http://community.csdecisions.net/ Convenience Store Decisions Community Forum: Ask the Experts en Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:40:57 +0000 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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/47#post-86 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:08:30 +0000 nyema 86@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I am planning on buying a 12 year old store in my neighbourhood. The seller either wants to sell it at 72000 and I get a sub lease in which I pay him $3200 for the next 5 years of the lease or pay the seller 95000 and he gives me a new lease ( landlord approved) for 5 years and rent $1600 ( including RE tax). Now if I pay him 95K in advance I do get the benefit of a low rent for the next 5 years but I will only have about 40k left to run the store. I might have to do a little renovation too. I dont know what to do, will I have sufficient cash left to run the business till it catches up. the current owner is not willing to show me his tax papers saying they are too personal. I have no way of knowing how much he makes. I like the location being close to my home and right outside the subway. I think if I make some improvements I might be able to run the store a little better. Please advice. by the way I have no experience running a c store. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/45#post-85 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:27:34 +0000 jlofstock 85@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>There are a number of great consultants out there that can guide you through the financing process. Please feel free to email me, <a href="mailto:jlofstock@csdecisions.com">jlofstock@csdecisions.com</a>, if you are still looking and I'll put you in touch with some of them. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/45#post-84 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:55:48 +0000 Harrynahurry 84@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I think edehoet's post is a bit self serving since he's a partner supplier. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/45#post-83 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:40:22 +0000 cdehoet 83@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Let's be a bit more positive. If you are able to finance the operation, the key will be finding good partner suppliers. Most suppliers have staff on hand with years of experience that you can utilize for "free" advice. If they are a true vendor partner, then it's in their best interest to give you sound advice to ensure that your business thrives and succeeds. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/45#post-82 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:11:49 +0000 Harrynahurry 82@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Don't waste your time, try to lease or sell the site to a c-store operator that knows what they're doing. There's no way someone without experience is going to get a loan to build a c-store in this environment. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/45#post-80 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:29:49 +0000 rcravey 80@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I would like to build a convenice store. I have no knowledge of running a store or where to begein as far as equipment. or stocking a store. I have a great location. but need advise as to the do's and dont's. I have lots of heavey equipment and have done contracting all my life. however I need help putting together a package to submit for finnacing </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/22#post-78 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:20:08 +0000 lda167 78@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Dimitris, if you're going to allocate 10-12 doors for beverages, then I assume that you will be selling beer. One thing I've started within the last few monthes was breaking down my 24pk cases of beer into 6pks. There's a company called Jay's Wholesale (www.jaysimport.com) that ships these beer rings or "six-pack rings" as some call them for free! They're probably the cheapest in the market thus far. You buy these plastic rings at something like 3-4 cents/each and wrap them around the cans, and sell them as a 6-pack. This way, instead of selling a 24pk case of beer for say $13.99, you end up selling those same 24 cans as individual 6pks, for about $4.99 each, increasing your profit by $6!! It's a sweet deal, and a big-time profit maker if you're selling beer. Good Luck with the store!! </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/22#post-77 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:33:53 +0000 jorgesousa 77@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>if you need a POS SYSTEM please give me a call 1-888-345-2382 ext 318 </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/41#post-75 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:27:35 +0000 jorgesousa 75@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>hi, you can invest in a POS System it allows you to track all your inventory and time clock sign in for all your employess. give me a call and i can email you some information onthe Harbor Touch POS System. 1-888-345-2382 ext 318 jorge sousa. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/43#post-74 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:24:01 +0000 jorgesousa 74@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>Hi, im responding to you ad that you are interested in buying or leasing a new POS System. please contact me at your earliest convenience at 1-888-345-7290 ext 318. and ill be glad to help you. Jorge Sousa Senior account manager. </p> http://community.csdecisions.net/topic/44#post-73 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:47:25 +0000 jhazel3 73@http://community.csdecisions.net/ <p>I wonder how many of you accept coupons? And if you do what is your favorite clearing house or method for turning them in?<br /> Any and all replies welcomed<br /> Thanks Jim III </p>