks <a href="mailto:rs24_2006@yahoo.com">rs24_2006@yahoo.com</a> </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/86#post-174 Thu, 13 May 2010 22:47:23 +0000 zimrmns 174@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Wondering if there is anyone else out there that leases their business from oil company? The oil company we lease from put in our upgrade gilbarco passport system last week...and we are kindof in the dark about what to do next..apparently we need a "back office" program so that we can scan all of our inventory for price book for our system up front. Is this right? I've tried to talk with the oil company about this and am getting no where. We have ALOT of inventory and it would be senseless to have to manually enter all of the barcodes when im sure there is a much quicker and more efficient way of doing this without tying up our main register. Please if anyone has any information about what I need to do to get this in my office and the name of a reputable company I would most appreciate it..If there is someone local who does this I'd much rather do business with someone locally. we are in arkansas.</p> <p>Thanks so much for any information you have!</p> <p>zimrmns </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/85#post-173 Tue, 04 May 2010 10:21:08 +0000 CRWNHSE 173@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>This store has been in operation for more than 20 years with current sales at about $660,000 per year. There are three employees plus the owner working at the store. Gross margin plus commisions comes to about $160,000 per year. The owner takes home about $80,000 per year before taxes. Rent and utilities about $48,000/yr. The seller is asking $50,000 for the store plus inventory of $100,000. A total of $150,000.<br /> Questions-1. Is the inventory for a store of that size always that high? 2. what would be a fair price with and without inventory?. I am tempted to make an offer but I cannot afford the inventory. How can I negotiate the inventory hurdle? Suggestions would be highly appreciated </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/84#post-172 Tue, 04 May 2010 10:19:38 +0000 CRWNHSE 172@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>This store has been in operation for more than 20 years with current sales at about $660,000 per year. There are three employees plus the owner working at the store. Gross margin plus commisions comes to about $160,000 per year. The owner takes home about $80,000 per year before taxes. Rent and utilities about $48,000/yr. The seller is asking $50,000 for the store plus inventory of $100,000. A total of $150,000.<br /> Questions-1. Is the inventory for a store of that size always that high? 2. what would be a fair price with and without inventory?. I am tempted to make an offer but I cannot afford the inventory. How can I negotiate the inventory hurdle? Suggestions would be highly appreciated. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/83#post-171 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:06:51 +0000 Roxie1 171@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>My name is Brent Hall. I am the President of The Roxie Group. We are a movie/game kiosk provider. We are currently seeking host partners to place our kiosks and would love to talk to you about your need. I may be reached at 423-715-1060. I look forward to speaking with you! </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/83#post-170 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:24:29 +0000 foxpeaknevada 170@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Aside from redbox and Blockbuster Express, what are some other good DVD Rental Kiosks? We did not qualify for redbox because of our independent and non-chain status; we are small, but are in a couple of great locations where a DVD Rental Kiosk would do very well. We would like to rent space rather than outright own and service the kiosk. Any thoughts or leads? Thanks! </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/82#post-169 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:28:34 +0000 cammediadist 169@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hello All,</p> <p>This is my first post and I am trying to find the best way to sell my budget priced DVD's to C-Stores. I have Kids, NBA, Previously Viewed and general interest titles in bulk. With prices ranging from $0.75 to $4 per title. I am looking for suggestions.</p> <p>Thanks<br /> Craig </p> 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>