http://community.csdecisions.net/ Convenience Store Decisions Community Forum: CSD Forums en Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:02:19 +0000 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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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>